Lee Wellings
@leewellings.bsky.social
‘The Sports Specialist’ on Substack.com.
Ex Sky, BBC, ITN Sports Ed.
Author: new book ‘Football Fables’
Ex Sky, BBC, ITN Sports Ed.
Author: new book ‘Football Fables’
August 15, 2025 at 8:49 AM
It’s 6 months since the release of #FootballFables (the ‘thinking fan’s book’! Time for a summer push!☀️
You can buy it here:
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
Please do spread the word (loved this review by the ‘Proper Football’ website) & thanks for your hol pics too! 😎📕
www.properfootball.co.uk/post/footbal...
You can buy it here:
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
Please do spread the word (loved this review by the ‘Proper Football’ website) & thanks for your hol pics too! 😎📕
www.properfootball.co.uk/post/footbal...
May 31, 2025 at 9:28 AM
It’s 6 months since the release of #FootballFables (the ‘thinking fan’s book’! Time for a summer push!☀️
You can buy it here:
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
Please do spread the word (loved this review by the ‘Proper Football’ website) & thanks for your hol pics too! 😎📕
www.properfootball.co.uk/post/footbal...
You can buy it here:
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
Please do spread the word (loved this review by the ‘Proper Football’ website) & thanks for your hol pics too! 😎📕
www.properfootball.co.uk/post/footbal...
What a lovely evening it turned out to be in the Costa del SE13 :)
Thank you to all who came, it was great to meet and talk to you, to @andithomas.bsky.social for his hosting & @sirobnik.bsky.social
for organising.
To be back in childhood library, reading from my book #FootballFables, was a joy.🙏🏼
Thank you to all who came, it was great to meet and talk to you, to @andithomas.bsky.social for his hosting & @sirobnik.bsky.social
for organising.
To be back in childhood library, reading from my book #FootballFables, was a joy.🙏🏼
May 15, 2025 at 11:27 AM
What a lovely evening it turned out to be in the Costa del SE13 :)
Thank you to all who came, it was great to meet and talk to you, to @andithomas.bsky.social for his hosting & @sirobnik.bsky.social
for organising.
To be back in childhood library, reading from my book #FootballFables, was a joy.🙏🏼
Thank you to all who came, it was great to meet and talk to you, to @andithomas.bsky.social for his hosting & @sirobnik.bsky.social
for organising.
To be back in childhood library, reading from my book #FootballFables, was a joy.🙏🏼
Please do join us for an event at Manor House Library in south east London this Tuesday.
I’ll be with fellow author Andi Thomas to talk about the beautiful & ugly sides of ⚽️ at the library of my childhood.
🗓️Tues May 13. Kick off 7pm
Link for free entry:
calicolibraries.com/events/footb...
I’ll be with fellow author Andi Thomas to talk about the beautiful & ugly sides of ⚽️ at the library of my childhood.
🗓️Tues May 13. Kick off 7pm
Link for free entry:
calicolibraries.com/events/footb...
May 12, 2025 at 6:55 AM
Please do join us for an event at Manor House Library in south east London this Tuesday.
I’ll be with fellow author Andi Thomas to talk about the beautiful & ugly sides of ⚽️ at the library of my childhood.
🗓️Tues May 13. Kick off 7pm
Link for free entry:
calicolibraries.com/events/footb...
I’ll be with fellow author Andi Thomas to talk about the beautiful & ugly sides of ⚽️ at the library of my childhood.
🗓️Tues May 13. Kick off 7pm
Link for free entry:
calicolibraries.com/events/footb...
Perfect words in this FB article from ‘Proper Football’ whose content and ethos is attracting an increasing amount of fans.
I’m grateful to them for their support of my own writing and events, including the Q&A at Manor House Library in SE London on May 13. 🙏🏼
👀
www.facebook.com/share/p/15V1...
I’m grateful to them for their support of my own writing and events, including the Q&A at Manor House Library in SE London on May 13. 🙏🏼
👀
www.facebook.com/share/p/15V1...
April 30, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Perfect words in this FB article from ‘Proper Football’ whose content and ethos is attracting an increasing amount of fans.
