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,

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

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

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

Was Greece’s Euro 2004 triumph the greatest underdog story in football history?

Against all odds, Greece conquered Europe in 2004, defying expectations with tactical discipline and unbreakable team spirit. But how did a team of unfancied outsiders topple the continent’s giants? In this episode, Graham and Jamie are joined by Greek Football expert Gus Krasonis to revisit one of the most astonishing football stories ever told.

In this episode:

🇬🇷 Otto Rehhagel’s masterplan—how he transformed Greece into defensive titans

⚔️ Tactical breakdown: Set-piece dominance, defensive solidity, and counterattacks

🇵🇹 The opening shock—how Greece stunned hosts Portugal in the first match

⚡ Spain, France, Czech Republic—each step of the impossible journey to the final

🏆 The final vs Portugal: Was it pure luck, or a masterclass in strategy?

🔝 The legacy of Greece 2004—did it change Greek football forever?

Takeaways:

• Greece had never won a match at a major tournament before Euro 2004.

• Otto Rehhagel instilled German-style discipline, focusing on defensive structure.

• They defeated Portugal twice—including in the final—to claim the trophy.

• Angelos Charisteas became a national hero with crucial goals.

• Their win remains one of football’s greatest Cinderella stories.

• Despite the victory, Greece struggled to build long-term footballing success.

Did Greece’s triumph prove that tactics and team spirit could overcome individual brilliance? Listen now and decide!

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

Greece2004, Euro2004, OttoRehhagel, FootballUnderdogs, TacticalGenius, AngelosCharisteas, PortugalVsGreece, FootballHistory, DefensiveMasterclass, CinderellaStory, HistoricFootballMoments, FootballTactics, UEFAEuro, LegendaryTeams, ClassicFootball, RetroFootball, FootballHeritage, GreatestUpsets, GreeceFootball, InternationalFootball, EuropeanChampions, GoldenMoment, IconicGoals, FootballNostalgia, FootballTrivia, FootballMiracles, GreeceLegacy, TacticalAnalysis, TeamSpirit, FootballShockers

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

Was Dundee United’s 1980s golden era one of Scottish football’s greatest achievements?

Under Jim McLean, Dundee United defied expectations, conquering Scotland and making their mark on European football. But was their success a fleeting moment or a true era of dominance? In this episode, Graham and Jamie explore Dundee United’s rise, their triumphs over giants like Barcelona, and the tactical genius of McLean that took them to the brink of European glory.

In this episode:

🟠🏆 How Jim McLean built Dundee United into a Scottish powerhouse

🇪🇺 Memorable European nights—beating Barcelona home and away

🏴 Winning the Scottish Premier Division in 1982-83—how did they topple the Old Firm?

💡 Youth development and squad continuity—was McLean ahead of his time?

⚔️ Fierce battles with Celtic and Rangers—what made Dundee United so resilient?

🥈 Heartbreak in the 1987 UEFA Cup Final—how close did they come to European glory?

📉 The decline after their peak—why couldn’t they sustain their success?

Takeaways:

• Dundee United’s 1982-83 title win was one of Scottish football’s biggest shocks.

• Jim McLean’s disciplined, tactical approach built a team capable of competing in Europe.

• The club’s European journey saw them defeat Barcelona four times.

• Dundee United were the only Scottish club to reach a UEFA Cup final.

• McLean’s youth development and squad continuity were key to their success.

• The team’s resilience and tactical discipline made them feared across Europe.

• Despite European heartbreak, their 1980s legacy still looms large in Scottish football.

Were Dundee United one of the greatest underdog stories in football history? Listen now and decide for yourself!

📲 Subscribe to By Far The Greatest Team for more deep dives into football’s most fascinating teams!

DundeeUnited, JimMcLean, ScottishFootball, UEFAcup, FootballHistory, SPFL, EuropeanNights, BarcaDefeated, Tactics, ScottishChampions, FootballUnderdogs, 1980sFootball, ClassicFootball, ForgottenTeams, FootballLegends, OldFirmBattles, DundeeFootball, RetroFootball, McLeanLegacy, ClubLegends, EuropeanGlory, FootballTactics, ScottishLeague, TacticalMasters, FootballCulture, HistoricMatches, FootballTrivia, FootballIcons, UEFAHistory, ClubGreatness, ScottishCup, SoccerNostalgia

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

Did Terry Venables’ Barcelona (1984–87) lay the groundwork for future greatness?

Before Johan Cruyff’s Dream Team and Guardiola’s tiki-taka revolution, Terry Venables brought tactical discipline and English resilience to Barcelona. But how did his tenure shape the club’s future? In this episode, Graham and Jamie explore Venables’ arrival, his early success, and the challenges that ultimately led to his departure.

