A book launch will be held in Darlington town centre as a local man has penned his memories of Darlington FC’s most poignant matches over the last 50 years.

Paul Hodgson has made a name for himself in recent months after the film based on his life, Give Them Wings, premiered.

The film depicts Paul’s life as a young man living with the lifelong effects of Meningitis, which he contracted at 10 months old. The story follows Paul’s journey to self-acceptance along with his big passion for Darlington FC. The film starred Toyah Willcox and Coronation Street star Bill Fellows.

Paul’s unique take on Darlington matches over the decades comes from the perspective of a disabled fan attending matches in a wheelchair.

The Northern Echo: Paul Hodgson with the cast and crew of Give Them WingsPaul Hodgson with the cast and crew of Give Them Wings (Image: Give Them Wings)

Read more: Darlington independent feature film screened at Vue Cinema in Leicester Square

His book, One Hundred of the Best, begins in the 1972/73 season when his 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 from then on.

A regular at games over the past fifty years, Paul’s book takes us through the 1970s when Darlington had to apply for re-election almost every season, on to the 1980s when its 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 a big 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 is a 'must' for every Darlington FC fan.  

The book launch takes place at the Darlington FC shop at The Dolphin Centre, Darlington, at 10am on Thursday, November 3.

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