I’m grateful to them for their support of my own writing and events, including the Q&A at Manor House Library in SE London on May 13. 🙏🏼
👀
www.facebook.com/share/p/15V1...
I’m grateful to them for their support of my own writing and events, including the Q&A at Manor House Library in SE London on May 13. 🙏🏼
👀
www.facebook.com/share/p/15V1...
(The tv report as mentioned in original post) :)
April 25, 2025 at 1:20 PM
(The tv report as mentioned in original post) :)
A decision has been made! It has to be the lucky Sweden 🇸🇪 shirt for Saturday’s massive Horsham game. It has a 100 per cent winning record 🙏🏼.
But we want promotion, not just a win v Hashtag United (real name!)
Bucket hat & trainers are 2 from 2. But socks from TV report lost their luck !🥴
#COYH💛💚
But we want promotion, not just a win v Hashtag United (real name!)
Bucket hat & trainers are 2 from 2. But socks from TV report lost their luck !🥴
#COYH💛💚
April 25, 2025 at 1:17 PM
A decision has been made! It has to be the lucky Sweden 🇸🇪 shirt for Saturday’s massive Horsham game. It has a 100 per cent winning record 🙏🏼.
But we want promotion, not just a win v Hashtag United (real name!)
Bucket hat & trainers are 2 from 2. But socks from TV report lost their luck !🥴
#COYH💛💚
But we want promotion, not just a win v Hashtag United (real name!)
Bucket hat & trainers are 2 from 2. But socks from TV report lost their luck !🥴
#COYH💛💚
DON’T mess with the Gangsta Ref.
I really wouldn’t advise it.
DO subscribe/upgrade to read it. Whether it’s just for the month or an annual subscription:
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
More info on who the Gangsta Ref is:
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
I really wouldn’t advise it.
DO subscribe/upgrade to read it. Whether it’s just for the month or an annual subscription:
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
More info on who the Gangsta Ref is:
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
March 7, 2025 at 8:56 AM
DON’T mess with the Gangsta Ref.
I really wouldn’t advise it.
DO subscribe/upgrade to read it. Whether it’s just for the month or an annual subscription:
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
More info on who the Gangsta Ref is:
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
I really wouldn’t advise it.
DO subscribe/upgrade to read it. Whether it’s just for the month or an annual subscription:
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
More info on who the Gangsta Ref is:
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
March 6, 2025 at 8:39 AM
New from The Sports Specialist:
Have you noticed how awkward post-match football interviews have become?
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
(article is for paying subscribers. The tweet below has how to sign up/upgrade. I recommend the annual subscription which is less per month👍🏼)
Have you noticed how awkward post-match football interviews have become?
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
(article is for paying subscribers. The tweet below has how to sign up/upgrade. I recommend the annual subscription which is less per month👍🏼)
February 14, 2025 at 9:31 AM
New from The Sports Specialist:
Have you noticed how awkward post-match football interviews have become?
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
(article is for paying subscribers. The tweet below has how to sign up/upgrade. I recommend the annual subscription which is less per month👍🏼)
Have you noticed how awkward post-match football interviews have become?
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
(article is for paying subscribers. The tweet below has how to sign up/upgrade. I recommend the annual subscription which is less per month👍🏼)
In a moment of madness I nearly wore this t-shirt today (seen here in sunnier climes) because I’ll be watching one of my favourite-ever players @Robotoole7 in action.
But Rob now plays for Whitehawk in @isthmianleague.bsky.social
- opponents of my boys HorshamFC. 😮🥴
I ain’t jinxin HFC!
#COYH💛💚🙏🏼
But Rob now plays for Whitehawk in @isthmianleague.bsky.social
- opponents of my boys HorshamFC. 😮🥴
I ain’t jinxin HFC!
#COYH💛💚🙏🏼
February 8, 2025 at 9:18 AM
In a moment of madness I nearly wore this t-shirt today (seen here in sunnier climes) because I’ll be watching one of my favourite-ever players @Robotoole7 in action.
