Was Chelsea on the verge of greatness before the Abramovich era?

In this episode of By Far The Greatest Team, we travel back to Stamford Bridge at the turn of the millennium, exploring a Chelsea side full of flair, ambition, and continental influence—before the billions arrived. From FA Cup glory to a European semi-final and the Premier League’s first all-foreign XI, we chart the club’s evolution during one of its most intriguing transitional periods.

Join us as we unpack Chelsea’s rise from 90s underachievers to a team with real silverware ambitions. We revisit the pivotal roles of Ken Bates, Glenn Hoddle, Ruud Gullit, and Gianluca Vialli, and examine how key players like Gianfranco Zola, Dennis Wise, Mark Hughes, and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink helped shape the club’s identity. Plus, we dive into the backlash, the Full Members Cup, and the cultural shift in English football that made Chelsea both admired and controversial.

How close was this side to true greatness? Tune in and find out.

Takeaways:

• The legacy of Ken Bates and the Hoddle-Gullit-Vialli managerial transition
• Why Chelsea’s continental approach sparked both innovation and criticism
• The significance of the 1997 and 2000 FA Cup wins
• How signings like Zola and Hasselbaink redefined Chelsea’s playing style
• The strategic shift that foreshadowed the Abramovich revolution

🎧 Listen now and rank this Chelsea side’s place in football history with us.

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No New Episode This Week – But We’re Not Done Yet!

Graham and Jamie are missing in action — ambushed by the day job and temporarily subbed off by the work/life gods. So, sadly, no new episode this week.

But don’t worry — By Far The Greatest Team returns next Thursday, 22nd May, for the big Season 3 run-in, featuring:

• Gianluca Vialli’s silverware-stacking Chelsea
• Curbishley’s flying Charlton Athletic
• Steve Double on England at Italia ’90
• Our end-of-season Greatness Promotion & Relegation Special, with help from returning favourites like Phil Craig

And then…Season 4 is just around the corner flag— which promises to be our greatest ever. Or at least a solid mid-table finish with European ambitions.

Thanks for sticking with us — see you next week!

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Where do The Entertainers — Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle United — Rank in the scale of greatness?

Was Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle United the greatest team never to win the Premier League? In this episode, Graham and Jamie and joined by lifelong Newcastle Unite fan, Simon Brunskill to relive the highs, heartbreaks, and head-spinning football of The Entertainers era — a team that captured imaginations and nearly conquered English football.

In the early 1990s, Newcastle United were a club in crisis. But under the electric leadership of Kevin Keegan and the backing of Sir John Hall, they were transformed into one of the most thrilling sides in Premier League history. In this episode, Graham and Jamie explore how Keegan reshaped Newcastle from relegation contenders into fearless title challengers. They dive into the unforgettable moments — from Andy Cole’s goalscoring heroics to Alan Shearer’s record signing, and that 4-3 classic against Liverpool.

The conversation unpacks the emotional rollercoaster of the 1995–96 season, the heartbreak of losing out to Manchester United, the raw intensity of Keegan’s famous “I would love it” interview, and the bittersweet handover to Kenny Dalglish. It’s a story of ambition, attacking football, and the unbreakable bond between a city and its club.

Takeaways:

• Kevin Keegan led Newcastle from the brink of relegation to Premier League contenders.
• The club’s transformation was fuelled by John Hall’s vision and major investment.
• Newcastle played thrilling, attacking football — earning the nickname The Entertainers.
• Key figures included Andy Cole, Les Ferdinand, David Ginola, and Alan Shearer.
• The 1995–96 title race with Manchester United was one of the most iconic in PL history.
• Keegan’s emotional leadership style captured the passion of the fans and the city.
• Despite not winning the league, the team’s legacy endures as one of English football’s most beloved sides.

📲 Subscribe to By Far The Greatest Team for more iconic stories, unforgettable teams, and deep dives into football’s most emotional eras!

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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Was Santos FC in the 1960s the greatest club side the world has ever seen?

In this episode of By Far The Greatest Team, Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney explore the golden era of Santos FC, diving deep into the brilliance of Pelé, the genius of coach Lula, and the revolutionary impact the club had on world football between 1960 and 1966.

