In this episode of By Far The Greatest Team Football Podcast, hosts Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney are joined by North West regular Declan Clark to relive the remarkable story of Blackburn Rovers' Premier League triumph in the 1994/95 season. Under the leadership of Kenny Dalglish and powered by the incredible goal-scoring prowess of Alan Shearer, Blackburn Rovers defied the odds to claim the title, marking one of the most iconic moments in football history.

The trio digs into how Jack Walker's visionary ownership transformed Blackburn from a mid-table club into champions, discussing key players like Shearer, Tim Sherwood, and Colin Hendry, while reflecting on the tactical brilliance that drove the team to success. They debate whether this title win was a one-off stroke of fortune or a legacy of ambition and investment that could have reshaped English football.

If you’re a fan of 90s football nostalgia or fascinated by the business behind building a Premier League-winning team, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for insightful analysis, heated debates, and some unforgettable memories from one of the greatest achievements in English football.

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This week, hosts Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney are joined by regular guest 'South Coast' Jamie to dive into the history of Southampton FC. The trio takes a nostalgic journey back to the 1981-82 season under the legendary Laurie McMenemy, exploring the influence of superstar Kevin Keegan and the lasting impact of Southampton’s FA Cup victory.

From tactical breakdowns and the experience of seasoned players to the growing role of foreign imports, the episode provides rich insights into the team’s missed opportunities and remarkable legacy. The conversation also touches on Southampton’s fierce rivalry with Portsmouth, the electric atmosphere at The Dell, and humorous football culture stories.

With personal anecdotes and keen analysis, this is a must-listen for fans of English football history.

Takeaways

• Laurie McMenemy's era was pivotal for Southampton.
• The 1981-82 season showcased Southampton's potential.
• Kevin Keegan's signing was unprecedented for the club.
• Experience played a crucial role in the team's dynamics.
• The FA Cup win in 1976 set the foundation for future success.
• Southampton's attacking style was both entertaining and risky.
• The introduction of foreign players changed the landscape of English football.
• Injuries hampered the team's performance towards the end of the season.
• The team had a mix of youth and experience that was unique for the time.
• The legacy of this Southampton team continues to influence football today. The 1984 Southampton team had standout players like Danny Wallace and Steve Moran.
• Laurie McMenemy's journey included ups and downs, particularly with Sunderland.
• Ranking teams can be subjective, with categories like 'Blinkered Greats' and 'Edge of Greatness'.
• The Dell stadium was known for its intimidating atmosphere and unique features.
• The conversation highlighted the importance of football rivalries in shaping fan experiences.
• Personal anecdotes about players added depth to the discussion.
• The speakers used a 'pick and mix' analogy to describe the Southampton team.
• Reflections on the dark sides of footballers' lives were also discussed.
• The own goal incidents in recent games were a humorous highlight.
• Future discussions will include other notable teams and historical stats.

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**Episode Description:**

In this captivating episode of *By Far The Greatest Team*, hosts Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney are joined by special guest Phil Craig to debate the greatness of Uruguay’s 1930 World Cup-winning team. The trio embarks on an in-depth exploration of Uruguay’s rich footballing history, from its meteoric rise in the early 20th century to its fierce rivalry with Argentina.

They dive into the significant impact of British migration on the development of the sport in South America, laying the groundwork for Uruguay's footballing culture. The conversation also covers the origins of the World Cup, delving into how Uruguay’s Olympic triumphs in 1924 and 1928 set the stage for the first-ever FIFA World Cup in 1930, which the nation hosted and won.

The episode highlights key players like Hector Castro, the one-armed striker who defied the odds, and José Andrade, often hailed as one of the greatest players of his generation. Their contributions were crucial in establishing Uruguay as the world's first greatest football team—a remarkable feat considering the country’s small population.

The legacy of the 1930 World Cup is not just about the victory but also its lasting impact on global football. Tune in to hear how this small South American nation etched its name in the annals of history, leaving a legacy that continues to influence the beautiful game today.

**Takeaways:**
- Uruguay is often referred to as the world's first greatest football team.
- The rivalry between Uruguay and Argentina dates back to the early days of international football.
- British migration played a crucial role in the development of football in South America.
- Despite its small population, Uruguay boasts a remarkable footballing history.
- The 1924 and 1928 Olympic Games were pivotal for Uruguay’s football legacy.
- Uruguay hosted and won the first-ever FIFA World Cup in 1930.
- Key players like Hector Castro and José Andrade were instrumental in Uruguay’s success.
- The legacy of the 1930 World Cup continues to shape football today.

Whether you're a die-hard football history fan or just curious about the roots of the sport, this episode is packed with fascinating insights and debates that you won't want to miss!

