Darlington author Paul Hodgson is “overwhelmed” that so many current and former Darlington players have bought his book, One Hundred of the Best.

Players such as former captain Kevan Smith, Craig Liddle, David Speedie, Paul Ward, Roger Wicks, Michael Oliver, Michael Smith, Peter Kirkham, Neil Wainwright, former Manager David Hodgson and many others have purchased the book since its release last October.

Paul said: “I can’t believe that so many former players have purchased the book.

“I’m actually overwhelmed, and I’d like to say a huge thank you to each and every one of them.”

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The book is about Paul’s one hundred most memorable Darlington FC's matches of the last 50 years.

He's been a regular presence at games for the past half-century.

As a disabled fan attending games in a wheelchair, he offers a unique and fascinating perspective on the match-day experience.

The story begins in the 1972/73 season when Paul's mother took him to his first game: Southport at home.

 

The Quakers were soundly thrashed 7-0, yet the seven-year-old Paul was hooked.

The book takes us through the 1970s when Darlington had to apply for re-election almost every season, on to the 1980s when their fortunes improved and through to the modern day.

Paul hasn't just chosen the 100 best results, some were horrific defeats, but each match made an indelible impression on him.

One Hundred of the Best is a mix of match reports and Paul's experiences of not just the games, but his adventures of getting there in his wheelchair.

The book, priced at £16.99, is available at the Darlington FC shop in The Dolphin Centre, on Amazon, and at other book shops.