If your only reason for
reading Alan Hodgkinson's new autobiography, Between the Sticks,
is to get a glimpse into life behind the scenes at Oxford United in
the past few seasons then prepare to be disappointed. Hodgkinson's
spell at United merits little more than a brief mention at the back
of the book. In fact, his entire coaching career seems to be brushed
over somewhat, with the last couple of chapters serving to document
his last 40 years as a coach, which is something I found a little
disappointing because, as the world's first goalkeeping coach, it's
this that really marks Hodgkinson as an exceptional figure in the
development of the game.
Where this book does
excel, however, is as a fascinating insight into the mind of a
pioneering figure and his opinions on the development of the game
over the last sixty years. Frequently throughout the book as
Hodgkinson reminisces he draws comparisons between then and now,
highlighting the progress (and sometimes its lack) over the
intervening decades.
A few of the highlights
include his recollections of joining Sheffield United from Worksop
Town (Hodgkinson only accepted a contract from the Blades because of
the promise of a new suit!), his thoughts on the revolutionary
managerial methods of Joe Mercer, an interesting insight into
England's 1962 World Cup campaign in Chile and his tale of a fiery
clash between a young Brian Clough and the infamous Sir Stanley Rous
(which possibly explains why the former was never selected as England
manager!).
Having read his
intelligent observations of the game, it only enforces the impression
that Oxford have been incredibly lucky to have had Hodgkinson on
board to impart his vast wealth of knowledge and experience on our
keepers for the last few years. A simple glimpse at the quite
ridiculous list of tributes in the front pages of the book from
football's great and good really serves to reinforce just how
well-respected Hodgkinson is in football, including the likes of Sir
Alex Ferguson and the great Jim Smith.
In fact, probably my
favourite of Hodgkinson's anecdotes is one of his most recent. In
2011, he arranged for Oxford to train at Manchester United's
Carrington base on the way to an away game at Morecambe. When they
arrived, they were greeted by a banner organised by Alex Ferguson
himself which read: 'Welcome to the Master – Hodgey – the
Goalkeeping Guru'.
And if that isn't enough
to convince you that this book is worth buying, nothing is.