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In this week’s special episode of *By Far The Greatest Team*, hosts Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney are joined by football aficionados Stu Burgess and Andrew Walker for a wildly entertaining journey that strays far from the usual analysis of football’s rich history. Instead of diving into the matches that shaped the game, the crew embarks on a hilarious and creative mission: to assemble a EURO 24 "Barbarians" team made up of elite players who missed out on the tournament.

With a roster featuring heavyweights like the unstoppable Erling Haaland, the creative force of Jack Grealish, and the ever-reliable Ben White, the group passionately debates the merits and greatness of each selection. But that's not all – at the helm of this dream team is none other than the visionary Marcelo Bielsa, whose tactical genius takes this hypothetical squad to the next level.

Will this collection of football stars who didn’t make it to the Euros be enough to rival the real teams? How would they rank against the best in Europe? From top-class analysis to laugh-out-loud moments, this episode has it all. Expect banter, bold opinions, and some unexpected picks as the guys imagine a team that could have set EURO 2024 alight.

If you love football history mixed with a good dose of what-if scenarios, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and get ready for a football fantasy adventure that will leave you wondering just how far this team of "EURO rejects" could go!

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The Greatest Football Merger That Never Was?

In this week's episode of *By Far The Greatest Team*, hosts Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney dive deep into one of football's most controversial what-ifs—the proposed merger between Oxford United and Reading FC in 1983, masterminded by the notorious media mogul Robert Maxwell.

Maxwell's audacious plan to unite the two rival clubs under the name *Thames Valley Royals* sparked outrage among fans, who saw the proposal as an attack on their footballing heritage. The episode uncovers the passionate SOS campaigns launched by both sets of supporters, fighting tooth and nail to preserve their club's identity.

But why did this merger, which seemed almost certain, eventually fall apart? Graham and Jamie unravel the story of how the deal was derailed by disastrous decisions from Reading's directors and the detective work of local hero Roger Smee.

The discussion also broadens out to examine other attempts at merging football clubs, highlighting the tribal and emotional bonds that make such mergers so challenging.

Tune in to explore the legacy of the Thames Valley Royals —a cautionary tale that serves as a powerful reminder of the deep-seated resistance to blending footballing identities.

Don't miss this gripping episode, available now on all major podcast platforms!

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In the latest episode of *By Far The Greatest Team*, hosts Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney take us on a journey back to the early 20th century, where they dissect Great Britain's double gold medal triumphs in the 1908 and 1912 Olympic Games. As always, their conversation is a delightful blend of historical insight and light-hearted banter.

They start by discussing the broader history of football in the Olympics, touching on the complexities of Great Britain's representation in the Games. Graham and Jamie also reminisce about the nostalgic TV show *Going for Gold*, with its iconic theme song composed by none other than Hans Zimmer, and share some fun facts about defunct Olympic sports like tug-of-war and hot air ballooning.

The core of the episode focuses on the GB Olympic football team, which dominated the 1908 and 1912 tournaments. The hosts explore the controversies surrounding these events, including the walkovers in 1908 and the competitive spirit of the 1912 final against Denmark, where GB secured a 4-2 victory. They delve into how these triumphs have been overshadowed in history, despite the team's pioneering role in Olympic football.

The episode wraps up with a thoughtful discussion on the place of football in the Olympic Games, reflecting on how these early successes set the stage for future generations. Tune in for an insightful and entertaining deep dive into a lesser-known chapter of football history.

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Season 3 of *By Far The Greatest Team* is here, and hosts Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney are back with a deep dive into football’s storied past.

This season kicks off with an in-depth conversation about Hallam FC, the second oldest active football team in the world and the first-ever winners of the Youdan Cup, football’s original knockout tournament. Graham and Jamie explore the origins of football in Sheffield, the influence of cricket on the sport, and the connections between football, rugby, and Australian rules football.

They discuss how Hallam FC’s victory in 1867 helped shape the rules and legacy of football, from the introduction of corners to the concept of cup football. Despite their lack of goals, Hallam FC’s impact on the game is undeniable. Still playing at Sandygate, one of the world’s oldest football grounds, Hallam FC remains a testament to football’s rich history. Don’t miss this fascinating episode as we celebrate the team that changed the football landscape forever.

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Join Graham and Jamie as they bask in the Mediterranean glow and take a nostalgic dive into one of the UEFA European Championship's most iconic moments. In this special episode of *By Far The Greatest Team*, we revisit the birth of a football legend—the Panenka.

Travel back to 1976, when Antonín Panenka's audacious penalty shootout maneuver secured Czechoslovakia's triumph in the UEFA European Championships. Explore the daring psychology behind the 'chip' that forever changed football strategy, and relive the tension, drama, and sheer cheek of that historic moment.

Whether you're a die-hard football fanatic or simply love a good underdog story, this episode promises to captivate and inspire. Don't miss out on this journey through football folklore.

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If you enjoy these podcasts, please don't forget to subscribe and give us a rating and also tell everyone about them!

Or visit our website at www.thegreatestteam.co