If You Know Your History: A Podcast of Remarkable Football Stories

The Mexico '70 story reaches its unforgettable conclusion. Jonny and Mark relive Brazil's stunning 4-1 victory over Italy, the match that crowned Pelé's greatest team and produced what many believe is the greatest team goal in football history. They also uncover the remarkable story of FIFA founder Jules Rimet, how the World Cup trophy came to bear his name, and the extraordinary mystery of how th...

England arrived in Mexico as one of the favourites to win the World Cup, but a dramatic collapse against West Germany changed football history. Jonny and Mark explore the infamous quarter-final, Gordon Banks’ illness, Bobby Charlton’s substitution, and the fallout that followed. Plus, the legendary Italy vs West Germany semi-final — the "Game of the Century" — and how Mexico ’70 delivered some of...

The World Cup finally kicks off in Mexico 1970 — and football is never the same again. In the second part of this deep dive, Jonny Owen and Mark Webster explore why this tournament is still regarded as the greatest World Cup ever. From Pele's Brazil and Gordon Banks' miraculous save to Bobby Moore's Colombian controversy and England's status as world champions, this is the story of the tournament...

Jonny Owen and Mark Webster explore the tournament that changed football forever. From the 1968 Mexico Olympics and the birth of colour television to Pele's Brazil, England's defence of the trophy and the iconic Azteca Stadium, they uncover why this World Cup still captures the imagination more than 50 years later. The story of how football became a global spectacle begins here. #ifyouknowyourhist...

In this episode of If You Know Your History, Jonny and Mark tell the story of Sir Stanley Matthews — the winger who changed football forever. From Stoke and Blackpool to England, World Cups, the “Matthews Final” and a career that lasted until he was 50, this is the story of one of the game’s first true superstars. #ifyouknowyourhistory #StanleyMatthews If You Know Your History is presented by Jonn...

In this episode, Mark and Jonny explore the fascinating history of Lord Nelson, the towns named after him, and his influence on sports and culture and his legacy that lives on through place names, stories, and football. #ifyouknowyourhistory #LordNelson If You Know Your History is presented by Jonny Owen and Mark Webster and is a North One Production. To get in touch with If You Know Your History,...

Before Sky Sports, before modern punditry, there was Saint and Greavsie. Ian St John and Jimmy Greaves went from top-level footballers to the most famous double act on British sports television, changing the way football was covered forever. In this episode of If You Know Your History, Jonny Owen and Mark Webster look back at the rise of the show that mixed football, comedy and chaos and became th...

Before they became the legendary TV double act Saint and Greavsie, Ian St John and Jimmy Greaves were two of the biggest stars in British football. From Shankly’s Liverpool and Greaves’ goalscoring genius to World Cups, FA Cups and the birth of football punditry, this is the story of how two great players helped change football on television forever. A football history story about the men who crea...

In part two of the Wrexham story on If You Know Your History, Jonny, Mark and guest Tim Edwards dive into the club’s remarkable rebirth. From fan ownership and non-league struggles to the surreal arrival of Hollywood owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, they explore how Wrexham rose from the ashes “like a phoenix” to become one of football’s most extraordinary modern success stories. Along the...

For years, Wrexham were Wales’ Football League standard bearers. Then came administration, a 10-point deduction, and a fight to save the Racecourse Ground from being turned into a supermarket. Johnny Owen and Mark Webster explore how a working-class town refused to let its club die — and how that spirit laid the foundations for everything that followed. #ifyouknowyourhistory #Wrexham If You Know Y...

In this special bonus episode of If You Know Your History, we’re joined by acclaimed author and MP Chris Evans, whose brilliant books on Don Revie and football’s wartime battalions have reignited debate around one of the most divisive teams in English football history. This time, we dive headfirst into the fierce rivalries that defined Revie’s Leeds. From the glamour and swagger of Chelsea F.C., t...

Johnny and Mark are joined by their first-ever guest, Chris Evans MP, for a two-part deep dive into the complicated genius of Don Revie - the man who turned Leeds United from nearly-men into a feared, adored, and endlessly debated powerhouse. From the myths (Real Madrid whites, “Dirty Leeds”, freebies and feuds) to the realities (player welfare, psychology, obsessive detail, and the birth of moder...

