Jon Spurling

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!!

Anyone else hear the interview with #Flamini on Five Live? Sounds like a top man. Articulate and passionate. I've almost forgiven him for agitating for a move when we were nailed on to win the title in 2007-08. But not quite. Elephants and #Arsenal fans never forget. #COYG

Morning #Arsenal fans. In today’s programme, I focus on this evocative photo from the ‘30s of the Gunners walking wounded after the infamous England v Italy clash. It was very much a Gunners occasion…. #COYG

My holiday reading for our short half term break in St Andrews (where I was actually living at the start of that decade). It’s a great read from @jonspurling.bsky.social bringing back lots of memories from a formative time watching football, and growing up, during my teenage years.

Excellent - enjoy!!!

@jonspurling.bsky.social My copy arrived yesterday. Already enjoying it!

Thanks Andrew - glad you enjoyed it!

@favlit.org - I'm really looking forward to Friday 28th February at 6.00, where I'll be talking about my new book Go To War: Football On The Brink In The '80s at the Old Brewery Store, as part of the 2025 Literary Festival.

It’s just a weird request to put out there, and it’ll have the full Streisand effect.

Can any football freelancers out there confirm whether Substack is - ahem - ‘worth’ dabbling in? I have no idea, and almost no idea about how it works…..

Thank you John - really glad you enjoyed it!

Just finished reading this fantastic book by @jonspurling.bsky.social
“Go To War” a history of football in the 80’s
Well worth checking out!

Fantastically taken goals for #Merino - so pleased for him. He’s added mobility, penetration and a ruthless killer instinct today, something we’ve often been lacking this season. #Arsenal #COYG #LEIARS

Excellent! Thanks for the message and glad you enjoyed it!!!

Is there anything better than the opening chords of a Jason Bourne movie?

Whatever happens for the rest of the season, I’ll get behind #Arsenal 100%. It’s not the players’ fault about injuries or lack of signings up front, and the situation can’t be resolved until the summer anyway. Back the team or stay away. #COYG #LEIARS

Very sad to hear of Patrick Barclay’s passing. I was lucky enough to meet him several times. With a wonderfully smooth Scottish accent, he was fantastically erudite, funny, and articulate, with a twinkle in his eye and a great sense of mischievous humour. He’ll be much missed.