Spencer Vignes
@spencervignes.bsky.social
Award-winning author & freelance in the words trade. Music, tennis, biographer of soccer pioneers Leigh Roose & George Robledo, writer of @trainsongscentral.bsky.social book. Visit http://www.spencervignes.co.uk/ to find out more.
Pinned
Spencer Vignes
@spencervignes.bsky.social
· Nov 16
Books make great gifts, they really do. If you'd like a signed or dedicated copy of any of my books to give as presents (or to yourself!) then get in touch. Message me through Bluesky or see my website - www.spencervignes.co.uk - for all contact details.
"I just thought he came from another planet, another world" - Bobby Robson on George Robledo, the ex-Barnsley, Newcastle Utd & Chile player regarded as the first overseas star of English football. Read 'Postcards From Santiago', my biography of George's remarkable life, out now.
January 17, 2026 at 9:42 AM
"I just thought he came from another planet, another world" - Bobby Robson on George Robledo, the ex-Barnsley, Newcastle Utd & Chile player regarded as the first overseas star of English football. Read 'Postcards From Santiago', my biography of George's remarkable life, out now.
Manchester United versus Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup from another time, another place.
Managers Ron Atkinson and Jimmy Melia lead their respective sides out ahead of the 1983 final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 21 May.
Managers Ron Atkinson and Jimmy Melia lead their respective sides out ahead of the 1983 final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 21 May.
January 11, 2026 at 1:42 PM
Manchester United versus Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup from another time, another place.
Managers Ron Atkinson and Jimmy Melia lead their respective sides out ahead of the 1983 final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 21 May.
Managers Ron Atkinson and Jimmy Melia lead their respective sides out ahead of the 1983 final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 21 May.
FA Cup 3rd round weekend & it's Everton v Sunderland, better known in my house as the Leigh Roose derby.
.....and if you don't know who Leigh Roose was, then you need to treat yourself to a copy of 'Lost In France', my biography of the man who virtually invented goalkeeping.
.....and if you don't know who Leigh Roose was, then you need to treat yourself to a copy of 'Lost In France', my biography of the man who virtually invented goalkeeping.
January 10, 2026 at 12:03 PM
FA Cup 3rd round weekend & it's Everton v Sunderland, better known in my house as the Leigh Roose derby.
.....and if you don't know who Leigh Roose was, then you need to treat yourself to a copy of 'Lost In France', my biography of the man who virtually invented goalkeeping.
.....and if you don't know who Leigh Roose was, then you need to treat yourself to a copy of 'Lost In France', my biography of the man who virtually invented goalkeeping.
"Mullers said ‘You’re just the fella we need. You’ve got nuisance value. Will you come and play for us?’ And, to tell you the truth, I was flattered that somebody wanted me."
Martin Chivers, who has died aged 80, remembers his career swansong at Brighton in 1979. RIP big man.
Martin Chivers, who has died aged 80, remembers his career swansong at Brighton in 1979. RIP big man.
January 7, 2026 at 5:40 PM
"Mullers said ‘You’re just the fella we need. You’ve got nuisance value. Will you come and play for us?’ And, to tell you the truth, I was flattered that somebody wanted me."
Martin Chivers, who has died aged 80, remembers his career swansong at Brighton in 1979. RIP big man.
Martin Chivers, who has died aged 80, remembers his career swansong at Brighton in 1979. RIP big man.
Northern Ireland & Brighton winger Steve Penney skips past Paul Gascoigne and various other Newcastle players at St James' Park on 4 January 1986. Second tier Brighton beat top flight Newcastle 2-0 in this FA Cup 3rd round tie, played the same day Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy died.
January 4, 2026 at 11:39 AM
Northern Ireland & Brighton winger Steve Penney skips past Paul Gascoigne and various other Newcastle players at St James' Park on 4 January 1986. Second tier Brighton beat top flight Newcastle 2-0 in this FA Cup 3rd round tie, played the same day Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy died.
Reposted by Spencer Vignes
One of my personal highlights of 2025 is reading Postcards From Santiago by Spencer.
