Brendon Batson: Arsenal's Trailblazer and the Three Degrees Legacy - Part One

Welcome back to It Was What It Was. This week Jonathan and Rob welcome special guest Brendan Batson, a former Arsenal, Cambridge, and West Brom player - who made a significant impact on British social and footballing history.

Part one focuses on Batson's early life in Grenada and Trinidad, his challenges adapting to the British climate in the 1960s, and becoming Arsenal's first black player.

Join us for part two on Friday where Brendan recalls his time at West Brom - and the birth of the famous 'Three Degrees'.

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement

01:21 Brendan Batson's Early Life and Migration to England

03:18 Adapting to Life in England and Discovering Football

06:34 Challenges and Racism in Early Years

11:48 The Windrush Generation and Social Context

14:48 Racism in Football and the National Front

19:13 Conclusion of Part One

20:00 Scouted by Arsenal: The Beginning of a Football Journey

21:23 Challenges and Triumphs: Early Arsenal Days

22:38 Facing Racism: The Harsh Realities of the 60s and 70s

25:06 Breaking Barriers: Becoming Arsenal's First Black Player

27:44 Struggles with Racism on the Field

31:36 Guidance and Growth: Learning to Cope

34:32 Career Progression: From Arsenal to Cambridge and Beyond

36:33 Ron Atkinson's Influence: A Turning Point

37:41 Conclusion: Reflecting on a Pioneering Career

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