Outside Write (Chris Lee) ⚽️
@outsidewrite.bsky.social
The curious fan’s football Substack and podcast. Run by Chris Lee, author of 📕Origin Stories (2021), 📘The Defiant (2022), and 📗Shades of Green (2025).
Groundhopping and football culture and history.
More 👉 https://linktr.ee/outsidewrite
Groundhopping and football culture and history.
More 👉 https://linktr.ee/outsidewrite
I was born in 1975, and it's one of the few years when the UK population *fell* (due to emigration, ironically...) because things were so bad.
So, no. Things are better now.
And they would be even better if we rejoined the world's biggest single market and the rich were taxed properly.
So, no. Things are better now.
And they would be even better if we rejoined the world's biggest single market and the rich were taxed properly.
This is true. In 1975, inflation was nosing 20%. Otoh, it was also the last time a chancellor put up the basic rate of inflation.
"What is certain, and felt instinctively by almost everybody, is that things cannot go on in their present way" – The Times, May 1975
“It is difficult to imagine a previous period when such an all-pervasive hopelessness was exhibited at all levels of British life” – Professor Stephen Haseler, 1975
“It is difficult to imagine a previous period when such an all-pervasive hopelessness was exhibited at all levels of British life” – Professor Stephen Haseler, 1975
November 14, 2025 at 9:59 AM
I was born in 1975, and it's one of the few years when the UK population *fell* (due to emigration, ironically...) because things were so bad.
So, no. Things are better now.
And they would be even better if we rejoined the world's biggest single market and the rich were taxed properly.
So, no. Things are better now.
And they would be even better if we rejoined the world's biggest single market and the rich were taxed properly.
#OnThisDay 14 Nov 1934 🏴 v 🇮🇹
England hosted world champions Italy at the Arsenal, which became known as 'The Battle of Highbury' due to its ferocity
Italy played with 10 men after Luis Monti's early injury, so despite losing 3-2, they were fated at home as the 'Lions of Highbury'
Here's Highbury
England hosted world champions Italy at the Arsenal, which became known as 'The Battle of Highbury' due to its ferocity
Italy played with 10 men after Luis Monti's early injury, so despite losing 3-2, they were fated at home as the 'Lions of Highbury'
Here's Highbury
November 14, 2025 at 8:31 AM
#OnThisDay 14 Nov 1934 🏴 v 🇮🇹
England hosted world champions Italy at the Arsenal, which became known as 'The Battle of Highbury' due to its ferocity
Italy played with 10 men after Luis Monti's early injury, so despite losing 3-2, they were fated at home as the 'Lions of Highbury'
Here's Highbury
England hosted world champions Italy at the Arsenal, which became known as 'The Battle of Highbury' due to its ferocity
Italy played with 10 men after Luis Monti's early injury, so despite losing 3-2, they were fated at home as the 'Lions of Highbury'
Here's Highbury
#OnThisDay 13 Nov 1945
Chelsea hosted Dynamo Moscow in what was supposed to be a post-WWII friendly match
Instead, the Soviets' tour inspired George Orwell's famous line describing competitive sport as "war minus the shooting"
I cover Soviet footballers' WWII resistance in my book, The Defiant
Chelsea hosted Dynamo Moscow in what was supposed to be a post-WWII friendly match
Instead, the Soviets' tour inspired George Orwell's famous line describing competitive sport as "war minus the shooting"
I cover Soviet footballers' WWII resistance in my book, The Defiant
November 13, 2025 at 8:45 AM
#OnThisDay 13 Nov 1945
Chelsea hosted Dynamo Moscow in what was supposed to be a post-WWII friendly match
Instead, the Soviets' tour inspired George Orwell's famous line describing competitive sport as "war minus the shooting"
I cover Soviet footballers' WWII resistance in my book, The Defiant
Chelsea hosted Dynamo Moscow in what was supposed to be a post-WWII friendly match
Instead, the Soviets' tour inspired George Orwell's famous line describing competitive sport as "war minus the shooting"
I cover Soviet footballers' WWII resistance in my book, The Defiant
NEW POST 🗞️
I know a lot of my followers are interested in South American football, so here’s a list of the Best Books on South American Football 🌎
Features @jonawils.bsky.social @hylland.bsky.social @rhyswrichards.bsky.social and more...
