In 1914 Leigh Roose, the first superstar of modern-day football, went off to join the war effort serving in the Mediterranean and France. Like millions of others, the former Stoke, Sunderland, and Wales goalkeeper would die. Unlike millions of others, nobody knew how or where – until now. This talk lifts the lid on Leigh's remarkable life, his war service in the YMCA and 9th Royal Fusiliers, plus the mystery that surrounded his death amid the horrors of the Somme. The story of how one man became caught up in a global catastrophe – one that would cost him his life, his identity, and his rightful place as one of football's all-time greats.
Spencer is an award-winning freelance writer and broadcaster. He has contributed to over a hundred newspapers, magazines, and media agencies across the world. He is the author of seven critically acclaimed books including the widely acclaimed biography, The Remarkable Life & Death of Leigh Roose, Football's First Superstar.