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
#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
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...
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...
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.
A #FloodlightFriday for you from this time last year, when I went to el Estadio José Amalfitani to watch Vélez bag a nervy three points on their way to the title. 🇦🇷
Have you been? What did you think?
#Groundhopping
Have you been? What did you think?
#Groundhopping
November 7, 2025 at 8:57 AM
A #FloodlightFriday for you from this time last year, when I went to el Estadio José Amalfitani to watch Vélez bag a nervy three points on their way to the title. 🇦🇷
Have you been? What did you think?
#Groundhopping
Have you been? What did you think?
#Groundhopping
DROPPING SUNDAY 🎙️
My guest is BBC journalist @alexbysouth.bsky.social, who's on the hunt for the soul of football in his new book
Here's a taster...
Sub/catch up wherever you get your podcasts, just look for 'Outside Write'
#groundhopping
My guest is BBC journalist @alexbysouth.bsky.social, who's on the hunt for the soul of football in his new book
Here's a taster...
Sub/catch up wherever you get your podcasts, just look for 'Outside Write'
#groundhopping
November 6, 2025 at 10:19 AM
DROPPING SUNDAY 🎙️
My guest is BBC journalist @alexbysouth.bsky.social, who's on the hunt for the soul of football in his new book
Here's a taster...
Sub/catch up wherever you get your podcasts, just look for 'Outside Write'
#groundhopping
My guest is BBC journalist @alexbysouth.bsky.social, who's on the hunt for the soul of football in his new book
Here's a taster...
Sub/catch up wherever you get your podcasts, just look for 'Outside Write'
#groundhopping
Celtic helped their namesake across the water, Belfast Celtic, get established in 1891.
The club was among the most successful in the Irish League but fell victim to increasing sectarianism and withdrew in 1949.
More in my book, Shades of Green: A Journey into Irish Football
The club was among the most successful in the Irish League but fell victim to increasing sectarianism and withdrew in 1949.
More in my book, Shades of Green: A Journey into Irish Football
November 6, 2025 at 8:55 AM
Celtic helped their namesake across the water, Belfast Celtic, get established in 1891.
The club was among the most successful in the Irish League but fell victim to increasing sectarianism and withdrew in 1949.
More in my book, Shades of Green: A Journey into Irish Football
The club was among the most successful in the Irish League but fell victim to increasing sectarianism and withdrew in 1949.
More in my book, Shades of Green: A Journey into Irish Football
Celtic helped their namesake across the water, Belfast Celtic, get established in 1891.
The club was among the most successful in the League of Ireland but fell victim to increasing sectarianism and withdrew from the league in 1949.
More in my book, Shades of Green: A Journey into Irish Football
The club was among the most successful in the League of Ireland but fell victim to increasing sectarianism and withdrew from the league in 1949.
More in my book, Shades of Green: A Journey into Irish Football
November 6, 2025 at 8:12 AM
Celtic helped their namesake across the water, Belfast Celtic, get established in 1891.
The club was among the most successful in the League of Ireland but fell victim to increasing sectarianism and withdrew from the league in 1949.
More in my book, Shades of Green: A Journey into Irish Football
The club was among the most successful in the League of Ireland but fell victim to increasing sectarianism and withdrew from the league in 1949.
More in my book, Shades of Green: A Journey into Irish Football
#OnThisDay 5 Nov 1875 🏴🌹
Blackburn Rovers were founded at the Legers Hotel
🏆 3x champions of England
🏆 6x FA Cups
🏆 1x League Cup
#BRFC
Blackburn Rovers were founded at the Legers Hotel
🏆 3x champions of England
🏆 6x FA Cups
🏆 1x League Cup
#BRFC
November 5, 2025 at 10:04 AM
#OnThisDay 5 Nov 1875 🏴🌹
Blackburn Rovers were founded at the Legers Hotel
🏆 3x champions of England
🏆 6x FA Cups
🏆 1x League Cup
#BRFC
Blackburn Rovers were founded at the Legers Hotel
🏆 3x champions of England
🏆 6x FA Cups
🏆 1x League Cup
#BRFC
Just a reminder that this week's podcast is a fascinating journey into some of the lesser-known stories from Spain's #LaLiga 🇪🇸
Brendan Madden is my guest, and we cover topics as varied as General Franco to Michael Robinson via Johan Cruyff's failed venture into pig farming...
A taster...
Brendan Madden is my guest, and we cover topics as varied as General Franco to Michael Robinson via Johan Cruyff's failed venture into pig farming...
A taster...