Any you’d add?
open.substack.com/pub/outsidew...
I know a lot of my followers are interested in South American football, so here’s a list of the Best Books on South American Football 🌎
Features @jonawils.bsky.social @hylland.bsky.social @rhyswrichards.bsky.social and more...
Any you’d add?
open.substack.com/pub/outsidew...
The Best Books About South American Football
South America takes football to another level, and it’s often led football writing to new heights as well. Here are some of the best books out there on South American football...
open.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 8:01 AM
NEW POST 🗞️
I know a lot of my followers are interested in South American football, so here’s a list of the Best Books on South American Football 🌎
Features @jonawils.bsky.social @hylland.bsky.social @rhyswrichards.bsky.social and more...
Any you’d add?
open.substack.com/pub/outsidew...
I know a lot of my followers are interested in South American football, so here’s a list of the Best Books on South American Football 🌎
Features @jonawils.bsky.social @hylland.bsky.social @rhyswrichards.bsky.social and more...
Any you’d add?
open.substack.com/pub/outsidew...
Reposted by Outside Write (Chris Lee) ⚽️
Why does a seventh-tier club in a Leicestershire market town get thousands of Spanish football fans watching their games online and groups coming over to watch matches?
A very cool story, like a real-life watch along Football Manager save.
inews.co.uk/sport/footba...
A very cool story, like a real-life watch along Football Manager save.
inews.co.uk/sport/footba...
The tiny English market town attracting Spanish football fans
Here's how a club in Leicestershire became a real life Football Manager project
inews.co.uk
November 13, 2025 at 7:52 AM
Why does a seventh-tier club in a Leicestershire market town get thousands of Spanish football fans watching their games online and groups coming over to watch matches?
A very cool story, like a real-life watch along Football Manager save.
inews.co.uk/sport/footba...
A very cool story, like a real-life watch along Football Manager save.
inews.co.uk/sport/footba...
This Sunday's podcast guest is @chrislepkowski.bsky.social discussing his new book on the pivotal 1985/86 season
Was this the genesis of the Prem?
Sub/catch up wherever you get your podcasts...
Was this the genesis of the Prem?
Sub/catch up wherever you get your podcasts...
November 12, 2025 at 7:23 PM
This Sunday's podcast guest is @chrislepkowski.bsky.social discussing his new book on the pivotal 1985/86 season
Was this the genesis of the Prem?
Sub/catch up wherever you get your podcasts...
Was this the genesis of the Prem?
Sub/catch up wherever you get your podcasts...
Is your mind turning to Christmas presents? Either for yourself or someone you know?
If you know someone who's into:
🧐 Football history
📣 Football and politics
☘️. Irish things
... then one of my books might be up their street...
If you know someone who's into:
🧐 Football history
📣 Football and politics
☘️. Irish things
... then one of my books might be up their street...
November 12, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Is your mind turning to Christmas presents? Either for yourself or someone you know?
If you know someone who's into:
🧐 Football history
📣 Football and politics
☘️. Irish things
... then one of my books might be up their street...
If you know someone who's into:
🧐 Football history
📣 Football and politics
☘️. Irish things
... then one of my books might be up their street...
Many Argentine football clubs have English-sounding names.
So, I just went and translated as many as I could of the rest, and this is what the league table looks like...
👉🏼 substack.com/@outsidewrit...
#groundhopping
So, I just went and translated as many as I could of the rest, and this is what the league table looks like...
👉🏼 substack.com/@outsidewrit...
#groundhopping
Outside Write (Chris Lee) (@outsidewrite)
So, many Argentine clubs have English-sounding names, so here’s the current table, if they were all in English (some can’t be translated, like family names)
*‘La Plata’ is the River Plate, but the ro...
substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Many Argentine football clubs have English-sounding names.
So, I just went and translated as many as I could of the rest, and this is what the league table looks like...
👉🏼 substack.com/@outsidewrit...
