Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast.

In today's episode, hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by journalist David Walsh to explore how the modern fortunes of Manchester United are intertwined with one of the greatest racehorses in history.

This is the extraordinary story of Rock of Gibraltar, the famed racehorse part-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson - and how his connections and relationships with John Magnier, and JP McManus would ultimately impact the Glazers' takeover of Manchester United.

David Walsh shares insider details from his investigative work on the story, making this one of the most fascinating sports sagas of recent times.

Tune in on Friday for part two, and the implications of the Glazers' takeover - and Manchester United's decline.

00:00 The Tale of the Lost Kingdom

00:25 Introduction to the Podcast and Special Guest

00:35 The Story of Rock of Gibraltar

01:25 David Walsh's Insights

02:28 The Connection Between Sir Alex Ferguson and John Magner

07:36 The Rise of Rock of Gibraltar

17:21 The Dispute Over Ownership

19:26 The Financial Implications

29:04 Ownership Dispute and Legal Battle

29:52 High Court Drama and Stakeholder Tensions

30:50 Public Fallout and Media Frenzy

34:02 Settlement and Aftermath

38:39 The Glazers' Takeover

41:35 Reflecting on Missed Opportunities

49:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Welcome to It Was What It Was for part two of our interview with Brendan Batson, a trailblazer in English football.

Brendon tells Jonathan and Rob about his impactful time at West Bromwich Albion as part of the iconic 'Three Degrees' with Cyrille Regis and Laurie Cunningham.

We discuss his teammates, the tragic losses and his work to combat racism. Brendon also gives us an insight into the personal impact of his former manager Ron Atkinson's notorious comments on live television.

00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:07 Brendan Batson's Early Career and Challenges

03:00 The China Tour Experience

06:20 The Three Degrees Phenomenon

12:32 Impact and Legacy of Black Players

18:37 Knee Injury and Career Transition

20:10 Coaching Courses and Philosophies

24:24 The Evolution of a Coaching Philosophy

24:42 The One-Size-Fits-All Approach

25:50 Player Welfare and Career Transitions

27:59 Tragic Losses and Their Impact

28:38 The Legacy of Laurie Cunningham

32:33 Racism in Football: A Personal Betrayal

38:20 The Complexity of Racism in Football

41:21 The Fight Against Racism: Past and Present

46:17 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

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Welcome back to It Was What It Was. This week Jonathan and Rob welcome special guest Brendan Batson, a former Arsenal, Cambridge, and West Brom player - who made a significant impact on British social and footballing history.

Part one focuses on Batson's early life in Grenada and Trinidad, his challenges adapting to the British climate in the 1960s, and becoming Arsenal's first black player.

Join us for part two on Friday where Brendan recalls his time at West Brom - and the birth of the famous 'Three Degrees'.

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement

01:21 Brendan Batson's Early Life and Migration to England

03:18 Adapting to Life in England and Discovering Football

06:34 Challenges and Racism in Early Years

11:48 The Windrush Generation and Social Context

14:48 Racism in Football and the National Front

19:13 Conclusion of Part One

20:00 Scouted by Arsenal: The Beginning of a Football Journey

21:23 Challenges and Triumphs: Early Arsenal Days

22:38 Facing Racism: The Harsh Realities of the 60s and 70s

25:06 Breaking Barriers: Becoming Arsenal's First Black Player

27:44 Struggles with Racism on the Field

31:36 Guidance and Growth: Learning to Cope

34:32 Career Progression: From Arsenal to Cambridge and Beyond

36:33 Ron Atkinson's Influence: A Turning Point

37:41 Conclusion: Reflecting on a Pioneering Career

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