In this episode:

🔵🔴 Terry Venables—Barcelona’s unexpected English manager

⚽ The transition from Maradona to new signings like Steve Archibald

📊 Tactical innovations: Did Venables introduce high pressing to Barça?

🏆 Winning La Liga in his first season—but failing in the European Cup final

🇪🇸 The chaos of the 1986-87 La Liga format and its impact on Barcelona

🔄 The arrivals of Gary Lineker and Mark Hughes—success or failure?

🎭 Venables’ dual life as a manager and TV personality—did distractions cost him?

📉 How it all unraveled: tactical stubbornness, dressing room rifts, and his sacking

Takeaways:

• Venables led Barcelona to their first La Liga title in over a decade.

• His pragmatic approach contrasted with the club’s traditional attacking style.

• The 1986 European Cup final loss to Steaua Bucharest remains one of Barça’s most painful defeats.

• The unique league format in 1986-87 disrupted the team’s consistency.

• Lineker thrived at Barcelona, but Hughes struggled to adapt.

• Venables’ influence on pressing and organization shaped later Barça teams.

• Despite his achievements, he is often overlooked in the club’s history.

Was Terry Venables a misunderstood genius or a manager who fell short of greatness? Listen now and decide for yourself!

📲 Subscribe to By Far The Greatest Team for more deep dives into football’s most fascinating teams!

FCBarcelona, TerryVenables, LaLiga, BarcaHistory, EuropeanCup, GaryLineker, SteveArchibald, FootballTactics, RetroFootball, ClassicFootball, ByFarTheGreatestTeam, FootballHistory, TacticalEvolution, LegendaryManagers, 1980sFootball, SoccerNostalgia, FootballIcons, BarcaLegends, ForgottenTeams, SteauaBucharest, UnderratedManagers, EnglishManagersAbroad, FootballPhilosophy, LaLigaHistory, ClassicKits, TacticalInnovations, PressingGame, FootballHeritage, FootballUnderdogs, LinekerGoals, VenablesLegacy, EuropeanFinalHeartbreak, FootballTrivia, Barca1980s, FootballRevolutions, ClubLegends, TacticalMasters, FootballCulture

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

Were Dukla Prague (1960–67) one of football’s forgotten greats?

From military-backed dominance to European adventures, Dukla Prague were once the pride of Czechoslovak football. In this episode, Graham and Jamie examine the club’s golden era, their domestic and continental success, and the iconic figures who defined their legacy—including Ballon d’Or winner Josef Masopust. How does Dukla Prague’s story measure up in the grand history of the game?

In this episode:

⚽ Dukla Prague’s dominance in Czechoslovakia during the 1960s
 🏆 The club’s European Cup campaigns and near misses against the continent’s elite
 🇨🇿 Josef Masopust—the maestro who led club and country to glory
 🧤 The evolution of goalkeeper gloves and the rise of outfield players stepping in as keepers
 🌍 Dukla Prague’s cultural impact—including their famous yellow and red kit
 📉 The club’s decline, rebranding, and legacy in modern football
 🗣️ A nod to the Dallas Tornado’s epic world tour and how football clubs embraced global expansion

Takeaways:

• Dukla Prague were one of the most dominant teams in Czechoslovakia, winning multiple league titles.
• The club regularly competed in the European Cup but never reached a final.
• Josef Masopust, the only Czech player to win the Ballon d’Or, was the heart of the team.
• The club was heavily linked to the Czechoslovak army, which influenced its structure and success.
• Dukla Prague’s distinctive kit and style made them an iconic name in European football.
• The club declined in the late 20th century, eventually being rebranded.
• Their legacy lives on in football culture, including a famous Half Man Half Biscuit song!

Did Dukla Prague do enough to be remembered as one of football’s truly great teams? Listen now and decide for yourself!

📲 Subscribe to By Far The Greatest Team for more deep dives into football’s most fascinating teams!

DuklaPrague, Czechoslovakia, EuropeanCup, JosefMasopust, BallondOr, RetroFootball, ClassicFootball, ByFarTheGreatestTeam, FootballHistory, CzechFootball, 1960sFootball, LegendaryTeams, DuklaLegacy, EuropeanFootball, ForgottenFootball, FootballHeritage, HalfManHalfBiscuit, ArmyFootball, FootballLegends, SoccerNostalgia, FootballIcons, HistoricClubs, ClassicKits, FootballTactics, PragueFootball, FootballResilience, LegendaryPlayers, GoalkeeperGloves, FootballOddities, GoldenEra, FootballTrivia, UnderratedTeams, FootballUnderdogs, ContinentalGiants, DuklaDomination, MasopustMagic, TacticalMasters, EuropeanGreats, FootballCulture, ClubLegends

⚽🔥

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

Where do Yeovil Town (2012–14) rank in the table of greatness?