#groundhopping
So, I just went and translated as many as I could of the rest, and this is what the league table looks like...
👉🏼 substack.com/@outsidewrit...
#groundhopping
Worth reading if you speak Spanish or in Chrome with the translate function.
"El estadio no es un paréntesis del mundo". Identidad, educación y comunidad frente al negocio que expulsa al hincha de los campos.
Gran entrevista de @ignaciopato.bsky.social a @galderreguera.bsky.social, que presenta 'Por qué el fútbol'
Gran entrevista de @ignaciopato.bsky.social a @galderreguera.bsky.social, que presenta 'Por qué el fútbol'
Galder Reguera: "No exijo a un futbolista que tenga un posicionamiento político, pero cuando lo tiene es un poco más héroe"
El autor presenta una antología de columnas en las que, con agudeza y ternura, el fútbol explica la vida
www.eldiario.es
November 12, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Worth reading if you speak Spanish or in Chrome with the translate function.
Reposted by Outside Write (Chris Lee) ⚽️
NEW POST 🗞️
It’s been confirmed that Dalymount Park, the ‘spiritual home of Irish football’, will see one more year of League of Ireland football before redevelopment.
GET THERE WHILE YOU CAN!
Here's what makes Dalymount, and @bfcdublin.bsky.social, so special
open.substack.com/pub/outsidew...
It’s been confirmed that Dalymount Park, the ‘spiritual home of Irish football’, will see one more year of League of Ireland football before redevelopment.
GET THERE WHILE YOU CAN!
Here's what makes Dalymount, and @bfcdublin.bsky.social, so special
open.substack.com/pub/outsidew...
Historic Football Stadiums: Dalymount Park, Dublin
The ‘spiritual home of Irish football’ is now due for a long-delayed overhaul. Get to charming, atmospheric, iconic Dalymount Park while you can!
open.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 8:19 AM
NEW POST 🗞️
It’s been confirmed that Dalymount Park, the ‘spiritual home of Irish football’, will see one more year of League of Ireland football before redevelopment.
GET THERE WHILE YOU CAN!
Here's what makes Dalymount, and @bfcdublin.bsky.social, so special
open.substack.com/pub/outsidew...
It’s been confirmed that Dalymount Park, the ‘spiritual home of Irish football’, will see one more year of League of Ireland football before redevelopment.
GET THERE WHILE YOU CAN!
Here's what makes Dalymount, and @bfcdublin.bsky.social, so special
open.substack.com/pub/outsidew...
Reposted by Outside Write (Chris Lee) ⚽️
'They were those like Sir Oswald Mosley who were fascinated by the spectacle of brutal power. They would like to use it themselves. They grovelled to Nazi dictatorship in order that they could make people in their turn grovel to them'
Winston Churchill, 1936
Winston Churchill, 1936
Conservative Shadow Culture Secretary Nigel Huddleston tells GB News that the BBC should "grovel" to Trump.
Amazing how many British 'patriots' are spending their time telling our national broadcaster to prostrate itself before a hostile foreign leader
Amazing how many British 'patriots' are spending their time telling our national broadcaster to prostrate itself before a hostile foreign leader
November 11, 2025 at 12:23 PM
'They were those like Sir Oswald Mosley who were fascinated by the spectacle of brutal power. They would like to use it themselves. They grovelled to Nazi dictatorship in order that they could make people in their turn grovel to them'
Winston Churchill, 1936
Winston Churchill, 1936
Reposted by Outside Write (Chris Lee) ⚽️
I’ve written to Keir Starmer, Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage urging them to condemn Donald Trump’s attack on the BBC.
The BBC belongs to Britain, not Trump. We must defend it together.
The BBC belongs to Britain, not Trump. We must defend it together.
November 10, 2025 at 11:29 AM
I’ve written to Keir Starmer, Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage urging them to condemn Donald Trump’s attack on the BBC.
The BBC belongs to Britain, not Trump. We must defend it together.
The BBC belongs to Britain, not Trump. We must defend it together.
