In this episode of It Was What It Was, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper delve into the decline of Nottingham Forest following their European Cup victories. This final part of a four-part special looks at the financial turmoil, management struggles, and internal conflicts that marked the club's subsequent years. Join us as we discuss how the relationship between Brian Clough and Peter Taylor deteriorated, the club’s misjudged transfers, and the impact of Clough's growing dependence on alcohol. From the fallouts to the poignant departures, this episode covers the unraveling of a once-glorious team and the tragedy of a fractured partnership.

00:00 Financial Woes and Disappointment

00:50 The Decline Begins

02:32 Unraveling Behind the Scenes

04:18 Transfer Turmoil

09:24 Clough and Taylor's Strained Relationship

14:11 Financial Scandals and Internal Strife

18:05 The Breaking Point

29:03 Clough's Controversial Decisions

32:24 Financial Struggles and Player Transfers

37:18 Clough's Health and Alcohol Issues

45:02 The Breakup with Peter Taylor

48:20 Reflecting on Clough and Taylor's Legacy

51:29 Clough's Changing Management Style

53:43 The Greatest Achievement in European Football

55:28 Conclusion

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In this episode of It Was What It Was, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper continue the story of Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest, following on from their European Cup victory in the last episode. This third part of a four-part special covers the 1979-80 season, looking at how Forest overcame obstacles both on and off the pitch to claim their second successive European Cup. Within the season there are some highs and lows, from overcoming unexpected challenges, and navigating crucial European fixtures to dealing with internal instability and controversial management methods. From high-profile transfers to unforgettable European nights, tune in to discover how this extraordinary team went on to write another chapter in their illustrious history.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

01:03 Nottingham Forest's European Campaign Begins

01:28 Key Transfers and Management Decisions

07:47 Unexpected Challenges and Controversies

20:31 European Cup Quarter-Finals

28:52 The Importance of Team Camaraderie

30:19 Challenges and Strategies in European Matches

32:38 Player Management and Injuries

36:23 Prepping for the European Cup Final

42:49 The Final Match Against Hamburg

51:03 Post-Match Reflections and Legacy

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In this episode of It Was What It Was, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper continue their deep dive into Brian Clough's transformative tenure at Nottingham Forest. This second part of a four-part special, captures the thrilling journey as Forest ventures into the European Cup, starting from their incredible 5-1 victory over AEK Athens and leading up to their historic final against Malmö. Expect to hear detailed anecdotes and insights revealing Clough's unique management style, key matches and significant strategic decisions, including the controversial but ultimately successful signing of Trevor Francis for a British record fee. Join us to explore how a team from the second division ascended to the pinnacle of European football.

00:28 Introduction to Nottingham Forest's European Journey

01:26 Forest's Rise to European Dominance

01:46 The Quest for the European Cup

03:36 Strategic Moves and Key Decisions

10:02 Facing Liverpool in the European Cup

12:42 The Tactical Genius of Clough and Taylor

26:17 The Aftermath and Moving Forward

26:38 Unbeaten Streak and Chairman Change

27:35 European Cup Drama: Forest vs. AEK Athens

28:19 Clough's Management Style and Larry Lloyd Incident

30:55 Training Anecdotes and Managerial Hypocrisy

37:39 Trevor Francis Joins Forest

40:51 League Cup Final and European Cup Quarter-Finals

42:25 Semi-Final Showdown Against Cologne

48:37 European Cup Final Against Malmö

55:27 Forest Crowned European Champions

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