Ian Ridley 💙

Thank you for all the love around the 5th anniversary of Vikki's death. I've felt that after the 1st year or two, the progression of grief to some acceptance is rarely written about. Tried to rectify that in my new short novel. And write a good story. amazon.co.uk/Dark-Clouds-Br…

I think of my Vikki, one of the founder members of @WomeninFootball, many times a day. Today, many more times. And I recall one of her favourite quotes, by Eleanor Roosevelt: "A woman is like a tea bag. You never know how strong she is until you put her in hot water." #Lionesses

𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐂𝐊 | THE SOCCER SYNDROME by John Moynihan One of the all-time football writing classics, first published in 1966 and wonderfully evokes the spirit of the age. W/ foreword by Patrick Barclay and afterword by @LeoMoynihan @FDpublishing 🛒 stanchionbooks.com/products/the-s…

History repeating itself and the reasons why are in this terrific read by @JanePurdon. Prepare yourself for The Homecoming Part Two with this... amazon.co.uk/Homecoming-Lio…

It may seem a mere detail, but England's first senior tournament win overseas is a huge breakthrough. What an inspirational team.

Spent my footballing life watching German men's teams do this sort of thing. Good to see England's women exhibiting such mental strength and physical perseverance. Again. #EuropeanChampions #ENGESP #Proper

In the latest Euros from the Sofa, I talk about the Lionesses, Sunderland, and an amazing sports photographer whose work you need to know. Eve of final nerves? Me too. But this team always saves the best till last. open.substack.com/pub/janepurdon…

X informs me that it is 14 years since I joined Twitter. Remember why I did. Was on a train back from France with Vikki and she, reading her own feed, told me Amy Winehouse had died. Mixed experience since but the support I've had since V died has made it worthwhile. Thanks all.

I don't know who the commentators on your live feed are, @Middlesex_CCC, but they are very good. As is the feed itself. Nice work all round.

Back in 2022, someone in my and Vikki's old village made this for the annual scarecrow festival. Think they might be getting it out of storage again next month. #CrowieKelly #ENGITA #FlamsteadScarecrowFestival

Women's football, bloody hell. #ENGITA

Memories of #Ozzy that spring to mind... 1. Buying Paranoid at 15.... Not a metal fan. Just thought it a great tune. 2. Someone suggesting to him in The Osbournes that he have a bubble machine onstage. "Bubbles? I can't have bubbles. I'm the Prince of 'F*****g Darkness." RIP.

Just seen #TheBalladofWallisIsland at my favourite cinema, @OdysseyStAlbans. Funny, touching, charming, uplifting. @timkeyperson and Tom Basden seriously talented. Carey Mulligan sprinkles stardust. How a 'little' film can take on big stuff. (Fondness for puns a necessity.)

We’re delighted to be publishing this revealing football fan memoir of TV legend Jimmy Mulville in October. Available for order now on Amazon or signed copies on our website. floodlitdreams.com/product/theres…

The latest in the #FootballShorts series... This is going to be a heck of a read, trust me. The comprehensive school kid who read Classics at Cambridge, became a huge figure in British TV and helped Bill Kenwright buy Everton. Go order.

This Test match is like a very good book... I'm desperate to know the outcome but I don't want it to end. #ENGvIND

Archer against the Aussies this winter should be quite something. #TheAshes