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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Is Brief Encounter the greatest romantic film ever made? I'd like to think so. And, to back it up, I've written a piece about it in today's Daily Express. Happy 80th birthday, Brief Encounter.
October 28, 2025 at 10:18 AM
Is Brief Encounter the greatest romantic film ever made? I'd like to think so. And, to back it up, I've written a piece about it in today's Daily Express. Happy 80th birthday, Brief Encounter.
"He was a bit like Alan Shearer really, a good solid body, good legs, strong thighs. He got up and down and he played in that attacking half. He could turn on the ball and he was adept in the air." - Bobby Robson on George Robledo, the first overseas star of English football
October 26, 2025 at 12:28 PM
"He was a bit like Alan Shearer really, a good solid body, good legs, strong thighs. He got up and down and he played in that attacking half. He could turn on the ball and he was adept in the air." - Bobby Robson on George Robledo, the first overseas star of English football
To Brighton & Newcastle fans of a certain age, the name Trelford Mills cuts like a knife through butter when it comes to opinion.
Read my piece in tomorrow's Brighton versus Newcastle match programme recalling the night Mills ruled out two Magpie goals in a feisty FA Cup replay v the Seagulls.
Read my piece in tomorrow's Brighton versus Newcastle match programme recalling the night Mills ruled out two Magpie goals in a feisty FA Cup replay v the Seagulls.
October 17, 2025 at 10:48 AM
To Brighton & Newcastle fans of a certain age, the name Trelford Mills cuts like a knife through butter when it comes to opinion.
Read my piece in tomorrow's Brighton versus Newcastle match programme recalling the night Mills ruled out two Magpie goals in a feisty FA Cup replay v the Seagulls.
Read my piece in tomorrow's Brighton versus Newcastle match programme recalling the night Mills ruled out two Magpie goals in a feisty FA Cup replay v the Seagulls.
My book on the history of the Wimbledon Championships is out next year & you can pre-order a copy now via Waterstones and save 25%!
Just enter the code 'OCTOBER25' at the checkout to redeem the 25% discount from Tuesday 14 to Friday 17 October.
See link below ⬇️
Just enter the code 'OCTOBER25' at the checkout to redeem the 25% discount from Tuesday 14 to Friday 17 October.
See link below ⬇️
October 16, 2025 at 11:18 AM
My book on the history of the Wimbledon Championships is out next year & you can pre-order a copy now via Waterstones and save 25%!
Just enter the code 'OCTOBER25' at the checkout to redeem the 25% discount from Tuesday 14 to Friday 17 October.
See link below ⬇️
Just enter the code 'OCTOBER25' at the checkout to redeem the 25% discount from Tuesday 14 to Friday 17 October.
See link below ⬇️
It's #bookshopday today, the annual celebration of all things to do with high street book shops. If you're planning on buying any of these in the run-up to Christmas, then your local high street book shop is the place to head to.
October 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM
It's #bookshopday today, the annual celebration of all things to do with high street book shops. If you're planning on buying any of these in the run-up to Christmas, then your local high street book shop is the place to head to.
In October 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 Spencer Vignes, available now from @bitebackpublishing.bsky.social
This is the story of the first one to become a star in his adopted homeland.
'Postcards From Santiago - The George Robledo Story' by Spencer Vignes, available now from @bitebackpublishing.bsky.social
October 10, 2025 at 11:21 AM
In October 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 Spencer Vignes, available now from @bitebackpublishing.bsky.social
This is the story of the first one to become a star in his adopted homeland.
'Postcards From Santiago - The George Robledo Story' by Spencer Vignes, available now from @bitebackpublishing.bsky.social
George Robledo was the first overseas star of English football. Never heard of him? Then treat yourself to the latest edition of @fourfourtwo.com magazine to read my four page article about the Chilean goal machine of the 1940s and 50s.
October 3, 2025 at 10:21 AM
George Robledo was the first overseas star of English football. Never heard of him? Then treat yourself to the latest edition of @fourfourtwo.com magazine to read my four page article about the Chilean goal machine of the 1940s and 50s.
This weekend marks the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, and I'll be on the @BBCRadio4 Friday edition of The World Tonight from 10pm talking train songs & what it is about the railways that has fascinated generations of singers, songwriters & musicians. All aboard folks!
September 26, 2025 at 6:06 PM
This weekend marks the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, and I'll be on the @BBCRadio4 Friday edition of The World Tonight from 10pm talking train songs & what it is about the railways that has fascinated generations of singers, songwriters & musicians. All aboard folks!
It's Chilean Independence Day, so what better reason to post a picture of George Robledo, the first overseas star of English football, born in Chile in 1926, a post-war legend with Barnsley & Newcastle Utd before returning to Chile to play for Colo-Colo. Vamos George!
September 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM
It's Chilean Independence Day, so what better reason to post a picture of George Robledo, the first overseas star of English football, born in Chile in 1926, a post-war legend with Barnsley & Newcastle Utd before returning to Chile to play for Colo-Colo. Vamos George!
'A sporting story for the ages' - Adrian Chiles, BBC Radio 5 Live
‘An absolutely brilliant book’ – Paul Ross, talkSPORT
'A remarkable book' - The Daily Express
Just some of the great reviews for 'Postcards From Santiago - The George Robledo Story' by Spencer Vignes, out now.
‘An absolutely brilliant book’ – Paul Ross, talkSPORT
'A remarkable book' - The Daily Express
Just some of the great reviews for 'Postcards From Santiago - The George Robledo Story' by Spencer Vignes, out now.