From non-league battlers to Championship dreamers—Yeovil Town’s story is one of resilience, giant-killing, and footballing romance. In this episode, Graham and Jamie arte joined by Gloverscast Podcaster, David Coates to explore the club’s remarkable rise under Gary Johnson, the key players who defined their golden era, and the unforgettable moments that led them to the second tier of English football. From FA Cup upsets to Wembley glory, how does Yeovil’s story rank among the greatest underdog triumphs?

In this episode:

⚽ Yeovil Town’s journey from non-league to the Football League
 🏆 The club’s FA Cup giant-killing history—taking down the big boys
 🎩 Gary Johnson’s influence—tactical genius or the right man at the right time?
 🔥 Paddy Madden’s heroics and his unforgettable impact on promotion
 💚 The importance of team spirit and player loyalty in Yeovil’s success
 🎶 The football songs and terrace culture that define Yeovil Town
 🏟️ That unforgettable day at Wembley—securing a place in the Championship
 📉 What went wrong? The struggles of competing in the second tier

Takeaways:

• Yeovil Town became famous as FA Cup giant killers long before their Football League rise.
• Gary Johnson played a crucial role in shaping the club’s most successful era.
• Players like Phil Jevons and Paddy Madden were key to Yeovil’s promotion campaigns.
• The club’s journey to the Championship was built on strong team spirit and fan support.
• Yeovil Town’s 2013 play-off final victory at Wembley was a historic moment for the club.
• Despite their rise, financial struggles and squad limitations made Championship survival difficult.
• The club’s legacy remains strong, with a passionate fan base and a rich footballing history.

Did Yeovil Town’s rise to the Championship make them one of football’s greatest underdog stories? Listen now and decide for yourself!

📲 Subscribe to By Far The Greatest Team for more deep dives into football’s most fascinating teams!

YeovilTown, FootballLeague, Championship, FA Cup, GiantKillers, GaryJohnson, WembleyGlory, ByFarTheGreatestTeam, EFL, FootballUnderdogs

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

Where do Dallas Tornado (1967–68) Rank in the Table of Greatness?

The Dallas Tornado's 1967–68 world tour is one of the most extraordinary stories in football history. Backed by the visionary Lamar Hunt, the team embarked on a grueling global journey to promote soccer in the U.S., facing extreme challenges along the way—from visa issues to terrorist threats. Graham and Jamie dive into the team's formation, the leadership of coach Bob Kap, and the unforgettable experiences that shaped the players during this unprecedented adventure. But how does their story rank among football’s greatest underdog tales?

In this episode:

⚽ The founding of Dallas Tornado and Lamar Hunt’s vision for American soccer
 🌍 The team's ambitious world tour—why they did it and where they played
 ✈️ Travel nightmares—visa issues, jungle stranding, and unexpected dangers
 ⚠️ How the team narrowly escaped a terrorist attack during their travels
 🎩 The players' cowboy hat gimmick—marketing genius or pure novelty?
 🏆 Dallas Tornado’s performances in Pakistan, India, Singapore, and Vietnam
 🤝 Team bonding and Bob Kap’s influence, including the introduction of Secret Santa
 📉 The Tornado’s struggles in their debut NASL season—was the world tour worth it?
 🏗️ The long-term impact of the Tornado’s journey on American soccer

Takeaways:

• The Dallas Tornado was formed in 1967 as part of Lamar Hunt’s soccer revolution.
• Their world tour was designed to grow the sport and change perceptions of Dallas after the JFK assassination.
• The team featured players from Europe, with only one American.
• They faced a terrorist threat, extreme travel issues, and tough cultural adjustments.
• A crowd of 35,000 attended their match in Karachi, showing global interest in soccer.
• The Tornado's first victory came against Pakistan, while they drew against India’s FA XI.
• The tour included matches in Iran, Cyprus, Turkey, and more, exposing the team to unique challenges.
• In Singapore, they faced hostile crowds, and in Vietnam, they were warned to stay in small groups.
• Bob Kap introduced innovative team-building techniques, including Secret Santa.
• Despite a tough NASL debut, the Tornado’s journey became a legendary chapter in American soccer history.

Did the Dallas Tornado’s 1967–68 tour truly shape the future of U.S. soccer? Listen now and decide for yourself!

📲 Subscribe to By Far The Greatest Team for more deep dives into football’s most fascinating teams!

#DallasTornado #NASL #SoccerHistory #FootballPodcast #ByFarTheGreatestTeam #WorldFootball #LamarHunt #AmericanSoccer

⚽🔥

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

Was QPR’s 1975-76 side one of the greatest teams never to win the league? Join us as we reflect on their legacy and rank their place in football history!