But Rob now plays for Whitehawk in @isthmianleague.bsky.social
- opponents of my boys HorshamFC. 😮🥴
I ain’t jinxin HFC!
#COYH💛💚🙏🏼
But Rob now plays for Whitehawk in @isthmianleague.bsky.social
- opponents of my boys HorshamFC. 😮🥴
I ain’t jinxin HFC!
#COYH💛💚🙏🏼
My new fable Asterisk FC is about ⚽️ clubs that are bought/used for online streaming. Fans at grounds often taken for granted.
Last Saturday I posted photo of 400 @HorshamFC fans (tier 7) away at Lewes that struck a chord with fans❤️
Proper football, bringing people together 😍
Last Saturday I posted photo of 400 @HorshamFC fans (tier 7) away at Lewes that struck a chord with fans❤️
Proper football, bringing people together 😍
January 24, 2025 at 7:34 PM
My new fable Asterisk FC is about ⚽️ clubs that are bought/used for online streaming. Fans at grounds often taken for granted.
Last Saturday I posted photo of 400 @HorshamFC fans (tier 7) away at Lewes that struck a chord with fans❤️
Proper football, bringing people together 😍
Last Saturday I posted photo of 400 @HorshamFC fans (tier 7) away at Lewes that struck a chord with fans❤️
Proper football, bringing people together 😍
January so far from The Sports Specialist
Who got the invite to #FIFA’s new Club World Cup?
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
Where are the Black ⚽️ managers?
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
New Football Fable: Asterisk FC *
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
It’s a good time to subscribe ⬇️
Who got the invite to #FIFA’s new Club World Cup?
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
Where are the Black ⚽️ managers?
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
New Football Fable: Asterisk FC *
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
It’s a good time to subscribe ⬇️
January 24, 2025 at 6:43 PM
January so far from The Sports Specialist
Who got the invite to #FIFA’s new Club World Cup?
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
Where are the Black ⚽️ managers?
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
New Football Fable: Asterisk FC *
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
It’s a good time to subscribe ⬇️
Who got the invite to #FIFA’s new Club World Cup?
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
Where are the Black ⚽️ managers?
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
New Football Fable: Asterisk FC *
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
It’s a good time to subscribe ⬇️
A new online Football Fable has been released via ‘The Sports Specialist’ on #Substack
Asterisk FC is about new football clubs being formed for online/streaming consumption.
Plastic clubs for plastic fans.
In this case they use AI….
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
Asterisk FC is about new football clubs being formed for online/streaming consumption.
Plastic clubs for plastic fans.
In this case they use AI….
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
January 24, 2025 at 11:25 AM
A new online Football Fable has been released via ‘The Sports Specialist’ on #Substack
Asterisk FC is about new football clubs being formed for online/streaming consumption.
Plastic clubs for plastic fans.
In this case they use AI….
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
Asterisk FC is about new football clubs being formed for online/streaming consumption.
Plastic clubs for plastic fans.
In this case they use AI….
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
Soccer is a bigger deal than ever in the U.S.
#FIFA President Gianni #Infantino is attending #Trump inauguration & promoting the two big global tournaments staged in 🇺🇸 next 18 months.
It’s a key subject of ‘The Sports Specialist’ and a good time to subscribe:
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
#FIFA President Gianni #Infantino is attending #Trump inauguration & promoting the two big global tournaments staged in 🇺🇸 next 18 months.
It’s a key subject of ‘The Sports Specialist’ and a good time to subscribe:
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
January 20, 2025 at 9:28 AM
Soccer is a bigger deal than ever in the U.S.
#FIFA President Gianni #Infantino is attending #Trump inauguration & promoting the two big global tournaments staged in 🇺🇸 next 18 months.
It’s a key subject of ‘The Sports Specialist’ and a good time to subscribe:
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
#FIFA President Gianni #Infantino is attending #Trump inauguration & promoting the two big global tournaments staged in 🇺🇸 next 18 months.
It’s a key subject of ‘The Sports Specialist’ and a good time to subscribe:
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
These are supporters of #HorshamFC of West Sussex. Hundreds of them. In 7th tier of English football.