A must for all #NUFC fans imho. Get on it if you haven't. Social history, Newcastle United history. It needs to be kept alive. Newcastle United pre dates the Saudi takeover.
A must for all #NUFC fans imho. Get on it if you haven't. Social history, Newcastle United history. It needs to be kept alive. Newcastle United pre dates the Saudi takeover.
A tip of the hat to anyone who bought one of my books in 2025. For those who didn't, they're still on sale in 2026, so what are you waiting for?
December 31, 2025 at 11:32 AM
One of my personal highlights of 2025 is reading Postcards From Santiago by Spencer.
A must for all #NUFC fans imho. Get on it if you haven't. Social history, Newcastle United history. It needs to be kept alive. Newcastle United pre dates the Saudi takeover.
A must for all #NUFC fans imho. Get on it if you haven't. Social history, Newcastle United history. It needs to be kept alive. Newcastle United pre dates the Saudi takeover.
A tip of the hat to anyone who bought one of my books in 2025. For those who didn't, they're still on sale in 2026, so what are you waiting for?
December 31, 2025 at 11:15 AM
A tip of the hat to anyone who bought one of my books in 2025. For those who didn't, they're still on sale in 2026, so what are you waiting for?
The late Tommy Caton of Manchester City (left) gives chase with Brighton's Peter Ward in this beautifully evocative picture taken 46 years ago today at the Goldstone Ground. Brighton went on to win 4-1 in front of the BBC's Match of the Day cameras.
December 29, 2025 at 10:13 AM
The late Tommy Caton of Manchester City (left) gives chase with Brighton's Peter Ward in this beautifully evocative picture taken 46 years ago today at the Goldstone Ground. Brighton went on to win 4-1 in front of the BBC's Match of the Day cameras.
Nothing says Christmas more to a 56-year-old man than a book about crime writing by @nicktriplow.bsky.social & pairs of Deltic and Brian Clough socks from @sockcouncil.bsky.social
December 26, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Nothing says Christmas more to a 56-year-old man than a book about crime writing by @nicktriplow.bsky.social & pairs of Deltic and Brian Clough socks from @sockcouncil.bsky.social
One of my favourite pictures of the old Goldstone Ground, Hove. Future England World Cup winner Ray Wilson, born on this day in 1934, tries and fails to keep the ball out of Huddersfield Town's net in their 3-2 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in September 1959.
December 17, 2025 at 10:03 AM
One of my favourite pictures of the old Goldstone Ground, Hove. Future England World Cup winner Ray Wilson, born on this day in 1934, tries and fails to keep the ball out of Huddersfield Town's net in their 3-2 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in September 1959.
Really looking forward to reading this. Out now - 'Feeding The Wolves' by Ashley Ball and Chris Brook, the story of how Mark Crook set up the world's first football academy in a small Yorkshire pit village to serve his beloved Wolverhampton Wanderers.
December 6, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Really looking forward to reading this. Out now - 'Feeding The Wolves' by Ashley Ball and Chris Brook, the story of how Mark Crook set up the world's first football academy in a small Yorkshire pit village to serve his beloved Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Forget Christmas - these books are worth buying (and reading) all year round.
Still, if you are stuck for presents, here's some answers.
Available from all good bookshops, Amazon or, for signed copies, myself. See bio for link to my website with contact details, or DM me.
Still, if you are stuck for presents, here's some answers.
Available from all good bookshops, Amazon or, for signed copies, myself. See bio for link to my website with contact details, or DM me.
November 29, 2025 at 8:50 AM
Forget Christmas - these books are worth buying (and reading) all year round.
Still, if you are stuck for presents, here's some answers.
Available from all good bookshops, Amazon or, for signed copies, myself. See bio for link to my website with contact details, or DM me.
Still, if you are stuck for presents, here's some answers.
Available from all good bookshops, Amazon or, for signed copies, myself. See bio for link to my website with contact details, or DM me.
