Mark Hodkinson's written an absolutely cracking book about
suporting Rochdale - and it carries loads of parallels with supporting
Hornets.
Spotland the brave - a book review
There was a defining moment that confirmed the true depth of my love for Rochdale Hornets. Emon Ratu skirted a desperately lunging Gary Connolly and found himself, not only in open field with only Steve Prescott to beat, but also with the mercurial Chris Churm on his shoulder. What happened next was both textbook and wonderful. Prescott committed to the tackle, Ratu delaying his pass to the last half second, Churm gathering at pace and sprinting under the posts unchallenged for a magical try. In that moment every reason to watch Rochdale Hornets became crystallised - underdogs ripping the cup holders' defence to shreds, the whole move uncharacteristically executed with flawless precision... and the most intense upsurge of emotion. Like our hearts, we leaped; we sang, we hugged each other as brothers and, as the St Helens supporters stood in stunned silence we choked back real tears of unbounded joy. It was beautiful. It was perfect. And it lasted nine whole minutes before Saints restored the world's equilibrium.
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 supporters 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.