NEW POST 🗞️
It’s been confirmed that Dalymount Park, the ‘spiritual home of Irish football’, will see one more year of League of Ireland football before redevelopment.
GET THERE WHILE YOU CAN!
Here's what makes Dalymount, and @bfcdublin.bsky.social, so special
open.substack.com/pub/outsidew...
It’s been confirmed that Dalymount Park, the ‘spiritual home of Irish football’, will see one more year of League of Ireland football before redevelopment.
GET THERE WHILE YOU CAN!
Here's what makes Dalymount, and @bfcdublin.bsky.social, so special
open.substack.com/pub/outsidew...
Historic Football Stadiums: Dalymount Park, Dublin
The ‘spiritual home of Irish football’ is now due for a long-delayed overhaul. Get to charming, atmospheric, iconic Dalymount Park while you can!
open.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 8:19 AM
NEW POST 🗞️
It’s been confirmed that Dalymount Park, the ‘spiritual home of Irish football’, will see one more year of League of Ireland football before redevelopment.
GET THERE WHILE YOU CAN!
Here's what makes Dalymount, and @bfcdublin.bsky.social, so special
open.substack.com/pub/outsidew...
It’s been confirmed that Dalymount Park, the ‘spiritual home of Irish football’, will see one more year of League of Ireland football before redevelopment.
GET THERE WHILE YOU CAN!
Here's what makes Dalymount, and @bfcdublin.bsky.social, so special
open.substack.com/pub/outsidew...
There are just two more episodes to go in the latest series of the Outside Write podcast before I take a break and return in the spring.
They are:
16/11 🏴 @chrislepkowski.bsky.social on the pivotal 1985/86 season
23/11 🇫🇷 @simonbinns.bsky.social on Red Star Paris
Stay tuned...
They are:
16/11 🏴 @chrislepkowski.bsky.social on the pivotal 1985/86 season
23/11 🇫🇷 @simonbinns.bsky.social on Red Star Paris
Stay tuned...
November 10, 2025 at 6:59 PM
There are just two more episodes to go in the latest series of the Outside Write podcast before I take a break and return in the spring.
They are:
16/11 🏴 @chrislepkowski.bsky.social on the pivotal 1985/86 season
23/11 🇫🇷 @simonbinns.bsky.social on Red Star Paris
Stay tuned...
They are:
16/11 🏴 @chrislepkowski.bsky.social on the pivotal 1985/86 season
23/11 🇫🇷 @simonbinns.bsky.social on Red Star Paris
Stay tuned...
Congratulations to @shamrockrovers.ie on completing their 7th league and cup double 🏆🏆
The Hoops are the League of Ireland's most successful side, historically, but they've come close to extinction before and lost their spiritual home.
Read all about it in my book, Shades of Green 📗 #SRFC
The Hoops are the League of Ireland's most successful side, historically, but they've come close to extinction before and lost their spiritual home.
Read all about it in my book, Shades of Green 📗 #SRFC
November 9, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Congratulations to @shamrockrovers.ie on completing their 7th league and cup double 🏆🏆
The Hoops are the League of Ireland's most successful side, historically, but they've come close to extinction before and lost their spiritual home.
Read all about it in my book, Shades of Green 📗 #SRFC
The Hoops are the League of Ireland's most successful side, historically, but they've come close to extinction before and lost their spiritual home.
Read all about it in my book, Shades of Green 📗 #SRFC
It’s el Superclásico today 🇦🇷
Do you favour River or Boca, or do you not really have a preference?
Do you favour River or Boca, or do you not really have a preference?
November 9, 2025 at 3:41 PM
It’s el Superclásico today 🇦🇷
Do you favour River or Boca, or do you not really have a preference?
Do you favour River or Boca, or do you not really have a preference?
Good luck to my Cork City-supporting friends in the #FAICupFinal today
Here are my shots from my visit to the club in March 2024 as part of my research for my book, ‘Shades of Green: A Journey into Irish Football’
👉🏼 www.instagram.com/p/C4BxNwvIeF...
#CorkCity
Here are my shots from my visit to the club in March 2024 as part of my research for my book, ‘Shades of Green: A Journey into Irish Football’
👉🏼 www.instagram.com/p/C4BxNwvIeF...