Forget Christmas - these books are worth buying (and reading) all year round.
Still, if you are stuck for presents, here's some answers.
Available from all good bookshops, Amazon or, for signed copies, myself. See bio for link to my website with contact details, or DM me.
Still, if you are stuck for presents, here's some answers.
Available from all good bookshops, Amazon or, for signed copies, myself. See bio for link to my website with contact details, or DM me.
November 28, 2025 at 10:37 AM
Forget Christmas - these books are worth buying (and reading) all year round.
Still, if you are stuck for presents, here's some answers.
Available from all good bookshops, Amazon or, for signed copies, myself. See bio for link to my website with contact details, or DM me.
Still, if you are stuck for presents, here's some answers.
Available from all good bookshops, Amazon or, for signed copies, myself. See bio for link to my website with contact details, or DM me.
Happy birthday Leigh Roose, born on this day in 1877 in Holt, Wales. Goalkeeper, scholar, soldier, maverick, arguably football's first true superstar, declared missing in action in Oct 1916 at the Battle of the Somme. Very proud, so I am, to be this wonderful man's biographer.
November 26, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Happy birthday Leigh Roose, born on this day in 1877 in Holt, Wales. Goalkeeper, scholar, soldier, maverick, arguably football's first true superstar, declared missing in action in Oct 1916 at the Battle of the Somme. Very proud, so I am, to be this wonderful man's biographer.
In Nov 2025, 70.5% of players in the Premier League are non-UK nationals registered overseas.
This is the story of the first one to become a star in his adopted homeland.
'Postcards From Santiago - The George Robledo Story' by @spencervignes.bsky.social, the perfect stocking filler for Christmas.
This is the story of the first one to become a star in his adopted homeland.
'Postcards From Santiago - The George Robledo Story' by @spencervignes.bsky.social, the perfect stocking filler for Christmas.
November 21, 2025 at 3:34 PM
In Nov 2025, 70.5% of players in the Premier League are non-UK nationals registered overseas.
This is the story of the first one to become a star in his adopted homeland.
'Postcards From Santiago - The George Robledo Story' by @spencervignes.bsky.social, the perfect stocking filler for Christmas.
This is the story of the first one to become a star in his adopted homeland.
'Postcards From Santiago - The George Robledo Story' by @spencervignes.bsky.social, the perfect stocking filler for Christmas.
It's 121 years to the day since Welsh international goalkeeper Leigh Roose made his Everton debut at home to Sunderland, ironically another club he would go on to play for in his long career. Leigh was reported missing in action on the Western Front, France, in October 1916.
November 19, 2025 at 9:53 AM
It's 121 years to the day since Welsh international goalkeeper Leigh Roose made his Everton debut at home to Sunderland, ironically another club he would go on to play for in his long career. Leigh was reported missing in action on the Western Front, France, in October 1916.
Reposted by Spencer Vignes
The fate of Leigh Roose, the celebrated goalkeeper, was a mystery for many decades until @spencervignes.bsky.social
uncovered the sad truth.
Please watch our new film by @mikeroyden.bsky.social & @lewisroyden.bsky.social about Roose’s remarkable life.
efcheritagesociety.com/this-prince-...
uncovered the sad truth.
Please watch our new film by @mikeroyden.bsky.social & @lewisroyden.bsky.social about Roose’s remarkable life.
efcheritagesociety.com/this-prince-...
November 16, 2025 at 9:35 AM
The fate of Leigh Roose, the celebrated goalkeeper, was a mystery for many decades until @spencervignes.bsky.social
uncovered the sad truth.
Please watch our new film by @mikeroyden.bsky.social & @lewisroyden.bsky.social about Roose’s remarkable life.
efcheritagesociety.com/this-prince-...
uncovered the sad truth.
Please watch our new film by @mikeroyden.bsky.social & @lewisroyden.bsky.social about Roose’s remarkable life.
efcheritagesociety.com/this-prince-...