But this isn’t a home match. It’s an away game at Lewes.
Fans don’t travel at this level anywhere else in 🌎. Being amongst them is a beautiful thing.
Our rise continues. 💛💚🚀
#awayfans
But this isn’t a home match. It’s an away game at Lewes.
Fans don’t travel at this level anywhere else in 🌎. Being amongst them is a beautiful thing.
Our rise continues. 💛💚🚀
#awayfans
January 19, 2025 at 10:26 AM
These are supporters of #HorshamFC of West Sussex. Hundreds of them. In 7th tier of English football.
But this isn’t a home match. It’s an away game at Lewes.
Fans don’t travel at this level anywhere else in 🌎. Being amongst them is a beautiful thing.
Our rise continues. 💛💚🚀
#awayfans
But this isn’t a home match. It’s an away game at Lewes.
Fans don’t travel at this level anywhere else in 🌎. Being amongst them is a beautiful thing.
Our rise continues. 💛💚🚀
#awayfans
New from The Sports Specialist:
‘Where are the black football managers?’
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
Also:
‘The invite to the new Club World Cup’
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
And to buy my new book Football Fables: The First Eleven:
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
#sportsbooks #BookSky #Substack
‘Where are the black football managers?’
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
Also:
‘The invite to the new Club World Cup’
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
And to buy my new book Football Fables: The First Eleven:
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
#sportsbooks #BookSky #Substack
January 18, 2025 at 9:16 AM
New from The Sports Specialist:
‘Where are the black football managers?’
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
Also:
‘The invite to the new Club World Cup’
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
And to buy my new book Football Fables: The First Eleven:
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
#sportsbooks #BookSky #Substack
‘Where are the black football managers?’
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
Also:
‘The invite to the new Club World Cup’
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
And to buy my new book Football Fables: The First Eleven:
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
#sportsbooks #BookSky #Substack
Exactly ten years ago, made a special programme (in The Shard) for AJE on the lack of black football managers.
This was the closing sequence.
There were three in entire English football league in 2015.
Now there are just two.
This was the closing sequence.
There were three in entire English football league in 2015.
Now there are just two.
January 17, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Exactly ten years ago, made a special programme (in The Shard) for AJE on the lack of black football managers.
This was the closing sequence.
There were three in entire English football league in 2015.
Now there are just two.
This was the closing sequence.
There were three in entire English football league in 2015.
Now there are just two.
Any #BBCRadio listeners who just heard me talking about the new Match of the Day presenting line-up….
Football Fables is available to buy here:
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
Articles on sport including media coverage:
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
#MatchofTheDay
Football Fables is available to buy here:
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
Articles on sport including media coverage:
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
#MatchofTheDay
January 16, 2025 at 9:04 AM
Any #BBCRadio listeners who just heard me talking about the new Match of the Day presenting line-up….
Football Fables is available to buy here:
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
Articles on sport including media coverage:
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
#MatchofTheDay
Football Fables is available to buy here:
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
Articles on sport including media coverage:
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
#MatchofTheDay
3rd round weekend of the #FACup.
If you’re a fan having to accommodate an absurd kick-off time for global tv purposes, my commiserations.
What football is, was & should be is captured in my new book Football Fables, eleven original stories.
Link here:
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
#Booksky #Footballbooks
If you’re a fan having to accommodate an absurd kick-off time for global tv purposes, my commiserations.
What football is, was & should be is captured in my new book Football Fables, eleven original stories.
Link here:
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
#Booksky #Footballbooks
January 11, 2025 at 9:12 AM
3rd round weekend of the #FACup.
If you’re a fan having to accommodate an absurd kick-off time for global tv purposes, my commiserations.
What football is, was & should be is captured in my new book Football Fables, eleven original stories.
Link here:
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
#Booksky #Footballbooks
If you’re a fan having to accommodate an absurd kick-off time for global tv purposes, my commiserations.
What football is, was & should be is captured in my new book Football Fables, eleven original stories.
