In this history pod, Tim is joined by Arsenal historian and author Andy Kelly to talk about the election to expand the First Division in 1919 when Arsenal were promoted and Tottenham demoted by the vote. Andy talks about the post First World War picture and why the top flight expanded, the preceding match fixing scandal between Liverpool and Manchester United and the politics behind the vote (aka, why teams voted for Arsenal and not Spurs). Andy also comprehensively debunks inaccuracies that have subsequently grown up about potential corruption in the vote which are totally contradicted by Andy’s research from contemporary sources. Tim and Andy also talk about where these inaccuracies originated from and how they took hold.

[ Original Title: 1919 and all that: Arsenal are elected to the First Division. Tottenham are not. What’s not to love? ...