September 18, 2025 at 10:56 AM
'A sporting story for the ages' - Adrian Chiles, BBC Radio 5 Live
‘An absolutely brilliant book’ – Paul Ross, talkSPORT
'A remarkable book' - The Daily Express
Just some of the great reviews for 'Postcards From Santiago - The George Robledo Story' by Spencer Vignes, out now.
‘An absolutely brilliant book’ – Paul Ross, talkSPORT
'A remarkable book' - The Daily Express
Just some of the great reviews for 'Postcards From Santiago - The George Robledo Story' by Spencer Vignes, out now.
I make absolutely no apology for posting this marvellous image again, seeing as it's 46 years to the day since it was taken. Peter O'Sullivan takes aim for Brighton & Hove Albion versus Ipswich Town at the Goldstone Ground, Hove, on 15 September 1979.
September 15, 2025 at 7:03 AM
I make absolutely no apology for posting this marvellous image again, seeing as it's 46 years to the day since it was taken. Peter O'Sullivan takes aim for Brighton & Hove Albion versus Ipswich Town at the Goldstone Ground, Hove, on 15 September 1979.
'Vignes' zippy and well-constructed book, with chapters named for (John) Lennon songs, leaves the reader in no doubt that Robledo was one of the greatest overseas players to have enriched English football.' - When Saturday Comes magazine (issue 457)
September 12, 2025 at 10:18 AM
'Vignes' zippy and well-constructed book, with chapters named for (John) Lennon songs, leaves the reader in no doubt that Robledo was one of the greatest overseas players to have enriched English football.' - When Saturday Comes magazine (issue 457)
In 1974 John Lennon chose a picture he'd drawn as a child of George Robledo scoring Newcastle's winner in the 1952 FA Cup final for the cover of his album 'Walls and Bridges'.
Discover more about the ties that bound Lennon & Robledo in my book 'Postcards From Santiago', out now.
Discover more about the ties that bound Lennon & Robledo in my book 'Postcards From Santiago', out now.
August 31, 2025 at 10:45 AM
In 1974 John Lennon chose a picture he'd drawn as a child of George Robledo scoring Newcastle's winner in the 1952 FA Cup final for the cover of his album 'Walls and Bridges'.
Discover more about the ties that bound Lennon & Robledo in my book 'Postcards From Santiago', out now.
Discover more about the ties that bound Lennon & Robledo in my book 'Postcards From Santiago', out now.
Books make great gifts, for others or even yourself. If you're going to buy one of mine, then I'd rather you got it through your local indie bookshop. Alternatively there is Amazon. After all, beggars can't be choosers. Just buy a book, and keep this writer in gainful employment.
August 29, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Books make great gifts, for others or even yourself. If you're going to buy one of mine, then I'd rather you got it through your local indie bookshop. Alternatively there is Amazon. After all, beggars can't be choosers. Just buy a book, and keep this writer in gainful employment.
A big thank you to Backpass magazine and their book reviewer Jon Culley for making 'Postcards From Santiago', my biography of George Robledo, the first overseas star of English football, their 'Star Read' in the latest issue. Flattered, so I am.
August 25, 2025 at 11:03 AM
A big thank you to Backpass magazine and their book reviewer Jon Culley for making 'Postcards From Santiago', my biography of George Robledo, the first overseas star of English football, their 'Star Read' in the latest issue. Flattered, so I am.
"Most of my heroes were Newcastle United players, and they do not come any bigger or better than George Robledo in my eyes.” - Bobby Robson on George Robledo, the first overseas star of English football, pictured here scoring for Newcastle against Preston North End
August 21, 2025 at 11:17 AM
"Most of my heroes were Newcastle United players, and they do not come any bigger or better than George Robledo in my eyes.” - Bobby Robson on George Robledo, the first overseas star of English football, pictured here scoring for Newcastle against Preston North End
As much as it's portrayed as the devil, Amazon reviews & ratings can make a huge difference to the fortunes of a book. If you've read 'Postcards From Santiago - The George Robledo Story', and you enjoyed it, please take time to give it a positive review & rating. Thank you.
August 18, 2025 at 12:11 PM
As much as it's portrayed as the devil, Amazon reviews & ratings can make a huge difference to the fortunes of a book. If you've read 'Postcards From Santiago - The George Robledo Story', and you enjoyed it, please take time to give it a positive review & rating. Thank you.
Nice double page spread in today's Daily Express on George Robledo, the first overseas star of English football, and my book about him called 'Postcards From Santiago', published by @bitebackpublishing.bsky.social
August 12, 2025 at 11:34 AM
Nice double page spread in today's Daily Express on George Robledo, the first overseas star of English football, and my book about him called 'Postcards From Santiago', published by @bitebackpublishing.bsky.social
A big thank you to Waterstones book shop in central Newcastle for supporting my new book 'Postcards From Santiago' about George Robledo, the first overseas star of English football, and for staging yesterday's book signing. Any excuse to get back to the Toon!
August 10, 2025 at 4:06 PM
A big thank you to Waterstones book shop in central Newcastle for supporting my new book 'Postcards From Santiago' about George Robledo, the first overseas star of English football, and for staging yesterday's book signing. Any excuse to get back to the Toon!
This Saturday (9 Aug) I'll be dropping by Waterstones book shop in central Newcastle at 11am to sign copies of Postcards From Santiago, my book about ex-Newcastle United forward George Robledo, the first overseas star of English football. If you're local, it'd be good to see you.
August 7, 2025 at 11:24 AM
This Saturday (9 Aug) I'll be dropping by Waterstones book shop in central Newcastle at 11am to sign copies of Postcards From Santiago, my book about ex-Newcastle United forward George Robledo, the first overseas star of English football. If you're local, it'd be good to see you.