Although not a contributor to this site, I am a regular follower of the debates, discussions and outpouring of heartbreak(!) which the forum provides. I'm therefore very aware that many of the contributors have supported our club for many, many years. And I would like to ask those fans in particular for a favour.

For a couple of years now, I have been working on a project to research the period 1975-1980 in the history of Hull FC, Hull KR and the city of Hull in general. The ambition is to write a book which is essentially the story of the 1980 Challenge Cup Final but will also chronicle those dark days from the mid-seventies, gradually building up to the successes that both clubs enjoyed in the late-seventies and, then, the cup final itself. While it is obviously a book about rugby, my aim is to present the story in the context of great changes taking place within the city itself.

I'm pleased to say that, due to the support and help of many of the players and officials involved, the book is on track to be complete next year and a publisher is lined up for release in 2017.

In the meantime, I would love to hear from anyone who feels that they have a story to tell which would add colour, detail or humour, whether as someone involved with either club, someone affected by the exodus out of Hull or by any of the significant changes occurring in Hull at the time (the fishing decline, Humber Bridge etc). Or, like me, a supporter who went for the weekend and ended up heartbroken. If you can remember it, I'd love to hear it either by reply to this message or private message. If yours is a long story, pop down your number and i'll give you a call

If anyone knows me from the old fanzine days, you'll know I'm a Hull Fc fan but this isn't intended to be just a Hull FC book; if you're a Rovers fan who've drifted onto this site, I'd love to hear from you too....

Very best wishes

Vince Groak