The Vital Forest Fan Interview: Paul Fitch

Q – How long have you been following Forest and do you remember your first game?

I’ve been a Forest Fan most of my life (my dad was a County fan, so didn’t get to games early on until I was old enough to go on my own). Can’t remember my first game, but remember that we lost, and I couldn’t see anything….stood behind some fat bloke who swore a lot in the Trent End.

Q – What are your most memorable moments as a Forest fan? Good and Bad.

Worst Moment was when Des Walker scored the own goal in 1991 FA cup final. I didn’t go because I was at my best mates wedding reception. I watched the game on a dodgy black & white portable in a back room. Had a mardy on for the rest of the reception…and blamed my mate for us losing…and still do.

Q – Since you have been following Forest, what would your best starting eleven be and who is your all time favourite player?

Shilton, Anderson, Pearce, Walker, Burns, Francis, Robertson, Gemmill, Sheringham,Collymore, Storey-Moore

Favourite Player….Stuart Pearce…for sheer passion.

Q – What is your best and worst moment of the 2012/13 season?

Worst…losing to Derby.
Best…Beating Leeds on Boxing Day….fabulous.

Q – In your opinion, how have the new owners performed since taking over the club last July?

A little erratic. But I can’t criticise because we’d be a darned site worse off without them…and they came good in the end.

Q – Best and worst away ground visited?

Best…Leicester….atmosphere is rubbish, and makes me appreciate the City Ground even more…and worst…Pride Park….hate the place.

Q – Who is your Nottingham Forest player of the season?

Simon Cox. I like players that work hard….even when things aren’t going his way…and that goal against Brum was sublime.

Q- Which player(s) would you like to see Forest sign this summer (realistically)?

We need width, but more importantly with pace….I also thought Sako from Wolves was excellent against us.

Q – All seater stadia. Good thing, or a bad thing?

I prefer the seats. In my teens I used to stand in the Trent End, and loved it….so maybe have both to give the option for the younger Reds.

Q – What are your thoughts on how the team performed last season and how did it compare with your expectations?

At the start I would have been delighted with 10th…by the end I was a little disappointed because we threw away some silly points.

Q – What are your expectations for next season in the Championship/Where will we finish?

I would be satisfied with a play off place….it’s still early days for this squad bearing in mind the number of loanees. As long as we compete I am happy.

Q- Much has been said about the wealth of our new owners. Do you think they will spend their way to promotion, or adopt a more frugal approach in trying to achieve it?

I think they would like to, but they can’t with the new rules. I think they will try to spend wisely…need to get rid of the expensive dead wood also.

Q – Name a former Forest player you were most disappointed to see sign for another club?

Stuart Pearce.

Q – What’s your opinion on Billy Davies and will he bring success to the club?

Billy is obviously behaving himself in the media after talking himself out of a job previously. If he can stay focused on the job in hand then I have every faith in his ability.

Q – In your opinion, was it the right or wrong decision to sack Sean O’Driscoll?

I think it was wrong given the replacement. However, I don’t think he was the right man for the long term…too focused on the opposition.

Q – New stadium, or renovate the City Ground?

Renovate. I enjoy the site along the banks of the Trent.

Q – If you could put one question or make one request to Mr.Fawaz Al-Hasawi, what would it be?

You’ve made a well publicised commitment to Billy Davies. Please back him as promised.

Q – Where do you sit/stand at the City Ground?

Lower Brian Clough. Front row has more leg room…got dodgy knees to worry about.

Q – Name the celebrity you would most like to meet.

Not really interested in celebrities…but…the late Peter Taylor…would like to ask him what he really thought of the late Mr C.

Many thanks to Paul for taking the time out to answer the questions. If you would like to take part, you can find a copy of the questions Here. Send your answers to forest@vitalfootball.co.uk.