On this morning 50 years ago, five men were led from their cells and executed by firing squad — the last use of the death penalty in Spain.

That chilling Saturday morning forms the backdrop to chapter one of 𝑶𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑼𝒑𝒐𝒏 𝒂 𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝑳𝒂 𝑳𝒊𝒈𝒂.

Big interview in Marca with Jorge Valdano, reflecting on 50 years in Spain — including the sliding-doors moment when he narrowly avoided the hotel fire that ended teammate José Ramón Badiola’s career.

Told in Chapter 3 of 𝑶𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑼𝒑𝒐𝒏 𝒂 𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝑳𝒂 𝑳𝒊𝒈𝒂.

www.waterstones.com/book/once-up...

The book is out today! ⤵️

This book from @futboleslaleche.bsky.social is out today, certainly going to be worth a read

Out today — 𝑶𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑼𝒑𝒐𝒏 𝒂 𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝑳𝒂 𝑳𝒊𝒈𝒂 is a collection of deeply human stories that shine a light on forgotten figures, powerful moments and bizarre episodes from Spanish football.

A few hours left to avail of this fine offer from Waterstones ⏱️

While it remains July, Waterstones are offering a 25% discount on pre-orders of 𝐎𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐔𝐩𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐚.

Enter the code 𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗥𝟮𝟱 at checkout to benefit. #WPreorder

waterstones.com/book/once-upon…

Five words I thought I'd never say... I have written a book.

𝑶𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑼𝒑𝒐𝒏 𝒂 𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝑳𝒂 𝑳𝒊𝒈𝒂 is a collection of some of the lesser-known stories from Spanish football.

It's been a privilege and amazing experience to put it together.

www.amazon.co.uk/Once-Upon-Ti...

Publication day for my new book! It tells the inside story of THFC's last truly great triumph - achieved against a backdrop of financial meltdown, boardroom strife and protests in the stands - as told by the players, club staff, broadcasters and fans who lived through it.

Saturday post for profile of Swiss born Hans Kamper, who wanted to start an import/export business in Spain's African colonies, but instead became Joan Gamper and founded FC Barcelona

www.nytimes.com/athletic/594...

“My grandfather’s plan was to go to Fernando Po, but the problem was he enjoyed being in Barcelona a lot. He was annoyed when he arrived here, as nobody played the game. So he founded FC Barcelona.”

www.nytimes.com/athletic/594...

I went to Stockport County to watch and interview Louie Barry, who became the first ever English player signed to Barcelona’s La Masia.

I don't think I've ever met a young player more determined to control his own destiny.

inews.co.uk/sport/footba...

Last night was only the dress rehearsal for next weekend’s Copa Libertadores final but it’s never too early for our old mate Deyverson to get the shithousery going

Emotional night in Valencia as Levante play for the first time since the disastrous floods.

The team took the field in mud-stained shirts bearing the message: ‘In tribute to all those who were there when we needed you’.

Replug for piece visiting Valencia areas most affected by flooding, and speaking to those in football who have been hit hardest and those who have been helping most

www.nytimes.com/athletic/589...

Deplorable that Javier Aguirre was hit by a can after Mexico’s defeat in Honduras.

Remarkably, he just carries on shaking people’s hands as if nothing’s happened while they point out he’s bleeding.

Ayoze, eloquent on football’s reaction to the floods www.theguardian.com/football/202...