A FOOTBALL fan has hit out at his own supporters' club after it failed to back his autobiography.

Paul Hodgson's book, Flipper's Side, is a tale of the life of a disabled fan battling against the consequences of childhood meningitis, and the prejudices he has faced.

As a supporter of Darlington Football Club for more than 20 years, and a member of the supporters' club for ten years, it is based around his travels across the country as a fan.

Former Darlington captain Kevan Smith, now Hull City's assistant manager, even wrote the foreword and, despite rumours that he has regretted the decision due to the occasional sexual content of the book, still backs the support he has given it.

But Paul, from Darlington, is upset the supporters' club failed to give Flipper's Side any coverage in the club programme.

"I'm just very disappointed really," he said. "I've supported the club for 20 years."

The book has sold 230 copies, largely due to the support of Darlington book shops Dressers and Ottakers.

Peter Thorns, chairman of the supporters' club, said it was policy not to publicise anything that would benefit a member financially.

"We have lots of members with businesses and we don't advertise them," he said.