In this episode of By Far The Greatest Team, hosts Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney are joined by London football expert Stuart Burgess to revisit the incredible story of Queens Park Rangers’ legendary 1975-76 season.

Exploring the glam rock era's influence on football, the pivotal role of Jim Gregory in the club's success, and the impact of key players like Stan Bowles. They discuss the tactical evolution under Dave Sexton and highlight memorable moments from the season, ultimately reflecting on the legacy of this iconic team. In this segment, the conversation delves into the nostalgia surrounding QPR's past, the unpredictable nature of football titles, and the disparity of wealth in the sport. 

The speakers reflect on the golden age of QPR players, the underrepresentation of English talent in international football, and the glam footballers of the 70s. They also discuss the versatile David Webb, who played every position on the field, including a memorable stint as a goalkeeper. In this segment, the conversation delves into various intriguing aspects of football, including the unusual roles of emergency strikers and outfield players stepping in as goalkeepers. The discussion shifts to QPR's remarkable start to the season, highlighting key players like Stan Bowles and Dave Thomas. 

The evolution of goalkeeping, particularly Phil Parks' contributions, is examined, alongside the bizarre circumstances surrounding the title race's conclusion. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the historical context of football fixture management, particularly focusing on the English FA's role and the implications of fixture changes on teams like Liverpool and QPR during the 1975-76 season. 

They discuss the dramatic title race, Liverpool's subsequent dominance, and the structural differences between QPR and Liverpool that contributed to their divergent paths. The conversation also highlights the career of Stan Bowles and reflects on QPR's legacy, culminating in a ranking of the team's greatness.

🔥 What made QPR’s title charge so special?

  •  The glam rock era and its influence on football culture
  •  The pivotal role of Jim Gregory in QPR’s rise
  •  Stan Bowles, Dave Thomas, and Phil Parkes—icons of the era
  •  Dave Sexton’s tactical evolution and QPR’s unique playing style
  •  The bizarre end to the title race and the FA’s role in fixture scheduling

⚽ Unexpected twists & football nostalgia:

  •  David Webb: The man who played in every position—including goalkeeper!
  •  Outfield players stepping in as emergency goalkeepers
  •  The growing disparity in football wealth and QPR’s underdog status
  •  How Liverpool’s dominance changed the course of English football

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms!

#QPR #QueensParkRangers #FootballHistory #StanBowles #ByFarTheGreatestTeam #QPR1976 #EPLHistory #FootballPodcast

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

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

In this episode of By Far The Greatest Team, hosts Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney are joined by lifelong Panathinaikos fan Gus Krasonis to analyse one of the greatest underdog stories in European football history—the 1970/71 Panathinaikos team that defied the odds to reach the European Cup Final.

Was this squad, led by the legendary Ferenc Puskás, truly one of the greatest? Where do they rank in our By Far The Greatest Team Table of Greatness?

🏆 Key discussion points include:
 ✅ Panathinaikos’ historic journey to the 1971 European Cup final
 ✅ The golden generation of Greek football and their rise to prominence
 ✅ How political changes in Greece influenced football at the time
 ✅ The impact of Ferenc Puskás as a manager
 ✅ The Greek league system and its unique point structure
 ✅ Their underdog battles against Everton, Red Star Belgrade, and Ajax
 ✅ The lasting legacy of this team in Greek and European football history

From the significance of the green kit to the mentality that powered Panathinaikos past footballing giants, this episode explores whether this team was a one-season wonder or a truly great side.

🎧 Tune in now and join the debate!

#FootballHistory #Panathinaikos #EuropeanCup #GreekFootball #ByFarTheGreatestTeam #FootballPodcast #FerencPuskas #UEFA

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

Summary
In this episode of 'By Far the Greatest Team', the hosts delve into the history of Panathinaikos, focusing on their remarkable journey to the 1971 European Cup final. With insights from Gus Krasinos, who shares his personal connection to the club, the conversation explores the significance of the green kit, the underdog spirit of Greek football, and the impact of historical events on the sport. The discussion also highlights key players and the unique point system in Greek football during that era, culminating in a reflection on the legacy of Panathinaikos in European football. In this segment, the conversation delves into the historical context of Panathinaikos' journey in the European Cup, highlighting the impact of political changes in Greece, the legendary appointment of Puskas, and the rise of a golden generation of players. The discussion also touches on the changing landscape of European football, the introduction of penalties, and the underdog story of Panathinaikos against Everton. In this conversation, the hosts delve into the remarkable journey of Panathinaikos in the European Cup, discussing their mentality, challenges faced against formidable opponents like Ajax and Red Star Belgrade, and the impact of legendary figures like Puskas. They explore the significance of their achievements in Greek football history, culminating in a debate on how to rank the team based on their performance and legacy.

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