November 4, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Just a reminder that this week's podcast is a fascinating journey into some of the lesser-known stories from Spain's #LaLiga 🇪🇸
Brendan Madden is my guest, and we cover topics as varied as General Franco to Michael Robinson via Johan Cruyff's failed venture into pig farming...
A taster...
Brendan Madden is my guest, and we cover topics as varied as General Franco to Michael Robinson via Johan Cruyff's failed venture into pig farming...
A taster...
Very much enjoying this book ahead of my first visit in a decade to my ‘Alma mater’, Madrid, in the spring 🇪🇸
November 2, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Very much enjoying this book ahead of my first visit in a decade to my ‘Alma mater’, Madrid, in the spring 🇪🇸
#OnThisDay 2 Nov 1892 🇨🇿
Slavia Prague was formed by students in the Czech/Bohemian capital
With the arrival of Sparta the following year, the 'S Derby' can claim to be the longest-running top-flight, cross-city rivalry outside the UK and Ireland
From my book, Origin Stories 👇
Slavia Prague was formed by students in the Czech/Bohemian capital
With the arrival of Sparta the following year, the 'S Derby' can claim to be the longest-running top-flight, cross-city rivalry outside the UK and Ireland
From my book, Origin Stories 👇
November 2, 2025 at 8:57 AM
#OnThisDay 2 Nov 1892 🇨🇿
Slavia Prague was formed by students in the Czech/Bohemian capital
With the arrival of Sparta the following year, the 'S Derby' can claim to be the longest-running top-flight, cross-city rivalry outside the UK and Ireland
From my book, Origin Stories 👇
Slavia Prague was formed by students in the Czech/Bohemian capital
With the arrival of Sparta the following year, the 'S Derby' can claim to be the longest-running top-flight, cross-city rivalry outside the UK and Ireland
From my book, Origin Stories 👇
NEW PODCAST 🎙️
Brendan Madden joins me to discuss his new book, 'Once Upon a Time in La Liga'
This essential listening for anyone interested in Spain and/or #LaLiga 🇪🇸
Download/listen open.spotify.com/episode/3SW3...
Brendan Madden joins me to discuss his new book, 'Once Upon a Time in La Liga'
This essential listening for anyone interested in Spain and/or #LaLiga 🇪🇸
Download/listen open.spotify.com/episode/3SW3...
November 2, 2025 at 8:50 AM
NEW PODCAST 🎙️
Brendan Madden joins me to discuss his new book, 'Once Upon a Time in La Liga'
This essential listening for anyone interested in Spain and/or #LaLiga 🇪🇸
Download/listen open.spotify.com/episode/3SW3...
Brendan Madden joins me to discuss his new book, 'Once Upon a Time in La Liga'
This essential listening for anyone interested in Spain and/or #LaLiga 🇪🇸
Download/listen open.spotify.com/episode/3SW3...
This weekend, @shamrockrovers.ie wrapped up their 22nd League of Ireland title and could win a record-extending 26th FAI Cup next weekend
Yet, it's been touch-and-go at times for Rovers over the years, which you can learn all about in my book... 📗
www.pitchpublishing.co.uk/shop/shades-...
Yet, it's been touch-and-go at times for Rovers over the years, which you can learn all about in my book... 📗
www.pitchpublishing.co.uk/shop/shades-...
November 2, 2025 at 7:49 AM
This weekend, @shamrockrovers.ie wrapped up their 22nd League of Ireland title and could win a record-extending 26th FAI Cup next weekend
Yet, it's been touch-and-go at times for Rovers over the years, which you can learn all about in my book... 📗
www.pitchpublishing.co.uk/shop/shades-...
Yet, it's been touch-and-go at times for Rovers over the years, which you can learn all about in my book... 📗
www.pitchpublishing.co.uk/shop/shades-...
#OnThisDay 1 Nov 1923 🇧🇪
The Bosuilstadion, home of Belgium's oldest club, Royal Antwerp, was opened.
I went in 2015 before the redevelopment. It was pretty old school, and it will always feel weird to hear Belgian fans singing in English.
The Bosuilstadion, home of Belgium's oldest club, Royal Antwerp, was opened.
I went in 2015 before the redevelopment. It was pretty old school, and it will always feel weird to hear Belgian fans singing in English.
November 1, 2025 at 10:06 AM
#OnThisDay 1 Nov 1923 🇧🇪
The Bosuilstadion, home of Belgium's oldest club, Royal Antwerp, was opened.
I went in 2015 before the redevelopment. It was pretty old school, and it will always feel weird to hear Belgian fans singing in English.
The Bosuilstadion, home of Belgium's oldest club, Royal Antwerp, was opened.
I went in 2015 before the redevelopment. It was pretty old school, and it will always feel weird to hear Belgian fans singing in English.