Derek Spence

From The 'Troubles' to The Tower Derek Spence

This is the story of a Northern Irish kid who dreamed of a life away from trouble torn Belfast, and who went on to enjoy a successful professional football career both at home and abroad. After starting his fledgling career with Crusaders in Northern Ireland, `Snowball' moved to England and after a frustrating spell at Oldham Athletic, became a firm fans favourite at Bury, Blackpool and Southend United. Despite never playing in English football's top-flight, Derek found fame as an international footballer of some repute, sharing a dressing room with footballing greats such as George Best and Pat Jennings and starring in some of Northern Ireland's most memorable matches of the 1970's and early 1980's. This is the tale of one of Northern Ireland's most popular footballing sons, charting his journey through the English lower divisions, his 1982 World Cup heartbreak and spells playing abroad in Greece and Hong Kong. The somewhat unique nature of his footballing career is only part of the story, as Derek went on to experience a diverse post-footballing life which this book covers in colourful and fascinating detail. This is a book which any football fan or ex playing colleague will enjoy, as will his many friends.