Darlington FC fan Paul Hodgson pays tribute to 100 of the Quakers’ most memorable players from over half a century of supporting the club.

The story begins in the 1972/73 season when Paul’s mother takes him to his first game, Southport, at home. Darlo were soundly thrashed 7-0, yet the seven-year-old Paul was hooked. At this game, he came into contact with his first-ever Quakers hero, goalkeeper Phil Owers, who was followed by many more, the latest three being Jarrett Rivers, Peter Jameson and Will Hatfield from the current team.

Paul hasn’t just chosen the 100 best players – some only played a few games for the club – but each individual made an indelible impression on him. The book profiles players and games from the 1970s, when Darlington had to apply for re-election almost every season, through the 80s, when their fortunes improved, right up to the close of the 2022/23 season.

A roller-coaster ride that any football lover will enjoy, the book is a ‘must’ for every Darlington fan.

Read, and you will discover how:

Current Newcastle star, 6ft 7in centre back Dan Burn, cut his teeth at Darlington over a two-year spell

David Speedie turned out 88 times for the Quakers before being snapped up by Chelsea and making his mark as a Scotland international

Speedie once scored three goals for Darlington against First Division Southampton in an unbelievable 5-2 victory

Before playing for Darlington, Jarrett Rivers worked in his parent's shop, demonstrating the transformative power of football

Kevan Smith pulled on the Darlo shirt 245 times and went on to be part of the Coventry City FA Cup-winning squad in 1987.

After leaving Darlington via Bristol City, Darlo’s record goal-scorer Alan Walsh – who netted 100 times for the club – moved to Turkey’s Beşiktaş, distinguishing himself as part of a side that won two Süper Lig titles.

Paul Hodgson started his writing career in the 1990s and published his first book, Flipper's Side, in 2000. He released his second, When Push Comes To Shove, in 2003, charting the highs and lows of supporting Darlington FC over two seasons. His previous Pitch release, One Hundred of the Best, detailing Paul’s 100 favourite Darlo games, was released in 2022. Paul is also an accomplished scriptwriter with multiple awards to his name.

On Thursday, February 20th, there will be a book signing session at the Darlington FC Club Shop in the Dolphin Centre starting at 10:30 am. Several former ‘Quakers’ players will be in attendance.

All are welcome.