(Image: Supplied)
A new book celebrating the players who shaped Middlesbrough FC's modern history is set to be released - tracing the club's highs and lows through the men who wore the shirt over five decades.
Forever Boro, written by Darlington-born author and scriptwriter Paul Hodgson, tells the story of Middlesbrough FC from 1970 to 2019 by profiling 10 players from each decade who defined the club’s fortunes.
Through these 50 players, Mr Hodgson charts eras of promotion and relegation, iconic matches, and European nights, bringing to life the club’s journey in the words and memories of the men who made it happen.
Forever Boro written by Darlington-born author Paul Hodsgon, tells the story of Middlesbrough FC from 1970 to 2019 through 50 players who shaped the club's fortunes
(Image: Supplied)
Mr Hodgson said: "I’m really pleased with this book.
"My main reason for writing it was that a lot of my friends, or people I know, have played for Middlesbrough.
"David Hodgson, who I am very close to, very kindly wrote the foreword for me, and Jim Platt, who, like David, I have known for many years and have kept in touch with, has been a huge help to me and has also written a piece for the book.
"I’m extremely grateful to them both."
Mr Hodgson, a veteran writer with numerous books and a screenplay to his name, has previously published Flipper’s Side and When Push Comes to Shove, as well as works chronicling his lifelong support of Darlington FC.
Mr Platt, a Middlesbrough legend and one of the author’s top 10 players from the 1970s, said: "I have known Paul for several years through my association with Darlington Football Club.
"Paul is an avid fan of The Quakers, having supported them through thick and thin times.
"I have to say, Paul also keeps a keen eye on Middlesbrough, up the road, and, without being disrespectful to Darlington, has a bigger profile.
"With this in mind, he has compiled his 10 most popular players from each decade, dating back to the 1970s.
"I’m really pleased that he chose me as one of his favourite 10 from the 1970s.
"It is quite an honour."
David Hodgson, who wrote the book’s foreword, praised the author’s ability to capture the links between the two North-East clubs and the players who have moved between them over the years.
Mr Hodgson said: "Paul has taken on the great challenge of exploring the deep-rooted connection between Darlington and Middlesbrough FC.
"Countless players have made the journey along the A66 between these two clubs, both of which remain incredibly close to my heart.
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"Only he could weave together this history so effectively; this is truly a must-buy for both sets of fans."
Forever Boro is published by Pumpkin Head Publishing and is priced at £22.
It is available now on Amazon, directly from the author via hodgson.paul16@gmail.com, and will be on sale at Middlesbrough FC stores in the coming weeks.
Mr Hodgson’s broader writing career includes Give Them Wings, a rewrite of his earlier book Flipper’s Side.
He has also published memoirs, football diaries, and profiles of Darlington FC, as well as The David Speedie Story which tells the story of the former Chelsea, Liverpool and Scotland striker.
His books have earned him media coverage on the BBC World Service and TalkSport, and he has won more than 150 writing awards to date.
Forever Boro adds to his repertoire by offering Middlesbrough fans a personal and reflective look at the individuals who have shaped their club across 50 years of highs and lows.