Together, they discuss:

• The tactical brilliance of Santos and the importance of the Paulista Championship

• The club’s dominance in Copa Libertadores and Intercontinental Cup

• How Santos pioneered global football commercialisation and international touring

• The role of key supporting players who helped elevate Pelé’s genius

• The cultural and political significance of Brazilian football during this period

• Santos’ decline after Pelé’s exit — and the legacy they left behind

From local legends to global superstars, this conversation celebrates a team that changed football forever — on and off the pitch. But how great were they truly?

🎧 Listen now to hear where we rank Santos in football history.

#SantosFC #Pele #LulaCoach #BrazilianFootball #FootballHistory #CopaLibertadores #IntercontinentalCup #1960sFootball #PaulistaChampionship #PeléLegacy #TotalFootball #CommercialFootball #GlobalGame #FootballIcons #SouthAmericanFootball #FootballLegends #ByFarTheGreatestTeam #FootballPodcast #Santos1960s #PeleGOAT #FootballCulture #BeautifulGame #HistoryOfFootball #ClubFootballGreats

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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Were Austria’s Wunderteam of the 1930s one of football’s first truly great international sides?

In this episode of By Far The Greatest Team, hosts Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney are joined by Austrian football expert Benedikt Osl to uncover the story of Austria’s Wunderteam (1930–1934) — one of the most stylish and innovative teams of the early 20th century.

They explore:

• The visionary leadership of Hugo Meisl and the artistry of Matthias Sindelar

• The Scottish influences on Austrian football’s tactical evolution

• The Wunderteam’s famous victories over Scotland and Germany

• Their controversial 1934 World Cup campaign and the shadow of rising fascism

• Austria’s performance at the 1936 Olympics and the impact of the Anschluss

• The team’s lasting influence on modern football and Austria’s mixed footballing legacy

This is a fascinating deep dive into one of Europe’s first footballing superpowers — a side celebrated for its grace, intelligence, and tragic fate. But how great were they truly?

🎧 Listen now to hear our final verdict and where we rank them in football history.

#AustrianFootball #WunderTeam #HugoMeisl #MatthiasSindelar #TotalFootball #FootballHistory #1930sFootball #JimmyHogan #ScottishInfluence #FootballTactics #AustriaFootballHistory #JosephBiscan #WonderTeam #1934WorldCup #HerbertChapman #FootballPolitics #OlympicGames #FootballLegends #CentralEuropeanCup #History #WorldCup #Anschluss #Legacy #Decline #FootballCulture

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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Were Sampdoria the Greatest One-Off Champions of Serie A?

In this episode of By Far The Greatest Team, hosts Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney and joined by Phil Craig to relive the golden era of Sampdoria between 1988 and 1992—a time when the Genovese club shook up Italian football. From the legendary strike partnership of Gianluca Vialli and Roberto Mancini to Vujadin Boškov’s masterful leadership, this episode explores how a colourful, stylish team rose to dominate Serie A and reach the summit of European football. The conversation captures the tactical brilliance, offbeat charisma, and enduring legacy of a side that defied the odds and challenged Italy’s traditional giants.

Takeaways:

• Sampdoria’s 1990–91 title win was built on defensive discipline and attacking flair.

• Vialli and Mancini formed one of Serie A’s most iconic partnerships.

• Boškov’s management style blended humour, discipline, and tactical intelligence.

• The club’s identity—colourful kits, loyal fans, and bold play—set them apart in Italian football.

• The near-miss in the 1992 European Cup Final against Barcelona remains a poignant moment.

• Sampdoria’s rise and fall reflect the volatility of football success and the impact of strong leadership.

• Their legacy lives on in Football Italia nostalgia and 90s football culture.

🎧 Listen now:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7erZQ9qQEsa2Xq8Rg843Gv

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/by-far-the-greatest-team-football-podcast/id1678832405

Keywords

Sampdoria, Italian football, Serie A, football history, Mancini, Vialli, Boskov, 1990s football, European competitions, football culture, Italian football, Sampdoria, 1990-91 season, British television, football history, defensive tactics, key players, title race, Sampdoria, football history, Mancini, Vialli, Serie A, European Cup, football aesthetics, hair in football, controversial moments, football legacy

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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Were Kilmarnock the Greatest Scottish Champions of the 1960s?

