Jon Spurling

Go To War: Football on the Brink in the '80s Go To War: Football on the Brink in the '80s : Jon Spurling: Amazon.co.uk: Books

The paperback is out today!! The inside story of how English football almost destroyed itself in the 1980s, only to re-emerge kicking and screaming by the start of the next decade. Features interviews with dozens of players. #1980s #80s www.amazon.co.uk/Go-War-Footb...

When "We won it at The Lane" in 1971 As we targeted a famous double, we had to win or draw 0-0 at the home of Tottenham to clinch the First Division title

Before the North London derby on Sunday, here's my new piece on how Arsenal won the league at White Hart Lane in '71. Enjoy! www.arsenal.com/news/when-we...

Yes thanks Les - all good here. You keeping busy?

26 years of football book writing here. Hopefully room for a few more yet!!!!.....paperback copies of Go To War are available to pre order now!!!

Anderson: A pioneer, Forest icon and Arsenal hero Learn more about Viv Anderson's exploits, who led the way for English black players while starring in N5 and Nottingham

Prior to the match between both clubs tomorrow, here’s my new piece on the trailblazing Viv Anderson, a star for both Nottingham Forest and Arsenal. Enjoy!!!!!! www.arsenal.com/news/anderso...

‘It’s up for grabs now’. Where were you when this happened? Find out where @jonspurling.bsky.social was (spoiler he wasn’t at Anfield) here - bit.ly/4b29g1W

When cinemas screened our blockbuster Chelsea tie In 1973, our supporters had a matchday like no other when they visited north London cinemas to see an FA Cup quarter-final

Arsenal & Chelsea encounters are always big occasions, but in 1973, the FA Cup Quarter Final between the two sides really did make it to the silver screen. Here's the full story. Enjoy!!..... www.arsenal.com/news/when-ci...

How many people had Pele in the crowd at their first match? Well @jonspurling.bsky.social did and he saw @astonvillafc.bsky.social win Division 1 & @arsefc.bsky.social secure European football. Find out more -
bit.ly/4pD66VM

Thank you Mo!

19/2025. A very easy read thanks to the narration of @jonspurling.bsky.social Each chapter looks at a club or tournament giving a snapshot in time. There are some great stories, many of which I'd never heard before. Highly recommended for any football fan around in the 80s regardless of allegiance.

Ha yes he mentioned that!!!

Willie Young's six standout Gunners games Jon Spurling pays tribute to the Scottish defender, who passed away last month aged 73

I was lucky enough to have interviewed the late Willie Young a couple of times at the turn of the century. Here are his six stand out Gunners games, with contributions from the big man himself. Enjoy...... www.arsenal.com/news/willie-...

🎙️PODCAST! I'm joined by @aallensport.arseblog.com to talk about the 2-0 win over Brighton, 10 changes from the Palace game, young guns shine, and even younger guns too.

Then @jonspurling.bsky.social drops into chat about his reissued Highbury book which you can win a copy of.

p1r.es/arsecast851

Willie Young: 1951 - 2025 Former Gunner Willie Young passed away this week. Jon Spurling remembers his time in red and white. — In an Arsenal team which was often dubbed the ‘London Irish’ – due to the fact that the Gunners si...

Here’s my piece on ‘’70s Arsenal cult hero Willie Young -a rebellious Scot amongst the London Irish. arseblog.com/2025/11/will...

Very sad news about Willie Young , who played for Arsenal when football was truly a contact sport, and defenders defended. He took no prisoners, but had a far better touch than he was given credit for. Now he’s free to resume bickering with Terry Neill in Highbury heaven. RIP Willie.

Mystifies me why the’ve not already cottoned onto this Paul - but as an Arsenal fan I’m glad they haven’t….

He looks like George Harrison around 1970.

I’m honoured to announce that Go To War has been long listed for the William Hill Sports Book Of The Year award for 2025. Exciting stuff!!

When Port Vale nearly ended our double dream in 98 The last time we faced Port Vale was in the FA Cup third round in January 1998, and it went all the way to penalties

The last time Arsenal played Port Vale - in January, they nearly ended our Double hopes. Fortunately, we used it as a springboard to glory…. www.arsenal.com/news/when-po...

The updated 20th anniversary edition of Highbury N5 has just been released and looks (and feels) fantastic. If anyone would like a signed copy I can meet you outside Area S before or after the Forest match on Saturday. Let me know!!! #Arsenal #COYG

Thanks Steve!

As someone who grew up in the 80s I thoroughly enjoyed this retelling of all the key event enhanced by the way @jonspurling.bsky.social deftly weaves in quotes obtained first hand from a large selection of the dramatis personae

I made two 70s football-themed Mastermind appearances; I also did 'Punk 76-79' and two 70s-linked film directors on the same programme.
I thought I was 'Mr 70s' (esp football wise), but I learned so much from this brilliant book.

Nice one, Jon Spurling!

@jonspurling.bsky.social

Highbury: The Definitive History of Arsenal at Highbury Stadium Buy Highbury: The Definitive History of Arsenal at Highbury Stadium by Spurling, Jon (ISBN: 9781399625913) from Amazon's Book Store. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders.

I'm delighted to announce that a revised and updated paperback version of Highbury N5 will be published on September 4th, with a new foreword / section on Sir Henry Norris. Can't believe it's 20 years since the original....enjoy!! #Arsenal #COYG www.amazon.co.uk/Highbury-Def...

Hmmmmm......

The man who scored 100 for Arsenal and Man Utd Only one player in history has scored over 100 goals for us and Manchester United - learn more about David Herd

This season, I'm writing articles about events or players who impacted upon both #Arsenal and our opponents. For starters, here's my piece on David Herd, who scored 100+ goals for both the Gunners and Manchester United. Enjoy! #COYG www.arsenal.com/news/man-who...

I'm delighted to announce that, almost 20 years after it was first published, an updated version of Highbury N5 is being published in September. Available for pre-order here...... #Arsenal #COYG www.amazon.co.uk/Highbury-Def...

I enjoyed writing about some evocative photos from #ARSCRY in 1980 at Highbury. I especially like this one. If I'm not mistaken, the lady in shades is also at the front of the NB pointing at Sammy Nelson's butt in the famous photo of him pulling his shorts down. #Arsenal #COYG

Adolescence is an amazing, gripping drama. I wish they'd done the scenes in school differently though. They lacked authenticity. No way would such sensitive / safeguarding related conversations between police and children happen in such an unstructured, almost random way. 9/10

Delighted that Go To War: Football On The Brink In The '80s has been shortlisted for Football Book Of The Year 2025. Results to be announced in early May!!