Books make great gifts, they really do. If you'd like a signed or dedicated copy of any of my books to give as Christmas presents (or to yourself!) then drop me a line. See my Bluesky bio for a link to my website containing all contact details, or DM me.
November 16, 2025 at 9:56 AM
Books make great gifts, they really do. If you'd like a signed or dedicated copy of any of my books to give as Christmas presents (or to yourself!) then drop me a line. See my Bluesky bio for a link to my website containing all contact details, or DM me.
Reposted by Spencer Vignes
November 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM
The perfect present for any football fan this Christmas, no matter which team they might support.
Read about George Robledo, the first overseas star of English football, in 'Postcards From Santiago' by Spencer Vignes, available through @bitebackpublishing.bsky.social, Amazon & all good bookshops.
Read about George Robledo, the first overseas star of English football, in 'Postcards From Santiago' by Spencer Vignes, available through @bitebackpublishing.bsky.social, Amazon & all good bookshops.
November 14, 2025 at 12:35 PM
The perfect present for any football fan this Christmas, no matter which team they might support.
Read about George Robledo, the first overseas star of English football, in 'Postcards From Santiago' by Spencer Vignes, available through @bitebackpublishing.bsky.social, Amazon & all good bookshops.
Read about George Robledo, the first overseas star of English football, in 'Postcards From Santiago' by Spencer Vignes, available through @bitebackpublishing.bsky.social, Amazon & all good bookshops.
Reposted by Spencer Vignes
November 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Reposted by Spencer Vignes
@footballandwar.bsky.social will lay a wreath today at the @dulwichhamletfc.bsky.social memorial as part of the club's Remembrance Commemoration
November 8, 2025 at 12:39 PM
@footballandwar.bsky.social will lay a wreath today at the @dulwichhamletfc.bsky.social memorial as part of the club's Remembrance Commemoration
Born on this day in 1930, the oldest surviving Brighton & Hove Albion (and Charlton Athletic) player still walking God's Earth. Happy 95th birthday Eric Gill, one of the best goalkeepers of his generation & the subject (along with Dave Hollins) of my 2022 book 'Eric & Dave'.
November 3, 2025 at 9:40 AM
Born on this day in 1930, the oldest surviving Brighton & Hove Albion (and Charlton Athletic) player still walking God's Earth. Happy 95th birthday Eric Gill, one of the best goalkeepers of his generation & the subject (along with Dave Hollins) of my 2022 book 'Eric & Dave'.
On this very day 52 years ago the players of Brighton & Hove Albion met Brian Clough, their new manager, along with his second in command Peter Taylor at the White Hart Hotel in Lewes. "If you're lucky enough to be here next year, we will be going places," Clough tells them.
November 2, 2025 at 5:49 PM
On this very day 52 years ago the players of Brighton & Hove Albion met Brian Clough, their new manager, along with his second in command Peter Taylor at the White Hart Hotel in Lewes. "If you're lucky enough to be here next year, we will be going places," Clough tells them.
Reposted by Spencer Vignes
Another fantastic cover on the
@officialbhafc.bsky.social programme . Inside, all the usual news and information from the club, plus
@spencervignes.bsky.social takes us back to the run-in of the 1987/88 season, with interviews from some of the players involved. A superb issue #BHAFC #lufc #BHALEE
@officialbhafc.bsky.social programme . Inside, all the usual news and information from the club, plus
@spencervignes.bsky.social takes us back to the run-in of the 1987/88 season, with interviews from some of the players involved. A superb issue #BHAFC #lufc #BHALEE
November 1, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Another fantastic cover on the
@officialbhafc.bsky.social programme . Inside, all the usual news and information from the club, plus
@spencervignes.bsky.social takes us back to the run-in of the 1987/88 season, with interviews from some of the players involved. A superb issue #BHAFC #lufc #BHALEE
@officialbhafc.bsky.social programme . Inside, all the usual news and information from the club, plus
@spencervignes.bsky.social takes us back to the run-in of the 1987/88 season, with interviews from some of the players involved. A superb issue #BHAFC #lufc #BHALEE