By Far The Greatest Team – Season 3 Finale: Promotion, Relegation... or Redemption?

After almost 40 teams, countless debates, and one mighty spreadsheet of footballing history, Graham and Jamie return to the boardroom of greatness for the Season 3 Finale — and this time, they’re not alone.

Joined by returning favourites Phil Craig and Declan Clark, the team reopens the case files on every single squad ranked this season. From the peaks of Real Madrid 1954–60 and Santos 1960–65, to cult curiosities like Dallas Tornado and Greece 2004 — it’s time to ask: did we get it right?

In this bumper episode, the panel debates who deserves promotion, who’s due relegation, and who should remain exactly where history placed them. But expect controversy, chaos, and possibly a call for a playoff…

Takeaways:

• 🏆 Reassessing greatness: What defines it — style, trophies, legacy, or vibes?
• 🇬🇷 Greece 2004: Functional football or miracle of the millennium?
• 🏴 England 1990: Gazza’s tears, Robson’s tactics, and the power of nostalgia.
• ⚫️⚪️ Kilmarnock, Dundee Utd, Newcastle & Blackburn: Forgotten forces or rightly remembered?
• 🎬 From the Arsenal Stadium Mystery to the Dallas Tornado — football meets folklore.
• ⚖️ Blinkered Greats, Edge of Greatness, All-Time Legends — who shifts tier?

Is it time to rewrite football history once again?

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📢 Have your say: Let us know on social — did we get the final table right?

#ByFarTheGreatestTeam #FootballHistory #S3Finale #PodcastPromotion #Greece2004 #England1990 #SantosFC #RealMadrid #BlackburnRovers #BlinkeredGreats #CultTeams #AllTimeGreats

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Was Bobby Robson’s England side of 1990 the team that changed everything?
In this episode of By Far The Greatest Team, Graham and Jamie are joined by former MIrror Sports reporter and fan-on-the-ground Steve Double to relive the emotional rollercoaster of Italia ’90 — England’s iconic run to the World Cup semi-finals.

Through a mix of personal stories, cultural reflections, and football insight, we explore what made this tournament – and this team – so unforgettable. From David Platt’s last-gasp volley to Gazza’s tears, from chaotic ticket scrambles to the heartbreak of penalties in Turin, this episode captures the spirit of one of England’s most mythologised teams.

Takeaways:

• Behind-the-scenes fan stories from inside stadiums and outside the system
• Bobby Robson’s tactical evolution and leadership under pressure
• The emotional legacy of Paul Gascoigne and the softening of British football masculinity
• The role of Nessun Dorma, mullets, and Pretty Woman in defining an era
• Why England 1990 became the template for national team redemption narratives
• Was this really the greatest team England never had… or the one that changed everything?

Whether you lived it or just know the VHS tape, this is the story of England 1990 — as seen, sung, and suffered by those who were there.

🎧 Listen now and join the debate: Was this Bobby Robson’s greatest legacy.

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Was Alan Curbishley’s Charlton Athletic one of English football’s great overachievers?

This week on By Far The Greatest Team, hosts Graham and Jamie are joined by London football expert Stuart Burgess to unpack the remarkable rise—and quiet brilliance—of Charlton Athletic under Alan Curbishley.

From financial chaos and exile from The Valley to Premier League stability and European dreams, the episode explores how Curbishley’s calm leadership turned Charlton into a model of consistency. We revisit their epic 1998 playoff final, smart recruitment, and a youth system that helped punch above their weight. Was Curbishley’s Charlton more than just a well-run club? Or were they something closer to greatness?

🔴⚪ A story of resilience, loyalty, and ambition on a budget.

Takeaways:

• How Charlton rebuilt after years in the wilderness
• The 1998 playoff final and promotion to the Premier League
• The return to The Valley and the influence of the Valley Party
• Curbishley’s long-term vision, smart recruitment, and player development
• Reflections on legacy: Where does Charlton under Curbishley rank in football history?

🎧 Listen now as we decide how great this Charlton side truly was.

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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!

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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

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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

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