1984/85: The Season that Shook English Football, Part One

1984/85: The Season that Shook English Football, Part One

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast · 2025-05-20
59:42

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


This week we're focussing on the 1984-85 footballing season - arguably the bleakest time in English football history - that changed the game forever.


Co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper begin the first of two episodes covering the violence, tragedy, and upheaval of this period and the wider context of football hooliganism in the first half, whilst the second half of part one pays tribute to the horrific Bradford Fire that claimed 56 lives 40 years ago.


Explore gripping firsthand accounts, the reactions of key figures, and the societal and institutional issues that plagued the sport, leading to safety measures and ultimately, a transformation in football culture.


Join us on Friday as we are joined by Tony Evans to talk about the Heysel tragedy that happened at the end of May in 1985.


00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:09 Reflecting on the 1984-85 Season

02:47 The Bradford Fire Tragedy

04:00 Football's Decrepit Stadiums

06:31 Chelsea vs. Sunderland: Milk Cup Semi-Final Chaos

12:36 Luton vs. Millwall: FA Cup Violence

26:35 Birmingham vs. Leeds: Championship Decider Mayhem

29:10 Fans Fight Back and Prolonged Chaos

30:52 Medieval Fortress and Perimeter Fences

31:59 Racism and Aggression in Football Culture

33:15 Introduction to the Bradford Fire

35:04 The Start of the Fire and Initial Reactions

36:16 Rapid Escalation and Desperate Attempts to Escape

38:20 Heartbreaking Personal Accounts and Immediate Aftermath

47:16 Investigations and Controversies

50:57 Negligence and Legal Consequences

57:30 Broader Implications and Future Changes

59:24 Conclusion and Preview of Next Episode

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It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast

Welcome to The Overlap's football history podcast, It Was What It Was.


Each week Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper will be talking about the key episodes in football history that have shaped the footballing world.


The show will be discussing the best stories from football's past, giving insights to the personalities involved. the tales from behind the scenes and the impact they left.


Join us at Football University!


If you enjoy the podcast please hit subscribe to never miss an episode.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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