1. FC Kaiserslautern 1996–1998: The Miracle on the BetzenbergCan a team really fall from the Bundesliga… win a cup… rebuild in the second tier… then return to win the title at the first attempt? In this episode, we dive into the extraordinary, almost impossible tale of 1. FC Kaiserslautern — the Red Devils — and their unforgettable journey from relegation heartbreak to one of the greatest miracle seasons in football history.In this episode, Graham and Jamie are joined by special guest Benedikt Osl to unpack the full story arc of the Red Devils — a club fuelled by tradition, fearsome home support, tactical discipline under Otto Rehhagel, and a squad mixing veterans, defiant characters, and one very effective moustachioed striker.We explore the emotional shock of 1996, the turmoil and tears around club icons like Andreas Brehme and Rudi Völler, and the surreal moment where Kaiserslautern lifted the DFB-Pokal after going down. Then comes redemption: Otto Rehhagel arrives, Bayern Munich implode into “FC Hollywood,” and a newly promoted Lautern land the most outrageous opening-day punch imaginable — beating Bayern in Munich — a result that sets the tone for the season to come.From record-breaking promotion form to classic Betzenberg nights, high-scoring chaos, and the rivalry that shaped an era, this is a story of defiant underdogs who bent the Bundesliga to their will. We also trace what came after: European adventures, financial storm clouds, and a legacy that still echoes through German football.TakeawaysKaiserslautern’s journey is one of football’s purest Cinderella stories.Winning the DFB-Pokal after relegation was unprecedented and surreal.Bayern’s FC Hollywood era created chaos and vulnerability at the top.Rehhagel’s leadership invites comparisons with Brian Clough.Early-season results — especially in Munich — shaped the title race.Winning the DFB Hallenmasters added to their unusual honours list.Their 1997–98 title remains a historic Bundesliga landmark.European campaigns were a mix of magic and misfortune.Lautern’s later decline shows how hard it is to sustain success.Roof Top Innovations the leading Roofing Company in Waco, Tomball surrounding areasWe focus on all types of roofing systems, with a focus on the best quality possible.If you enjoy these podcasts, please don't forget to subscribe and give us a rating and also tell everyone about them!
--------
1:06:40
--------
1:06:40
Wimbledon 1984-1988
From non-league obscurity to conquering the kings of English football — the story of Wimbledon FC from 1984 to 1988 is one of the greatest, wildest, and most unbelievable rises in football history.In this episode of By Far The Greatest Team, Graham and Jamie are joined by London football expert Stuart Burgess to deep-dive into the era that turned a ragtag group of misfits into FA Cup legends. Together, they revisit the extraordinary ascent of Wimbledon FC, a club whose direct football, intimidating culture, and unshakeable belief helped them smash through the English football pyramid and shock the world.We explore the characters who defined the Crazy Gang — Vinnie Jones, John Fashanu, Lawrie Sanchez, Dennis Wise, Dave Beasant — and the leadership of Dave Bassett, whose tactical clarity and uncompromising philosophy forged one of the most iconic identities in British football. Stuart brings rich insight into Wimbledon’s South London roots, the personalities behind the rise, and the cultural chaos that made this team impossible to ignore.And of course, we relive the unforgettable 1988 FA Cup Final: Lawrie Sanchez’s header, Beasant’s historic penalty save, and the day Wimbledon toppled the mighty Liverpool to write one of the greatest underdog chapters the Cup has ever seen.Along the way, we unpack:How a tiny club stormed the First Division in record timeWhy the Crazy Gang’s mentality became their greatest weaponThe behind-the-scenes influence of Ron Noades and Sam HammamDon Howe’s tactical fingerprints on the Cup FinalThe long-term legacy of Wimbledon — and the birth of AFC WimbledonWhere does Wimbledon 1984–88 rank among the greatest teams of all time? We debate it, defend it, and place this unforgettable side into the Greatness Index.🎧 Listen now for one of football’s most extraordinary stories — brutal, brilliant, chaotic, and completely unrepeatable.Roof Top Innovations the leading Roofing Company in Waco, Tomball surrounding areasWe focus on all types of roofing systems, with a focus on the best quality possible.If you enjoy these podcasts, please don't forget to subscribe and give us a rating and also tell everyone about them!