#CorkCity
November 9, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Good luck to my Cork City-supporting friends in the #FAICupFinal today
Here are my shots from my visit to the club in March 2024 as part of my research for my book, ‘Shades of Green: A Journey into Irish Football’
👉🏼 www.instagram.com/p/C4BxNwvIeF...
#CorkCity
Here are my shots from my visit to the club in March 2024 as part of my research for my book, ‘Shades of Green: A Journey into Irish Football’
👉🏼 www.instagram.com/p/C4BxNwvIeF...
#CorkCity
#OnThisDay 9 Nov 1989 🇩🇪
The Berlin Wall fell. It's the beginning of the end for East Germany (GDR)
What was football like in the former communist state?
Find out in this podcast from the archives...
Download/listen ▶️ outsidewrite.libsyn.com/category/foo...
The Berlin Wall fell. It's the beginning of the end for East Germany (GDR)
What was football like in the former communist state?
Find out in this podcast from the archives...
Download/listen ▶️ outsidewrite.libsyn.com/category/foo...
November 9, 2025 at 12:03 PM
#OnThisDay 9 Nov 1989 🇩🇪
The Berlin Wall fell. It's the beginning of the end for East Germany (GDR)
What was football like in the former communist state?
Find out in this podcast from the archives...
Download/listen ▶️ outsidewrite.libsyn.com/category/foo...
The Berlin Wall fell. It's the beginning of the end for East Germany (GDR)
What was football like in the former communist state?
Find out in this podcast from the archives...
Download/listen ▶️ outsidewrite.libsyn.com/category/foo...
It’s Palace v Brighton today 😬
So, why are these two clubs from separate cities 75km apart rivals?
Read on open.substack.com/pub/outsidew...
#CRYBHA
So, why are these two clubs from separate cities 75km apart rivals?
Read on open.substack.com/pub/outsidew...
#CRYBHA
November 9, 2025 at 11:52 AM
It’s Palace v Brighton today 😬
So, why are these two clubs from separate cities 75km apart rivals?
Read on open.substack.com/pub/outsidew...
#CRYBHA
So, why are these two clubs from separate cities 75km apart rivals?
Read on open.substack.com/pub/outsidew...
#CRYBHA
NEW PODCAST 🎙️
My guest is BBC journalist @alexbysouth.bsky.social, whose new book covers his search for the soul of football.
Topics include:
🇫🇷 Red Star (Paris)
🇩🇪 Babelsberg
🇮🇹 Refugee football in Napoli
...and much more...
Download/subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Here's a taster...
My guest is BBC journalist @alexbysouth.bsky.social, whose new book covers his search for the soul of football.
Topics include:
🇫🇷 Red Star (Paris)
🇩🇪 Babelsberg
🇮🇹 Refugee football in Napoli
...and much more...
Download/subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Here's a taster...
November 9, 2025 at 10:29 AM
NEW PODCAST 🎙️
My guest is BBC journalist @alexbysouth.bsky.social, whose new book covers his search for the soul of football.
Topics include:
🇫🇷 Red Star (Paris)
🇩🇪 Babelsberg
🇮🇹 Refugee football in Napoli
...and much more...
Download/subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Here's a taster...
My guest is BBC journalist @alexbysouth.bsky.social, whose new book covers his search for the soul of football.
Topics include:
🇫🇷 Red Star (Paris)
🇩🇪 Babelsberg
🇮🇹 Refugee football in Napoli
...and much more...
Download/subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Here's a taster...
Cracking night last night at The Volley in Old Street for the launch of Will Dalton’s new book on San Lorenzo 🇦🇷
For more, listen to my recent podcast with him open.spotify.com/episode/2wY3...
For more, listen to my recent podcast with him open.spotify.com/episode/2wY3...
November 8, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Cracking night last night at The Volley in Old Street for the launch of Will Dalton’s new book on San Lorenzo 🇦🇷
For more, listen to my recent podcast with him open.spotify.com/episode/2wY3...
