Welcome back to another TTTONLF meets, this time we sit down with the author of a book I have just finished reading myself!

I will try not to ruin the book whilst still giving you an insight into what to expect as well as a little more information about the author Spencer and what he is up to today. It is an incredible book and I finished it in two sittings, I was that engrossed in finding out the full story as soon as possible.

I would recommend everyone to grab yourself a copy once you have read this interview, if you do, I am sure you will be like me and all of a sudden have a burning desire to boot up Football Manager either that or research the costs of buying your own local football club (I did both of these things). So, let’s speak to Spencer and find out a little bit more about his book ‘BELIEF’.

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Q) I read your book in just two days and was hooked – what made you want to put this part of your life into words?

Mainly to chart the journey so my kids could one day read about the very random adventure their dad went on. It was also about sharing what was, frankly, a bizarre story that I felt football fans might enjoy, while raising awareness of East Stirlingshire FC – a club that has endured some very tough years.

Q) Without giving away too much, can you explain what the book is about?

It’s the story of a 31-year-old who dreamed of owning a football club and chose the most unlikely of candidates – the “laughing stock” of British football. It tells the tale of a four-year journey filled with highs, lows, and, I’m told, some very funny moments

Q) Taking a step back, what role did football play in your life growing up?

It was everything. From the age of seven, football dominated my life. I became a Sheffield Wednesday fan, following in the footsteps of my dad and grandad. For me, football always came before everything else.

Q) Did you have aspirations to be a footballer, manager, or owner back then?

Yes. I spent five years at Sheffield United between the ages of 11 and 16 but wasn’t good enough to earn a YTS in those days. When I wasn’t playing, I was on my Amstrad computer glued to Football Manager.

Q) You went on to become the owner of a football club, quite far from where you grew up. How did that come about?

I was watching Sky Sports Saturday when I became intrigued by this club that seemed to be getting hammered every week. I decided to make contact and see if I could help. I started by sponsoring the kit and within a year I was the owner. It was very random – I’d never even been to Scotland before!

Q) East Stirlingshire were long seen as football’s underdogs. Did you feel a strong appetite to change that?

Absolutely. I invested financially, but also gave a huge amount of time. I only missed one home game in four years, travelling from London or Yorkshire where I was based at the time. For midweek games, I’d fly from Stansted, then catch the overnight sleeper train from Edinburgh back to Euston. Over the four years, I travelled 40,000 miles and invested over £100,000.

Q) At the same time you were running a successful business, Lifeskills. How did you balance such demanding roles?

I’m very lucky – I have ADHD. For me, it’s a gift that allows me to bounce between different things and handle chaos pretty well. I’ve always done that. Even now I juggle five different roles.

Q) Your financial commitment and presence naturally endeared you to fans and staff. What was your experience of them?

The fans were incredible – the best I’ve ever come across. To follow your team for five years while watching them get thumped most weeks shows remarkable loyalty. It was brilliant to be able to give them some happier times. The staff were also excellent. Appointing Jim McInally as manager was a turning point – he gave us some really special moments.

Q) Looking back, can you quite believe some of the things you lived through?

Not really! At the time it felt normal, but writing the book made me smile and think: “Bloody hell, what a journey that was.”

Q) Do you miss it?

Yes. After East Stirlingshire I went to Stockport County before stepping away from boardrooms to focus on coaching, so I still get my football fix. But I do miss East Stirlingshire. We were underdogs, but we achieved a lot together. They were happy times and I learned a huge amount about myself that’s stood me in good stead ever since.

Q) Is there anything you wish you could redo differently?

Plenty! The main thing is that I was young and a bit outspoken, which got me into trouble with the authorities a few times.

Q) Where has your journey since East Stirlingshire taken you, and how has it changed you?

It’s been incredible. I’ve worked across football, rugby, boxing, and hockey, and now my main role is at Gary Neville’s university in Manchester – University Academy 92. I get to teach, write, and speak about football every day, and I absolutely love it.

Q) Have you ever been tempted to take up another club in an ownership capacity?

I had 16 months at Stockport County, which was really tough. The club was close to bankruptcy and many shareholders seemed more interested in profit than the club’s survival. I put a lot of time, money, and effort into keeping it going. Again, it was a huge learning experience.

Q) What should readers expect from your book – and why should they grab a copy?

It’s a funny, bizarre, sometimes scary story of a normal bloke who had a dream. So far, it’s reached number 6 in the Amazon Football Books chart and sold almost 500 copies. It’s available on Kindle for £4.24 – about the price of a pint – or in paperback for £9.90.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FFTNGPWB

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So there you have it !

An incredible story and there is even more to enjoy once you pick up and read the book. I am once again as always thankful to Spencer for this time and wish him well with all of his future endeavours.

Grab a copy of his wonderful book right here!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Belief-Buying-worst-football-Britain/dp/B0FG6JBBD1


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Parks to Pitches (your dedicated Non-League Football Magazine)

Grab your copy of Edition 1, 2, 3 or 4 here: https://tttonlf.square.site/