--------
1:26:34
--------
1:26:34
AFC Bournemouth 1984 & other FA Cup Shocks
AFC Bournemouth 1984: Harry Redknapp’s Giant Killers & The Quest to Crown the Greatest FA Cup ShockHow did a struggling Third Division side pull off one of the most dramatic FA Cup upsets of all time — and does Bournemouth 1984 still stand as the greatest giant killing in football history?In this episode, Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney are joined by regular South Coast guest Jamie Wilson to revisit the remarkable story of Harry Redknapp’s AFC Bournemouth, who stunned FA Cup holders Manchester United in 1984.🔴 First Half – Bournemouth’s Moment of DestinyWe chart Redknapp’s early managerial journey, the belief and bunker mentality he cultivated, and the South Coast rivalry that shaped Bournemouth’s identity. Through tactical breakdowns, dressing-room tales, and context of the club’s precarious position, we explore how motivation, atmosphere, and collective refusal to accept defeat fuelled one of the competition’s most iconic wins.🏆 Second Half – The Greatest FA Cup Shock DebateThe conversation then widens into a deep dive across FA Cup history — from non-league miracles to top-tier ambushes. We debate how narrative, context, and conditions shape a shock’s legacy, compare legendary upsets using the Giant Killing Index framework, and attempt to crown the greatest FA Cup shock of all time.With humour, detail and nostalgia, this episode explores whether Bournemouth 1984 was an isolated miracle… or the perfect example of what makes the FA Cup magical.TakeawaysAFC Bournemouth’s win over Manchester United in 1984 remains one of the most iconic FA Cup shocks.Harry Redknapp’s early managerial style at Bournemouth emphasised spirit, charisma and tactical conviction.Motivation, unity and local rivalry played a decisive role in Bournemouth’s success.Tactical and emotional momentum were key to their victory.The episode explores how football’s landscape and cup competition dynamics have evolved across decades.Player stories and first-hand accounts highlight the human side of giant killing.Historical context and match conditions are vital in defining true cup shocks.Television and media coverage elevated the emotional resonance of these games.Statistical evaluation can support shock rankings, but narrative often defines greatness.Non-league teams hold a proud tradition of FA Cup disruption.Bournemouth’s 1984 triumph acted as a cultural springboard that later shaped the club’s long-term rise.Roof Top Innovations the leading Roofing Company in Waco, Tomball surrounding areasWe focus on all types of roofing systems, with a focus on the best quality possible.If you enjoy these podcasts, please don't forget to subscribe and give us a rating and also tell everyone about them!
--------
1:22:49
--------
1:22:49
Aberdeen 1978-1986
Aberdeen 1977–1986 – Fergie’s Miracle in GraniteIn the granite city of Aberdeen, a fiery young manager tore down Scottish football’s natural order. Between 1978 and 1986, Alex Ferguson transformed Aberdeen from outsiders into European conquerors — breaking the Old Firm’s stranglehold, humiliating Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, and building a dynasty of discipline, belief, and brilliance.Before Manchester United, there was Aberdeen. Before “Fergie Time,” there was the miracle in granite.In this episode of By Far The Greatest Team, Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney are joined by Scottish football expert Stefan Shaw to revisit one of football’s most improbable revolutions — Alex Ferguson’s Aberdeen, 1978–1986.They trace Ferguson’s journey from his playing days at Rangers to his early management at St Mirren, before landing in the North East with a burning mission to end Glasgow’s rule.The discussion explores the ruthless training sessions at Seaton Park, the cultural reset that banished Scotland’s drinking culture, and the rise of a fearless generation — Miller, McLeish, Strachan, McGhee, Leighton, Hewitt — who would take Aberdeen to domestic and European glory.From the 1980 title breakthrough to the storm-soaked night in Gothenburg ’83 and the back-to-back championships of ’84 and ’85, this episode celebrates how a provincial club out-fought giants and left a legacy no one has repeated since.TakeawaysHow Ferguson’s discipline, psychology, and fitness culture rewired Scottish football.The statistical dominance behind the story: record 27 league wins in 1984-85, 72% first-goal ratio, 44% clean sheets.Why the “New Firm” era of Aberdeen and Dundee United still stands alone in Scottish history.The future managers and coaches forged in that Pittodrie dressing room.Why Aberdeen 1983 remains the only Scottish club with two UEFA trophies.Call to Action🔔 Subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 📲 Follow @ByFarTheGreatestTeam for clips, shorts, and new episodes every week. ⚽️ Football’s Greatest Teams. Ranked.Roof Top Innovations the leading Roofing Company in Waco, Tomball surrounding areasWe focus on all types of roofing systems, with a focus on the best quality possible.If you enjoy these podcasts, please don't forget to subscribe and give us a rating and also tell everyone about them!
