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Anton Hodge
ALLi Author Member
Location: United Kingdom (the)
Genres: General Nonfiction, Literary Fiction, History
Skills: Speaking Engagement/Lecture, Reading/Literary Event, Press/Media Interview
I grew up in Perth before attending university in Edinburgh where I graduated with a degree in Latin and Ancient History. Having lived in Cambridge and Cumbria, I am now based in North Yorkshire where I work for the Local Authority.
In 2008, I helped to form Gretna Football Club 2008 from the ashes of the now defunct Scottish Premier League Club, Gretna FC, becoming the club's Chairman in its inaugural year.
I have published three books: The Great Wall of Britain (2004), The Border – a History in 10½ Chapters (2007) and In Black and White (2015). I am currently editing the final draft of my first novel,
Anton Hodge's books
The Great Wall of Britain
From the Tyne to the Solway, Anton Hodge takes us on a geographical and historical tour of the Roman Wall area, which is highly informative, yet at the same time, irreverent and hilarious. Packed with accessible stories and histories, whether picked up from archaeology or through more dubious drunken chats in the local pubs, during the week-long walk, there are encounters with music-loving cows, amorous and less-amorous dogs, other walkers, imaginary B&B owners, Roman soldiers, foot and mouth disease, the Border Reivers and many more, including the strawberry lip balm!
Whether you have walked the Wall, are planning to, are interested in the history of northern England, or simply like to sit down with a book that will leave you smiling and crying at the same time, this is an entertaining account of 2,000 years of history.
The Border - A History in 10½ Chapters
One morning in late summer, Anton Hodge and his trusted companion Tony set out from Berwick-upon-Tweed to walk along the Anglo-Scottish Border. The book – a History of the Border in 10½ Chapters – is the resulting account of that journey, retelling their encounters with the people and the pubs, alongside a history of the frontier from prehistoric to modern times. It covers topics varying from the Romans to the Scottish Wars of Independence, the Border Rievers, fairytale weddings, man-made forests and Gretna Football Club
In Black and White
Gretna Football Club's rapid rise was breathtaking. Bankrolled by millionaire Brooks Mileson, it looked likely the only way was up. Elected to the Scottish Third Division in 2002, the club won three successive promotions, reached the Premier League, featured in the Scottish Cup Final and earned the right to play in the UEFA Cup.
It all came crashing down when Mileson’s funds dried up. Within months, creditors circled the dying club, which was dissolved in 2008. The fall was as spectacular as the rise.
Yet that was not the end for football in this plucky border town. Gretna FC 2008 – a new, community-based club – rose like a phoenix from the ashes.
Written by the first chairman of Gretna 2008, In Black and White traces the astonishing story of Gretna FC in the Mileson era and provides an insider’s account of the rebirth of Gretna football.