Loughborough_red
Jack Armstrong
I just love the way Victorian journalists address the reader as if they are some sort of confidante; it something Dickens does throughout a number of his works. It makes them feel so quaint to modern eyes/ears.
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Forest Early History - sponsored by I‘m Red Till Dead
- Thread starter I'm Red Till Dead
- Start date
I'm Red Till Dead
Stuart Pearce
I love the early Victorian match reports where they try to work out how to report the matches with their 'lowering of flags' and 'breaching the oppositions citadel' as descriptions of scoring a goal. They used proper multi-sentence paragraphs back then too.
Kjetil Osvold's Cat
Kingsley Black
I can add a similar listing for the following season now, with the averages and games played in 1991/92 league games, but from Shoot magazine, not Match like the one above (and without all the accompanying stats - it's been done manually, adding up the ratings and dividing by the starting line-up appearances, as Shoot didn't rate sub appearances that season, rather than using a summary published in the magazine like the 90/91 one):
*Based on Forest appearances only, not including appearances for other clubs
Kingsley Black - 25 - 6.48
Gary Charles - 30 - 6.73
Steve Chettle - 17 - 6.59
Nigel Clough - 33 - 6.76
Gary Crosby - 31 - 6.29
Mark Crossley - 36 - 6.72
Tommy Gaynor - 3 - 6.33
Scot Gemmill - 39 - 6.38
Lee Glover - 12 - 6.33
Nigel Jemson - 6 - 6.67
Roy Keane - 39 - 7.23
Brian Laws - 10 - 6.50
Andy Marriott - 6 - 7.00
Toddi Orlygsson - 5 - 6.40
Garry Parker - 5 - 7.20
Stuart Pearce - 30 - 7.37
Teddy Sheringham - 39 - 6.51
Carl Tiler - 24 - 6.83
Des Walker - 32 - 7.31
Darren Wassall - 10 - 6.80
Brett Williams - 9 - 6.22
Terry Wilson - 1 - 6.00
Ian Woan - 20 - 6.50
Forest did play 20 cup games too in total that season though, and Shoot handed out quite a few 9 out of 10 ratings to Forest players I've noticed (Scot Gemmill had one in the ZDS Cup Final vs Southampton and Kingsley Black had had one away at Leeds in an earlier round for example, while Roy Keane had two 9s in the two legs vs Bolton in the League Cup, and Teddy Sheringham had one in the replay vs Palace at the City Ground; Des Walker had 9s in both semi-final home legs, a few days apart, in those cups too I noticed).
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alabamared
Stuart Pearce
Picture shamelessly lifted from Facebook (credit Copa90) just thought it was a great study of the WFCG in the 1960's
I'm Red Till Dead
Stuart Pearce
I have an A2 print of that up on my wall with the legend "A misty morning at the City Ground, January 7th 1960." It was sent to me by Andrew at Max Media PublishingPicture shamelessly lifted from Facebook (credit Copa90) just thought it was a great study of the WFCG in the 1960's
Lovely isn't it.
Ian Moore Gone Little
First Team Squad
Just wanted to say thank you so much for finding the write-up of that 1941 meeting (and for this thread in general - the time and effort you go to is much appreciated). I remember reading this when you posted it long before I joined the forum and being delighted to see my dad listed in the officials (assistant Secretary and treasurer). He would only have been 19 at the time, so clearly he was as obsessed with Forest as he later brought me up to be! I have a vague recollection of his once mentioning a meeting to do with getting a supporters’ club going, so this was probably that meeting.
Anyway, for some reason this came to mind the other day, so now I’ve joined the forum it occurred to me I could find it again and say thank you.
Redemption
Chief Eye Roller
Nice story but you do realise we will hold you personally responsible for the Boat Club intransegence, which is underpinned and sustained by the Supporters Club that YOUR father started.
Pitchforks to the ready!
Ian Moore Gone Little
First Team Squad
Yikes! What have I unleashed here…?
In my defence, Your Honour, I have never been to the boat club...
I'm Red Till Dead
Stuart Pearce
Thanks for the kind words. I must try and find some more time to transcribe more newspaper reports for my scrapbooks this year.Yikes! What have I unleashed here…?
In my defence, Your Honour, I have never been to the boat club...
The original supporter's club mentioned couldn't have made it through to the 100 year mark. The 1941 meetig mentions Billy Walker proposing a supporter's club so the original one must have fizzled out at some point, probably with the outbreak of the war. The first supporters club was mentioned in the 1934 annual meeting of the club.
(I just spotted a later mention May 22nd 1936. They were advertising a weeky supporters club dance)
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I'm Red Till Dead
Stuart Pearce
Someone posted a few days ago about a proposed Super League, though I forget who or where. I took a look at the time and found another proposal in 1990 for a Britsh Super League that included Forest as part of the 'also invited' clubs. I notice that one of the instigators was the infamous Irving Scholar.
SECRET moves are under way by five of England’s leading football clubs to create a British super league.
Liverpool, Everton, Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal are seeking to form a 12-club league, with Rangers, Celtic, Aberdeen and Hearts from Scotland, Chelsea, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest would complete the elite group.
The English ‘big five’ have had boardroom talks led by Spurs chairman Irving Scholar, who has compared the structure of the English Football League as a cross between the Tower of Babel and a dinosaur. The ambitious plans will be financed by selling television rights for three live games a week, which could fetch up to £60m.
Rangers chairman David Murray says the British super league will be in operation before a European division, mooted earlier this year by Barcelona.
The clubs involved are attempting to finalise their proposals before 1992, when ITV’s £44m contract with the English Football League ends. If successful, the moves could spell the end of the four national associations.
