About this episode
Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by a special guest and former footballer Dennis Tueart. In this first episode of our four-part special on the North American Soccer League (NASL), Dennis, known for his iconic moments with Sunderland and Manchester City, shares his remarkable journey from English football to the booming NASL in the 1970s. Discover his experiences with the New York Cosmos, playing alongside legends like Franz Beckenbauer, replacing Pele, navigating cultural shifts, and understanding the challenges and triumphs that shaped the future of soccer in America. Don't miss this deep dive into football history, glamour, and the evolution of the beautiful game in the United States.00:57 Dennis Tueart's Transfer to the Cosmos02:05 Challenges and Decisions04:19 Arrival and Initial Impressions07:15 Experiences and Reflections11:38 Life in the NASL17:18 Training and Facilities18:58 Pre-season and Early Challenges25:14 The NASL's Unique Rules29:55 Challenges and Triumphs in the NASL30:25 Play-off Performances and Nicknames30:59 Intense Matches and Injuries31:36 The Semi-final Comeback36:27 Winning the Conference Final37:40 Facing Rodney Marsh and Tampa Bay42:51 Touring and Transitioning46:53 Final Reflections and Legacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.