Born in Lowestoft on 31 January 1947, Eddie Spearritt grew up with the dream of one day making it as a professional footballer, and although Arsenal initially showed interest, it was Ipswich Town that provided the sharp-passing and strong running midfielder with the platform to launch his playing career.
PART ONE
Having joined Ipswich Town as an apprentice in the summer of 1963, Eddie Spearritt worked his way through the ranks, signing professional terms in February 1965. It was a time of transition at Portman Road, with manager Bill McGarry shaping a squad capable of climbing the English football pyramid. Accordingly, Spearritt was handed his Football League debut for the East Anglia side during the 1965-66 campaign in a narrow and hard-fought 1-0 Second Division victory against Preston North End at Deepdale on 29 January.
That season also marked a historic change in English football—the introduction of substitutes. In keeping with the momentous nature of the rule change, Spearritt etched his name into Ipswich Town folklore by becoming the club’s first-ever substitute to score a goal. On 15 January 1966, away at Derby County, he replaced Danny Hegan and found the back of the net in a 2-2 draw, with Gerry Baker also getting on the scoresheet.
Over the following seasons, Spearritt established himself as a versatile and reliable member of McGarry’s squad. Playing across midfield and defence, he accumulated 69 starts and an additional 10 substitute appearances, contributing 14 goals along the way. His efforts played a part in Ipswich’s resurgence, culminating in their Division Two title triumph in 1967-68. Yet, despite his contributions, change was on the horizon.
The 1968-69 season started with promise, but the landscape shifted when McGarry departed Portman Road to take the managerial reins at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Spearritt, too, found himself on the move. After just five starts and five substitute appearances for newly-promoted Ipswich in the First Division, he accepted a transfer to Third Division side Brighton & Hove Albion in January 1969 for a transfer fee of £20,000.
PART TWO
At the Goldstone Ground, Spearritt became one of Freddie Goodwin’s first signings, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career. He made his Brighton debut in a fine 3-1 home victory over Crewe Alexandra on 25 January and quickly cemented his place in the side, scoring five goals before the season’s conclusion, including a crucial brace in an evenly contested 2-2 draw at home to Tranmere Rovers on 16 April.
Brighton’s cup exploits during the 1969-70 season saw Eddie Spearritt gain further prominence. In a gripping League Cup third-round encounter against his old boss McGarry’s Wolverhampton Wanderers, he rose highest to head in Kit Napier’s free-kick, giving the South Coasters a 2-1 lead before Scottish international Hugh Curran’s late double ended their dreams. Nonetheless, the 32,539-strong Goldstone Ground crowd had witnessed an exhilarating contest, and Spearritt had further endeared himself to the Brighton faithful.
That same season also saw Spearritt exhibit his adaptability in a dramatic FA Cup second-round replay against Walsall at Fellows Park. With first-choice goalkeeper Geoff Sidebottom stretchered off five minutes past the hour mark due to concussion, Spearritt volunteered to don the gloves. Albion held on for a 1-1 draw against the Saddlers, underlining his value as a utility player willing to step into any role when required.
Under recently appointed manager Pat Saward, Spearritt was converted from midfield to left fullback midway through the 1970-71 campaign. The switch proved successful, and he remained a defensive mainstay throughout 1971-72 as Brighton managed to secure promotion to the Second Division, finishing as runners-up behind Aston Villa. It was a crowning achievement for a player who had tasted promotion with Ipswich four years earlier, demonstrating his ability to be an asset at multiple levels of the footballing pyramid.
Off the pitch, Spearritt maintained strong ties with his former Ipswich teammates. One such connection came to fruition in the early part of Brighton’s promotion campaign when former England international Ray Crawford, a Town legend, sought a return to English football following a brief and unsuccessful stint with South African outfit Durban City FC. Spearritt played a vital role in convincing Saward to offer Crawford a chance, a decision which paid dividends as the veteran striker’s goals helped Albion in their push for promotion.
Spearritt remained a key player for Brighton in the Second Division, notching up well over 200 appearances for the Sussex club in total. His long throw-ins became a hallmark of his game, often functioning as an additional set-piece weapon for the Seagulls. This particular skill earned him a spot in BBC’s Grandstand’s ‘Longest Throw’ competition in the1970-71 season, though he was ultimately unable to claim the title. Still, it highlighted his unique attributes and the different ways he contributed to the progression of the team.
As Brighton continued to evolve and strengthen their squad, Spearritt eventually found opportunities somewhat limited, leading him to seek a fresh challenge. At the beginning of the 1974-75 campaign, he joined forces with First Division newcomers Carllisle United for whom he made his debut in a 2-0 defeat against Wolverhampton at Molineux on 12 October 1974. At Brunton Park, he continued to demonstrate his experience and versatility, featuring across the pitch and helping the club navigate the rigours of league football.
After his spell at Carlisle, he moved on to Gillingham, where he added further experience to the squad. His time there saw him contribute as a dependable presence in midfield and defence, continuing his reputation as a utility player. Following his time with the Gills, he made the move to Australia, where he played for Brisbane Lions in the National Soccer League. In doing so, he joined a growing contingent of British footballers who sought fresh opportunities Down Under, helping to grow the game in a developing footballing landscape.
Eddie Spearritt’s career may not have been one of the most decorated in English football history, but it was undoubtedly one of substance and versatility. From becoming Ipswich Town’s first-ever substitute goalscorer to helping Brighton achieve promotion and proving himself an invaluable utility player, his story was one of adaptability, reliability, and a willingness to take on different roles for the good of his team.