Q – How long have you been following Forest and what got you started?
First match was one I got taken to by one of my Dad’s mates. We beat Fulham 2-0 at home with Frank Wignall and Henry Newton scoring the goals. The year? 1964 and I’ve supported Forest ever since! We finished 15th in the old Division One that season.
I think that makes this up and coming season my 43rd and Ive been a season ticket holder throughout – apart from 3 seasons in the mid 80’s when I worked away from Nottingham.
Q – What is your most memorable moment as a Forest fan? Good or Bad.
In 42 seasons Ive had a lot of both so choosing one, good or bad, is quite difficult. However I’ve settled on a good one. It goes back to an April night back in Germany in 1979. I’d gone to Cologne out of loyalty rather than any real optimism but with the Forest team at that time, anything was possible and so it turned out on the night. We’d drawn 3-3 all in a roller coaster of a match at the CG two weeks earlier and I suppose, only the overly optimistic or downright daft expected us to get a result. Anyway ‘Bomber’ Bowyer scored the only goal of the game with the simplest of headers and suddently we were in a European Cup Final. What made this so special was all the Cologne fans take the p*ss before the game as they were so confident they were going to win. I even heard they were booking trips to the Final prior to the kick off. Anyway, boy was it good to ram it back down their throats when we came out!
Q – Since you have been following Forest what would your Best Eleven be? And who is your all time favourite player?
Peter Shilton
Viv Anderson
Des Walker
Kenny Burns
Stuart Pearce
John McGovern
Steve ‘Harry’ Hodge
Martin O’Neill
John Robertson
Stan Collymore
Duncan McKenzie
Subs
Peter Grummitt
Terry Curran
Nigel Clough
Larry Lloyd
Tony Woodcock
Favourite player would be Duncan McKenzie.
Q – What is would you say is the best goal you have seen Forest score?
Another tough call. But if I go for best as opposed to most important (The Francis winner in Munich was probably the most important) it would have to in a 4th Round FA Cup match against Manchester City in January 1974. We were 2nd Division at the time and they were riding high in the 1st. The goal itself was a mere tap in for Ian Bowyer but it all started with Duncan McKenzie picking the ball up about 35 yards from goal and singlehandedly beating 6 City players in the most amazing mazy run I have ever witnessed before drawing the keeper (the mighty Joe Corrigan) and sliding the ball to Bowyer to side foot home. Francis Lee, Man City cult hero, was playing up front for them that day and he stood on the half way line and applauded. It was that good! And we won 4-1!!
Q – Best away ground visited?
Not sure if it counts as an away ground but the old Wembley Stadium. The buzz I got from watching Forest there was like no other.
Q – What are your thoughts on the proposed new stadium?
Disappointed as I will have to travel further to get to home matches (living only 3 miles form the Ground now!!) but really excited as I think its the way forward. Much as I love the City Ground and all the memories I have of it, we need to think long term. Stadiums need to filled with other events now (apart from football matches) to make them financially viable so I hope this will be taken into consideration. One thing I am very opposed to though is any sort of ground share with Notts. Thats a definite no-no!
Q- Are you pleased with the new signings made so far and is there any other player you would have liked to have seen us sign (realistically)?.
Yes Im overjoyed. CC seems to have moved in the right direction with his signings as it was the midfield that was desperately weak last season. I think Perch and McGugan did a great job but Lennon will bring them on again for us. Cohen and Davies will bring us some flaiir as well. I have to say Im really looking forward to the new season and I am very optimistic….but then again I always am!
Q – What are your thoughts on how last season ended and how did it compare to your expectations ?
After being so many points clear at Xmas I think last season really was a disaster. From having far too many strikers in the Club we ended up struggling up front, mainly down to injuries and in the end, ultimately, I think that cost us. Once we lost top spot I always thought the playoffs was our only hope (I even delayed my holiday to avoid missing the Play Off Final!) but I really thought we would beat Yeovil over two legs. To say I was gutted was an understatement!
Q -Despite the new signings, are there any areas in the side you think need adding to?
I still think we need another striker. CC’s making noises about Emile Sinclair but I think we need a really experienced old war horse whose been around a bit and can really get stuck in when the going gets tough. Also Smith’s form disappointed me last season after a fantastic start so maybe someone pushing him might help him raise his game again.
Q – Where do you sit at the City Ground?
Well in all the time Ive been watching Forest Ive had season tickets in the Main Stand, Trent End, the old East Stand (as well the Executive Stand) as well as standing on the old Kop but now Ive settled in the Upper Bridgford Stand on the back row right behind the goal. Im there now until we move to pastures new!
Great answers there George and thanks for taking the time. Much appreciated. If you would like to take part, then just email forest@vitalfootball.co.uk for the questions.
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