For more, listen to my recent podcast with him open.spotify.com/episode/2wY3...
Reposted by Outside Write (Chris Lee) ⚽️
NEW POST 🗞️
Crystal Palace host Brighton & Hove Albion tomorrow.
But why are they two clubs, separated by 75kms and two counties, such bitter rivals?
Read on… #groundhopping #PremierLeague #CPFC #BHAFC
open.substack.com/pub/outsidew...
Crystal Palace host Brighton & Hove Albion tomorrow.
But why are they two clubs, separated by 75kms and two counties, such bitter rivals?
Read on… #groundhopping #PremierLeague #CPFC #BHAFC
open.substack.com/pub/outsidew...
Why Brighton and Palace are rivals...and don’t call it the ‘M23 Derby’
This is the story of Seagulls and Eagles. How did football fans from the south coast’s liberal party town and a suburb of South London 50 miles (75kms) away come to blows? And why does it persist?
open.substack.com
November 8, 2025 at 8:02 AM
NEW POST 🗞️
Crystal Palace host Brighton & Hove Albion tomorrow.
But why are they two clubs, separated by 75kms and two counties, such bitter rivals?
Read on… #groundhopping #PremierLeague #CPFC #BHAFC
open.substack.com/pub/outsidew...
Crystal Palace host Brighton & Hove Albion tomorrow.
But why are they two clubs, separated by 75kms and two counties, such bitter rivals?
Read on… #groundhopping #PremierLeague #CPFC #BHAFC
open.substack.com/pub/outsidew...
NEW POST 🗞️
Crystal Palace host Brighton & Hove Albion tomorrow.
But why are they two clubs, separated by 75kms and two counties, such bitter rivals?
Read on… #groundhopping #PremierLeague #CPFC #BHAFC
open.substack.com/pub/outsidew...
Crystal Palace host Brighton & Hove Albion tomorrow.
But why are they two clubs, separated by 75kms and two counties, such bitter rivals?
Read on… #groundhopping #PremierLeague #CPFC #BHAFC
open.substack.com/pub/outsidew...
Why Brighton and Palace are rivals...and don’t call it the ‘M23 Derby’
This is the story of Seagulls and Eagles. How did football fans from the south coast’s liberal party town and a suburb of South London 50 miles (75kms) away come to blows? And why does it persist?
open.substack.com
November 8, 2025 at 8:02 AM
NEW POST 🗞️
Crystal Palace host Brighton & Hove Albion tomorrow.
But why are they two clubs, separated by 75kms and two counties, such bitter rivals?
Read on… #groundhopping #PremierLeague #CPFC #BHAFC
open.substack.com/pub/outsidew...
Crystal Palace host Brighton & Hove Albion tomorrow.
But why are they two clubs, separated by 75kms and two counties, such bitter rivals?
Read on… #groundhopping #PremierLeague #CPFC #BHAFC
open.substack.com/pub/outsidew...
Full house at The Volley for the launch of Oh, San Lorenzo 🐦⬛
November 7, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Full house at The Volley for the launch of Oh, San Lorenzo 🐦⬛
#OnThisDay 7 Nov 1936 🇪🇸
Francoist forces began their assault on the Spanish capital, Madrid.
The fascists expected a quick win, but it took 2.5 years to break through.
More on football's role in the defence of Madrid in my book, The Defiant: A History of Football Against Fascism.
Francoist forces began their assault on the Spanish capital, Madrid.
The fascists expected a quick win, but it took 2.5 years to break through.
More on football's role in the defence of Madrid in my book, The Defiant: A History of Football Against Fascism.
November 7, 2025 at 9:00 AM
#OnThisDay 7 Nov 1936 🇪🇸
Francoist forces began their assault on the Spanish capital, Madrid.
The fascists expected a quick win, but it took 2.5 years to break through.
More on football's role in the defence of Madrid in my book, The Defiant: A History of Football Against Fascism.
Francoist forces began their assault on the Spanish capital, Madrid.
The fascists expected a quick win, but it took 2.5 years to break through.
More on football's role in the defence of Madrid in my book, The Defiant: A History of Football Against Fascism.