--------
1:24:57
--------
1:24:57
Manchester United 1981-1986
Manchester United 1981–1986: Flair, Frustration & the Big Ron EraWere Manchester United under Ron Atkinson a team of unfulfilled potential — or flamboyant trailblazers who set the stage for everything that followed?In this episode, Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney are joined by lifelong United super-fan Richard Evans to dive into one of Old Trafford’s most compelling transitional eras: Manchester United from 1981 to 1986.Arriving after years of drift, Ron Atkinson injected charisma, swagger, and a bold attacking identity back into the club. His United were easy on the eye and fearless in intent, with a midfield powered by Bryan Robson, elegance from Ray Wilkins, and cutting edge from Frank Stapleton and teenage sensation Norman Whiteside.We revisit the era’s unforgettable highlights — from the dramatic 1983 FA Cup triumph to electric European nights against Barcelona and Juventus — moments when United felt capable of beating anyone. Yet the conversation also tackles the frustrations: league inconsistency, injuries to key figures, and defensive flaws that repeatedly derailed genuine title pushes.With the help of our guest panel, we debate a defining question: Was Big Ron’s United an underachieving nearly-team, or the bridge between mediocrity and the coming Ferguson revolution?TakeawaysRon Atkinson brought a flamboyant, confident style back to Manchester United.Bryan Robson was the heartbeat of Atkinson’s side.The atmosphere at Villa Park during this era’s big games was unforgettable.United’s European run produced thrilling clashes with Barcelona and Juventus.Mark Hughes emerged as a major figure late in the Atkinson years.Injuries to key players consistently undermined title challenges.Roof Top Innovations the leading Roofing Company in Waco, Tomball surrounding areasWe focus on all types of roofing systems, with a focus on the best quality possible.If you enjoy these podcasts, please don't forget to subscribe and give us a rating and also tell everyone about them!
Welcome to "By Far The Greatest Team," the ultimate football history podcast that takes you on a thrilling journey through the annals of the beautiful game. If you've ever found yourself engaged in passionate debates about the greatest football team of all time, this podcast is your go-to destination. Hosted by die-hard football fans, this podcast dives headfirst into the timeless question that has sparked countless conversations in pubs, living rooms, and stadiums around the world: Who truly deserves the title of the greatest football team ever? From the storied legends that have etched their names in the sport's history to the unsung heroes whose feats have been overshadowed by time, "By Far The Greatest Team" leaves no stone unturned in its quest to uncover football's most remarkable teams.Each episode is a thrilling exploration of football's rich tapestry, as the hosts dissect the defining moments, tactical innovations, and cultural impacts that have shaped the game into what we know and love today. Whether you're a fan of the classic powerhouses or have a soft spot for the underdogs that defied the odds, this podcast caters to every football palate.What sets "By Far The Greatest Team" apart is its unique ranking system that measures greatness on multiple levels. Teams aren't just pitted against each other in a straightforward manner; they're evaluated against a spectrum of greatness, ranging from All Time Greatness that transcends eras, to Blinkered Greatness that's tied to specific contexts. The hosts skillfully navigate the intricacies of this ranking, providing listeners with a fresh perspective on how to assess football greatness.Whether you're a seasoned football aficionado or just starting to explore the sport's captivating history, "By Far The Greatest Team" promises to ignite your passion for football's past, present, and future. So join us as we relive the exhilarating highs, heart-wrenching lows, and everything in between that has made football the global phenomenon it is today. Get ready to settle the greatest debate in football history, one episode at a time.