Review of the book Life Sentence from www.rochdalehornets.com
Mark Hodkinson's written an absolutely cracking book about supporting Rochdale - and it carries loads of parallels with supporting Hornets.
Rochdale isn't a glamorous town. Hardly surprising, then, that its professional
sporting clubs share its stoic characteristics. I've written
before that only a true understanding of defeat can enhance the appreciation
of moments such as this - and both Hornets and the Dale have plenty of experience
in this field.
Both are clubs sewn with doughty battlers; raised on the importance of graft, not craft; reaping small, but fragrant moments along the way. So why do we subject ourselves to such sweet torture?
Lifelong Dale supporter Mark Hodkinson endeavours to explain in his new book 'Life Sentence' (Parrs Wood Press, £8.95). From a diehard supporter's perspective he invites us into the world of supporting one of football's perpetual strugglers as both club and fans stand on the brink of new, uncharted territory - success. Given Hornets' amazing performance last season, Mark's - and the Dale's - story has unsurprising parallels. He writes with blunt passion about his love for the club, its place in his life, its role in the town - and his own intense personal dilemma over whether to travel to Plymouth or not.
Any Hornets fan having made the Wednesday night trip to Whitehaven last season will understand and sympathise. Whilst the round ball is alien in our egg-shaped universe, there is much in Mark's book that is familiar. The gnawing doubt that we can't actually be this good; the warmth and strength of the bond when we stand together away from home; the pride in our support in the face of Superleague/Premiership peer pressure. Most importantly, it explains our completely (ir) rational belief that our support really does make a difference.
'Life Sentence' tells of the physical ache you get when your team plays and you're not there; of dashed hope, unbending optimism and singing to stop yourself from crying. As supporters of an unglamorous club in an unglamorous game, it speaks our language. Geographically and metaphorically, you'll know exactly where Mark Hodkinson is coming from.
And, as both Hornets and the Dale shape to leave the perpetual strugglers tag behind and turn Spotland into a place where home teams actually win, it shows that - ball shape aside - both sets of supporters really aren't that different at all.
In the void between now and the new season, you'll need something to kindle the spirit. As flints go, they don't get much sharper than this.