Born and brought up in Belfast, Derek Spence was a forward who became a household name for his tenacity, work ethic, and dedication to the game of football. Over the years, he played for clubs in England, Greece, and South Africa, as well as representing Northern Ireland on the international stage.
PART ONE
Spence’s footballing adventure began in 1969 with Irish League club Crusaders. A promising young forward, he demonstrated his potential early. In 1971, at just 18, Spence took a leap of faith and crossed the Irish Sea to join Fourth Division side Oldham Athletic. The transition from Northern Ireland to England was anything but smooth. Signed on a modest £18 per week contract—in a local pub, no less—Spence’s stay at Boundary Park in Oldham was one of persistence. Spending three years in the reserve team, he mustered just six League appearances, a difficult start that hinted at future challenges.
In 1972, Spence found his footing with Bury, the club where he would spend the majority of his career and showcase his goal-scoring prowess. Over a six-year spell at Gigg Lane, he netted 44 goals in 140 league appearances, establishing himself as a reliable forward. Undoubtedly, this period was pivotal, setting the stage for the next chapters of his career. Moreover, it was here that he cultivated a reputation as a determined and hard-working player, qualities that would serve him well in the turbulent years ahead.
In 1976, Spence took a step up, joining Second Division Blackpool. His debut came against none other than Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest, a baptism of fire for any player. He quickly formed a dynamic partnership with Mickey Walsh and Bob Hatton, strengthening Blackpool’s attack. However, just as his career seemed to gather momentum, misfortune struck. By the end of the season, his place in the squad was under threat from emerging talent Stan McEwan. Worse yet, a severe injury sidelined him for the entirety of the 1977–78 campaign, a season that ended in ignominy for Blackpool as they suffered relegation to the Third Division.
Proving his resilience, Spence embarked on a new challenge in 1978, joining Olympiacos in the Greek Alpha Ethniki. The move to Greece showcased his adaptability—learning a new culture, language, and playing style. In 21 league appearances, he scored six goals, a respectable tally that underscored his versatility as a forward. However, the allure of Blackpool drew him back, and he re-signed for The Seasiders later that year for a transfer fee of £27,000. Teaming up with Tony Kellow, Spence enjoyed a productive 1978–79 season, scoring 16 goals and finishing as the club’s top scorer.
Tragedy struck again on Boxing Day 1979 during a match against Hull City at Bloomfield Road when Spence suffered a significant injury that would eventually force his early retirement. However, his determination saw him soldier on for a few more years, transferring to Southend United in 1980. At Roots Hall, Spence rejuvenated his career, helping The Shrimpers secure promotion to the Third Division as champions in the 1980–81 season. Over two years, he managed to score an impressive 32 goals in 104 appearances for the side, proving that his instinct for scoring remained as sharp as ever.
Spence’s later years in football took him across borders once more. Between 1982 and 1986, he had spells with Sparta Rotterdam in the Netherlands and Sea Bee and Hong Kong Rangers in Hong Kong. At Hong Kong Rangers, he shared the field with the one and only George Best, a partnership that surely delighted fans.
PART TWO
On the international stage, Spence earned 29 caps for Northern Ireland, scoring three goals. His debut came in 1975, in a narrow 1-0 victory over Yugoslavia in Belfast. Yet, his most memorable moment in a green jersey was undoubtedly his equalizer against the Netherlands in a 1976 World Cup qualifier. Coming on as a late substitute in Rotterdam, Spence silenced the Dutch crowd with a dramatic goal that underscored his knack for delivering in crucial moments. Nevertheless, his international career ended on a sour note after he was omitted from Billy Bingham’s 1982 World Cup squad. For a player of his calibre, this omission was a bitter pill to swallow.
Retiring from professional football in 1986, Spence returned to Bury for a brief stint before winding down in non-league football with Oldham Town. Post-retirement, he embarked on a variety of ventures, including running off-licences in Walmersley and Hambleton. But football was never far from his heart. He eventually founded Sportslink, a coaching school designed to nurture young talent. In 1996, Spence came full circle, returning to Blackpool F.C. as the club’s Football in the Community Officer. For two decades, he served in this role, influencing countless young players and reconnecting with the sport he loved.
Derek Spence decided to retire from his community role in 2016, bringing an end to a career—both on and off the pitch—that exemplified resilience, versatility, and passion. What’s more, his story is a testament to the twists and turns of a footballer’s life, from the modest beginnings of an £18-a-week contract to sharing the pitch with legendary players such as George Best.