We're Moving!

The transfer window is closed, thank goodness, but there’s no restriction of podcast movement. Nessun Dorma will soon be transferring from Substack to Sport Social, where we feel it is more suited. There will be no change to your podcast feed and shows will drop on your device as they did before.

Things are changing, however. 

Next week’s episode will be the first in a long journey that will chart the history of football - with the odd diversion into the wider world of sport and popular culture - throughout the 1980s and 1990s. In a rough chronological order we will go deep to create a substantial history of the two decades that arguably shaped the game like no other. Starting with the European Championship of 1980 and finishing - however long it takes us, and we’ve budgeted for about 20 years - with a deep dive into Euro 2000, we hope to reassess some classic stories, games and players, reignite debates as well as shedding light on some of the more neglected tales. 

The Draft shows split opinion when we aired them last year and there is good news for those who loved it and those who didn’t quite as much. It will pop up from time to time to add colour to our historical journey but it will be in addition that week’s show, not instead of. The narrative pods will remain our focus.

As well as moving to Sport Social, Nessun Dorma will also return to Patreon, where you can, if you wish, support the show for $3.99 a month here.

Members will get shows ad-free and a couple of days before general release as well as at least one bonus Q&A show with some of the original podders. We want Nessun Dorma to be a place where a network of retro shows can find a home. From football to other sports and wider culture, if a show fits into the time period then we would love to hear ideas at nessundormapodcast@gmail.com

So, coming your way as of next week will be:

• A series of at least five episodes on each season from 1980/81 to 1999/00 covering domestic, continental and international football

• One narrative show from other sports in between each season that is drawn from the year in question.

• Occasional Retro Draft shows as an addition to the weekly podcast that capture a footballing XI or based on that particular year in sport and popular culture 

• At least one exclusive show per month on Patreon where we answer members’ questions as well as discuss some of the other stories from the time

There is a lot of ground to cover but plenty of time to enjoy it so we would also happily consider requests for shows as we go. 

1980/81 is all recorded though and those shows include:

• The wonderful Jonathan O’Brien on the shambolic Euros of 1980

• A two-parter with a variety of guests including BBC Radio 5Live’s Pat Murphy on the fortunes of Ipswich Town, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur

• Tony Evans on Liverpool’s return to the summit of European football

• Wayne Barton on how aesthetic concerns shaped Manchester United’s decision to replace Dave Sexton with Ron Atkinson.

We really hope that you enjoy the new project but, more importantly, that you join us in creating something very special. It beats another row about VAR, doesn’t it?