We’re back, and we’re kicking off our new run with a deep dive into Don Revie… before the Leeds dynasty, before “Dirty Leeds”, and before the Clough rivalry became folklore. Joining us is Christopher Evans, author of the acclaimed Don Revie biography, to trace Revie’s journey from grinding Middlesbrough poverty to England international, and to unpack the tactical obsession that defined him long be...

In this festive edition of If You Know Your History, we explore football’s extraordinary role during the First World War. Joined by historian Christopher Evans, we uncover the truth behind the 1914 Christmas Truce, the myth of football played in No Man’s Land, and the rise of the Football Battalions. From Christmas Day matches and wartime crowds to the sacrifices made by clubs and players, this ep...

In this episode, Mark & Jonny look back at the early years of Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign at Manchester United — a time of struggle, transformation, and eventual triumph. From his appointment in 1986 to the pivotal FA Cup win that saved his job, we explore how Ferguson reshaped the club’s culture, rebuilt its foundations, and set Manchester United on the path to dominance. #ifyouknowyourhistory #man...

In the third part of our Alex Ferguson epic, Mark and Jonny trace Sir Alex Ferguson’s journey from his early days in Scotland to becoming one of football’s greatest managers, exploring the victories, challenges, and legacy that defined his career. #ifyouknowyourhistory #AlexFerguson #aberdeen If You Know Your History is presented by Jonny Owen and Mark Webster and is a North One Production. To get...

In this, the second part of our deep dive into Alex Ferguson, Mark and Jonny dive into the extraordinary journey of his life. From his working-class upbringing in Govan to his early days in management. #ifyouknowyourhistory #AlexFerguson If You Know Your History is presented by Jonny Owen and Mark Webster and is a North One Production. To get in touch with If You Know Your History, email: contact@...

In this first part of a four-part epic, Jonny & Mark delve into the life and career of Sir Alex Ferguson, exploring his early life in Glasgow, the impact of the city's football culture, and his journey from player to one of the most successful managers in football history. #ifyouknowyourhistory #AlexFerguson If You Know Your History is presented by Jonny Owen and Mark Webster and is a North One Pr...

Mark and Jonny delve into the multifaceted legacy of Elton John and his profound connection to football, particularly his role as a passionate supporter and chairman of Watford FC, as well as his relationships with key figures such as Graham Taylor. #ifyouknowyourhistory #eltonjohn If You Know Your History is presented by Jonny Owen and Mark Webster and is a North One Production. To get in touch w...

Step back into football history as Mark and Jonny revisit Celtic’s legendary 1967 European Cup victory under the iconic Jock Stein. #ifyouknowyourhistory #lisbonlions If You Know Your History is presented by Jonny Owen and Mark Webster and is a North One Production. To get in touch with If You Know Your History, email: contact@northone.tv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/...

Mark and Jonny delve into the rich history of Scottish football, focusing on the remarkable achievements of Celtic, particularly their 1967 victory in the European Cup and the pivotal role of Jock Stein, the legendary manager of Celtic. If You Know Your History is presented by Jonny Owen and Mark Webster and is a North One Production. To get in touch with If You Know Your History, email: contact@n...

Mark & Jonny explore Wrexham AFC’s rich footballing and cultural heritage. They highlight the club’s passionate community spirit, its significance in Welsh football, and the influence of the hit documentary Welcome to Wrexham. From its industrial beginnings and early rivalries to legends like Mickey Thomas and Joey Jones, they chart Wrexham’s remarkable journey—from Wrexham Olympic days to modern...

Mark & Jonny delve into the rich history of Argentinian football, exploring its origins, the influence of British immigrants, the formation of key football clubs, and the cultural significance of the sport in Argentina. The discussion highlights the rivalry between River Plate and Boca Juniors, known as the Superclásico, and reflects on the impact of football on Argentine identity, including notab...

Mark and Jonny explore the rich history and rivalry between Brighton and Crystal Palace, delving into the cultural, geographical, and historical contexts that have shaped their relationship. From the architectural significance of their respective stadiums to the impact of youth culture and hooliganism, the discussion highlights key moments and figures that have defined this rivalry over the decade...

Jonny and Mark delve into the rich history of Arsenal Football Club, exploring its origins, key figures, and significant milestones. From its beginnings as Dial Square to its evolution into a prominent football club, the discussion highlights the impact of influential figures such as Sir Henry Norris and Herbert Chapman. The conversation also touches on the club's identity, including its crest and...