The Brian Clough Trophy

It has to be said, that the sentiments of this fixture can’t be faulted, but let’s be honest from a Forest fans point of view, there really couldn’t be a worse time for us to go over the border to play them at a game of football.

Derby the Premiership club (it even hurts to type it) versus Nottingham Forest from little ‘ole League 1, must sound like music from heaven if your a sheep botherer. But it really does take some facing up to from where I am. I’m against the timing of the fixture more than anything. The main reason I am against the fixture, is I don’t fancy 30,000 Sheep taking the mick, not to mention the prospect of humiliation on the pitch. As soon as the fixture was announced, I vowed not to attend. But alas I have succumbed and I have bought a ticket. I am going.

As I said at the start, the sentiments of the game are spot on. Charities from both Cities will benefit from the proceeds and there’s no doubt Old Big Head would have loved the idea of two of his former clubs battling it out for a trophy. I suppose I must be very selfish and shallow for thinking the way I do, but to my mind, there’s never a good time to lose to them. It’s more than a friendly as well, because every time we play each other from now on, whether a League game or a Cup game, then that match will be designated a BCT game and the winner keeps the silverware. So it is a game worth winning, not only for the Cup, but the kudos of beating your bitterest and fiercest rivals also.

There is no doubting that the Sheep have had the upper hand in the mickey taking stakes over recent years. I just hope it’s our turn now, you have to admit we’re just about due a turn. One thing is for sure and that’s the fact that they will still find some mileage in the ‘coffee cup’ incident with dear old Barry ‘Barry’ Roache. I can’t wait.

It all kicks off at 7.45pm and to be fair to organisers tickets have been well priced at £10, they could have charged more. At half time, former Greats from both clubs will be paraded before the crowd and after the game, Brian’s wife Barbara will present the trophy to the winners.

Regardless of the result, I just hope that football is the winner and just as the Great Man would have liked and there will be a winner tomorrow, because in the event of a tie, it goes down to penalties. Come on you Reds’