Link here:
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
#Booksky #Footballbooks
New from “The Sports Specialist”
Who got an invite to FIFA’s Club World Cup?
The best brand is in.
But not the best team…
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
Who got an invite to FIFA’s Club World Cup?
The best brand is in.
But not the best team…
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
January 10, 2025 at 10:10 AM
New from “The Sports Specialist”
Who got an invite to FIFA’s Club World Cup?
The best brand is in.
But not the best team…
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
Who got an invite to FIFA’s Club World Cup?
The best brand is in.
But not the best team…
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
A short Q & A on why you should become a paying subscriber to The Sports Specialist in 2025.
I’ve covered sports for 35 years, genuinely representing fans and continue to hold those running sports to account👊🏼
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
(subscription inc The Fable Guy)
Book:
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
I’ve covered sports for 35 years, genuinely representing fans and continue to hold those running sports to account👊🏼
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
(subscription inc The Fable Guy)
Book:
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
January 6, 2025 at 10:31 AM
A short Q & A on why you should become a paying subscriber to The Sports Specialist in 2025.
I’ve covered sports for 35 years, genuinely representing fans and continue to hold those running sports to account👊🏼
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
(subscription inc The Fable Guy)
Book:
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
I’ve covered sports for 35 years, genuinely representing fans and continue to hold those running sports to account👊🏼
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
(subscription inc The Fable Guy)
Book:
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
End of 2024 links:
1. Article:
‘The Step Away’
“get off the smartphone..”
2. Subscribe to ‘The Fable Guy’
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
3. buy ‘Football Fables, The First Eleven’📕
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
Happy Christmas, onwards & upwards in 2025 ✍🏼🚀 x
#booksky
1. Article:
‘The Step Away’
“get off the smartphone..”
2. Subscribe to ‘The Fable Guy’
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
3. buy ‘Football Fables, The First Eleven’📕
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
Happy Christmas, onwards & upwards in 2025 ✍🏼🚀 x
#booksky
December 20, 2024 at 11:38 AM
End of 2024 links:
1. Article:
‘The Step Away’
“get off the smartphone..”
2. Subscribe to ‘The Fable Guy’
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
3. buy ‘Football Fables, The First Eleven’📕
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
Happy Christmas, onwards & upwards in 2025 ✍🏼🚀 x
#booksky
1. Article:
‘The Step Away’
“get off the smartphone..”
2. Subscribe to ‘The Fable Guy’
open.substack.com/pub/leewelli...
3. buy ‘Football Fables, The First Eleven’📕
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
Happy Christmas, onwards & upwards in 2025 ✍🏼🚀 x
#booksky
Thank you to the Non League paper, the home of proper football, for including Football Fables on the list of best books for Christmas.🌲📕⚽️
Link to buy is here:
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
#BookSky
Link to buy is here:
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
#BookSky
December 15, 2024 at 10:16 AM
Thank you to the Non League paper, the home of proper football, for including Football Fables on the list of best books for Christmas.🌲📕⚽️
Link to buy is here:
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
#BookSky
Link to buy is here:
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
#BookSky
If you’re doing your #BlackFriday thing don’t forget the book every football fan needs for Christmas.
Eleven original Football Fables including ‘The Footballer who Kicked A Tortoise’ and ‘The Man Who Murdered Football’.
Link:
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
#XmasBooks #GotyourCopies?
#BookSky
Eleven original Football Fables including ‘The Footballer who Kicked A Tortoise’ and ‘The Man Who Murdered Football’.
Link:
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
#XmasBooks #GotyourCopies?
#BookSky
November 29, 2024 at 8:20 AM
If you’re doing your #BlackFriday thing don’t forget the book every football fan needs for Christmas.
Eleven original Football Fables including ‘The Footballer who Kicked A Tortoise’ and ‘The Man Who Murdered Football’.
Link:
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
#XmasBooks #GotyourCopies?
#BookSky
Eleven original Football Fables including ‘The Footballer who Kicked A Tortoise’ and ‘The Man Who Murdered Football’.
Link:
tiny.cc/7jqtzz
#XmasBooks #GotyourCopies?
#BookSky