Darlington FC players support Paul Hodgson at book launch

Author Paul Hodgson said he was overwhelmed to see so many ex-players at the launch of his book, titled ‘Another 100 Of The Best: Darlington’s Great Ever Players’.

Among those in attendance at the launch, in Darlington’s Dolphin Centre yesterday (Thursday, February 20), were former Quakers manager David Hodgson and some all-time fan favourites, including goalkeeper Mark Pruhoe and midfielder Andy Toman.

Former players at the book launch. Standing, from left, Jack Winstanley, Andy Toman, Adam Reed, Paul Ward, Gary Twynham, Peter Kirkham, Clive Nattrass, Harry Butters, Paul Hodgson and Mark Foster. Seated are Mark Prudhoe, left, and author Paul Hodgson (Image: ANDREW WHITE)

The book is a tribute to 100 of Darlington FC’s best-ever players from the 1970s onwards. Each chapter includes a profile of each player and Paul’s most memorable match they played in.

This is the sixth book written by Paul, who has also had a film made of his life. He revealed at the launch that he is working on another book, the subject of which is a closely guarded secret for now.

Introducing the launch, Darlington FC supporter liaison officer Andrew Scullion presented former Quakers midfielder Paul Ward, one of the players highlighted in the book.

Paul, who became the youngest manager in Football League history when he took the helm at Quakers aged 23, provided the foreword to the book – which he read out at the launch.

Darlo greats Mark Pruhoe, left, and Paul Ward at the book launch (Image: ANDREW WHITE)

Speaking to The Northern Echo, he said: “Paul in general has an exuberance for life and his undying love for Darlington oozes out of him.

“He always offers a respectful and knowledgeable opinion on the club.”

Mr Scullion picked a chapter of the book at random to read aloud at the launch. It was a page dedicated to former defender Clive Nattress – who was perched beside him.

He told the crowd how Clive had played in every shirt number – one to 11 –  during his time at the ‘Quakers’ – and read the passage describing the defender’s most memorable match versus AFC Bournemouth in the 1976/77 season.

Clive Nattrass, one of the subjetcs of Paul Hodgson’s book of 100 of Darlington’s greatest ever players (Image: ANDREW WHITE)

After hearing the passage, Mr Nattress told the Echo: “It’s fantastic that people still remember – it was a long time ago.

“Paul is so inspirational in how he keeps on knocking these books out.”

Paul gave an emotional speech at the launch, saying he was “full of joy” and really grateful to everyone who had attended.

Darlington superfan with his latest book, which eas launched at an event in the town’s Dolphin Centre (Image: PAUL HODGSON)

The author had a special word for former midfielder Gary Twynham who travelled all the way from his home in Prestatyn, Wales, especially for the launch.

More pictures from the launch:

Former Darlington manager David Hodgson, with ex-player Mark Forster, at the book launch (Image: ANDREW WHITE) From left, Adam Reed, Gary Twynham and Peter Kirkham, all of whom feature in Paul’s new book (Image: ANDREW WHITE) Paul Ward, left and Andrew Scullion with Paul’s new book at the Dolphin Centre launch (Image: ANDREW WHITE)

He also recalled the first game he attended – Darlington v Southport in 1973 – aged seven with his mother, which he begged to skip school to attend.

His book is described as ‘a roller-coaster ride that any lover of football will enjoy’, and a ‘must’ for every Darlington fan.

You can find the new book online at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Another-Hundred-Best-Darlingtons-Greatest/dp/1801509298