THE OVERCOAT MEN
Pictured: David Kilpatrick and Graham Morris in the dugout
The story of two men who saved Rochdale AFC In his latest book, Mark Hodkinson reveals the passion and dedication required to rescue a club dubbed ‘The worst team in the Football League’ from oblivion. In this exclusive interview, Trevor Hoyle asks the author (both of them Dale fans) how the book came to be written. Trevor: First of all, the title, which is kind of banal and yet intriguing at the same time. How did you come to it - or it to you? Mark: It was something I noticed years ago, that directors of football clubs always seem to wear big, bulky overcoats. I assume because directors have to dress more formal, they go for apparel that suits both the boardroom and the directors' box. I like that it clearly differentiates them, sets them out as a particular breed. (Left: Author of The Overcoat Men, Mark Hodkinson)
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You describe the two men at the heart of the story, David Kilpatrick and Graham Morris, as 'two unsung heroes who saved Rochdale football club from oblivion'. It’s a big claim. Does it stack up? I think it does - although there were others who played vital supporting roles. Peter Madden built a team from almost nothing when Bob Stokoe moved on. His team played above themselves week after week, knowing the club's future depended on it. The other directors also contributed, even Andrew Hindle who has been much criticised in the town. It remains a fact that, after Fred Ratcliffe, Hindle has been the club's biggest benefactor. Kilpatrick and Morris were the catalysts of the club's 'comeback', though, and also stuck with it for many years. We were so lucky they did. We owe them such a lot. www.issuu.com/stylemagazine
There’s acres of research in the book reaching back decades. What were the pitfalls and obstacles in gathering material? Did some people refuse, or were reluctant, to talk to you? (No names, no pack drill!) It took months and months to find some people but I got to everyone in the end. They were happy to talk, even when they knew it might be a tricky interview. I think the love of the club and the fact that much of this was nearly 40 years ago meant they had got over whatever historical issues they might have had with various people. There was a universal delight that Rochdale had continued and, on its own terms, prospered for so many years afterwards. I think at least half of those I interviewed thought the club would fold.