In this episode of By Far The Greatest Team, Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney and joined by David Sneddon, an absolute authority of all matters Kilmarnock, to explore Kilmarnock’s historic 1964-65 season, when they stunned Scottish football by winning their first-ever and only top-flight title. The discussion delves into the challenges of competing against Glasgow’s giants, the tactical brilliance behind their triumph, and the significance of their European adventures. With insights from David Sneddon, son of club legend Davie Sneddon, the episode brings to life the emotions, stories, and defining moments of this unforgettable campaign.

Takeaways:

• Kilmarnock’s 1965 championship win is a significant underdog story.

• Willie Waddell’s management style was pivotal to the team’s success.

• The dramatic final-day title win and the tactical masterstroke that secured it.

• The Inter-Cities Fairs Cup match against Eintracht Frankfurt was historic for Kilmarnock.

• Football players in the 1960s often had to juggle multiple jobs.

• The 1964-65 season was unique as neither Celtic nor Rangers finished in the top four.

• Kilmarnock’s fitness levels were unmatched during their successful season.

• The emotional connection between fans and their teams is profound.

• Historic matches can shape a club’s identity for generations.

• Kilmarnock’s legacy is tied to its historical achievements.

🎧 Listen now:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7erZQ9qQEsa2Xq8Rg843Gv

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/by-far-the-greatest-team-football-podcast/id1678832405

Kilmarnock, Scottish football, Davie Sneddon, Willie Waddle, Eintracht Frankfurt, football history, underdog story, European football, 1965 championship, football legends, Kilmarnock, European football, Scottish football, comebacks, team dynamics, 1964-65 season, football history, sports culture, football tactics, team spirit, Kilmarnock, football history, team spirit, psychological impact, cheating in football, community, legacy, tradition, fan connection, ranking football teams, Kilmarnock, football history, cup finals, family stories, memorabilia, Scottish football,

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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Was Oxford United’s 1980s rise the most remarkable in English football?

From lower-league obscurity to top-flight triumph, Oxford United’s journey in the 1980s was one of football’s most dramatic transformations. But was it a true fairytale, or was it built on bold ambition? In this episode, Graham, Jamie, and guest Scott Walkinshaw uncover the club’s incredible rise, their Milk Cup victory, and the key figures who made it all possible.

In this episode:

🔹 How Jim Smith built a promotion-winning squad

🏆 Oxford’s Milk Cup triumph—how they defeated QPR at Wembley

🆚 Battling giants like Manchester United in their top-flight years

📈 The rapid rise—how Oxford climbed the leagues so quickly

🏟️ The Manor Ground effect—was it an underrated fortress?

Takeaways:

• Oxford United climbed from Division Three to Division One in just four seasons.

• Jim Smith’s tactical approach revolutionized the club’s playing style.

• Their Milk Cup victory in 1986 remains their greatest achievement.

• John Aldridge was pivotal, but his departure marked the start of their decline.

• Oxford’s success in the 1980s was built on smart recruitment and strong leadership.

• The Manor Ground provided a unique home advantage during their golden era.

Did Oxford United’s rise define an era of bold football ambition, or was it a fleeting moment of success?

📲 Subscribe to By Far The Greatest Team for more deep dives into football’s greatest stories!

OxfordUnited, MilkCup, JimSmith, JohnAldridge, ManorGround, FootballFairytales, FootballHistory, RetroFootball, ClassicFootball, LowerLeagueRise, 1980sFootball, DivisionOne, EnglishFootball, WembleyFinal, OxfordFootball, PromotionSuccess, FootballUpsets, FootballLegacy, HistoricMoments, TacticalEvolution, GreatestTeams, FootballNostalgia, OxfordUtd, FootballUnderdogs, ClubHistory, FootballDrama, IconicMatches, EnglishFootballHeritage

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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