Darlington FC players support Paul Hodgson’s book launch honoring 100 players, featuring profiles and memorable matches since the 1970s.
The launch was at Darlington’s Dolphin Centre on Thursday, February 20. David Hodgson, ex-manager, Mark Pruhoe and Andy Toman all attended.
The book honors 100 Darlington FC players, covering the 1970s onward. Each player’s profile is in a chapter, which includes their best match.
This book is Paul’s sixth, and a film already covered his life. He is currently working on another book, but its topic remains secret.
Andrew Scullion, Darlington FC’s liaison officer, introduced the launch. Former midfielder Paul Ward was also introduced.
Paul Ward gave the book’s foreword and read it aloud at the event. He became manager at age 23, the youngest ever.
Ward said Paul loves Darlington deeply; his love “oozes out of him.” He gives respectful opinions and is very knowledgeable of the club.
Scullion randomly picked a chapter to read which focused on Clive Nattress, who was sitting next to him. He said Clive played every shirt number while at ‘Quakers.’
Scullion read about Clive’s best match, which was versus AFC Bournemouth in 1976/77. Nattress said it’s fantastic people remember him.
Paul is inspirational with his book writing, Nattress said, adding that he keeps writing books.
Paul gave a heartfelt speech at the launch, full of joy. He appreciated and thanked everyone for coming.
He thanked Gary Twynham for especially traveling from Prestatyn, Wales, just for the launch. Photos were taken at the launch.
Paul remembered his first game in 1973 against Southport, when he was seven with his mom. He skipped school to go.
The book is exciting for any fan and is described as a “must” for Darlington fans.