The clubs are expected to be offered up to £5m each by television companies to break away from their national associations and join the new British Premier Division.
The league would seek FIFA and UEFA official recognition thereby securing places in the three European competitions.
The proposed British Premier Division, as it is known behind boardroom doors, would spark a multi-million pound auction between ITV, BBC, Sky and BSB for exclusive screen rights and hasten the birth of the European Super League (details of which were revealed by Scotland on Sunday last February).
It could also mean the end of Scotland as an independent football nation and the participation of the four clubs in the Scottish Cup.
Rangers’ chairman David Murray, a committed European, said last week: “The British Super League will be in operation before any European version because UEFA have bought themselves a bit of time by tinkering with the format of the European Cup.”
Scholar is being backed by Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein, who said the involvement of Scottish clubs would bring added excitement to the League. “It will allow us to change the menu for the public.”
At present the clubs and the television companies are content to talk secretly but that will end with the ITV’s current contract. In a confidential deal two years ago, ITV offered the ‘big five’ £1m each for the exclusive rights to screen their home games, an offer which came close to succeeding.
In 1992, with BSB and Sky joining the fray, the Scottish quartet can expect to be offered a minimum of £5m. “It would need that sort of money to make the split viable,” said Murray.
Dave Hill, executive director of Sky Sport, says he has even heard a figure £10m mentioned. “Looking at it coldly, the one glittering prize in the crown of any broadcaster has got to be first division football.”
Although ITV failed with its earlier bid, analysis of last season's live league games shows the companies achieved their end by other means. Liverpool made 14 appearances, Manchester United 10, Arsenal 10, Spurs eight, Everton six and Wimbledon, Charlton, Crystal Palace and Derby nil. London Weekend Television managing director Greg Dyke commented: “Manchester United playing badly attracts more viewers than a less glamorous club playing well.”
While Murray stresses no formal talks have as yet been held in Scotland, it is understood Celtic chief Jack McGinn and Wallace Mercer of Hearts have discussed joining the super league within the past week,
“It’s obviously the way ahead,” said Murray. “For instance Edinburgh fans would be able to see Hibs on a Saturday at Easter Road in the Scottish league then watch Hearts live on television on Sunday in the British league.
“As yet, we have received no approaches, but Rangers would be delighted to be an integral part of any British league and I know Celtic are particularly keen on this idea.”
Jack McGinn, the Celtic Chairman, said: “As one Britain’s major clubs, we would have to be interested in any proposal that might entail a better future for football.”
Notes: 1 Irving Scholar, Nigel Wray, and-Phil Soar formed a consortium in 1997 which purchased
Nottingham Forest Football Club.
(Scotland on Sunday, Sunday, August 12, 1990)
Revealed: football’s breakaway super league
Revealed: football’s breakaway super league
SECRET moves are under way by five of England’s leading football clubs to create a British super league.
Liverpool, Everton, Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal are seeking to form a 12-club league, with Rangers, Celtic, Aberdeen and Hearts from Scotland, Chelsea, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest would complete the elite group.
The English ‘big five’ have had boardroom talks led by Spurs chairman Irving Scholar, who has compared the structure of the English Football League as a cross between the Tower of Babel and a dinosaur. The ambitious plans will be financed by selling television rights for three live games a week, which could fetch up to £60m.
Rangers chairman David Murray says the British super league will be in operation before a European division, mooted earlier this year by Barcelona.
The clubs involved are attempting to finalise their proposals before 1992, when ITV’s £44m contract with the English Football League ends. If successful, the moves could spell the end of the four national associations.
The clubs are expected to be offered up to £5m each by television companies to break away from their national associations and join the new British Premier Division.
The league would seek FIFA and UEFA official recognition thereby securing places in the three European competitions.
The proposed British Premier Division, as it is known behind boardroom doors, would spark a multi-million pound auction between ITV, BBC, Sky and BSB for exclusive screen rights and hasten the birth of the European Super League (details of which were revealed by Scotland on Sunday last February).
It could also mean the end of Scotland as an independent football nation and the participation of the four clubs in the Scottish Cup.
Rangers’ chairman David Murray, a committed European, said last week: “The British Super League will be in operation before any European version because UEFA have bought themselves a bit of time by tinkering with the format of the European Cup.”
Scholar is being backed by Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein, who said the involvement of Scottish clubs would bring added excitement to the League. “It will allow us to change the menu for the public.”
At present the clubs and the television companies are content to talk secretly but that will end with the ITV’s current contract. In a confidential deal two years ago, ITV offered the ‘big five’ £1m each for the exclusive rights to screen their home games, an offer which came close to succeeding.
In 1992, with BSB and Sky joining the fray, the Scottish quartet can expect to be offered a minimum of £5m. “It would need that sort of money to make the split viable,” said Murray.
Dave Hill, executive director of Sky Sport, says he has even heard a figure £10m mentioned. “Looking at it coldly, the one glittering prize in the crown of any broadcaster has got to be first division football.”
Although ITV failed with its earlier bid, analysis of last season's live league games shows the companies achieved their end by other means. Liverpool made 14 appearances, Manchester United 10, Arsenal 10, Spurs eight, Everton six and Wimbledon, Charlton, Crystal Palace and Derby nil. London Weekend Television managing director Greg Dyke commented: “Manchester United playing badly attracts more viewers than a less glamorous club playing well.”
While Murray stresses no formal talks have as yet been held in Scotland, it is understood Celtic chief Jack McGinn and Wallace Mercer of Hearts have discussed joining the super league within the past week,
“It’s obviously the way ahead,” said Murray. “For instance Edinburgh fans would be able to see Hibs on a Saturday at Easter Road in the Scottish league then watch Hearts live on television on Sunday in the British league.
“As yet, we have received no approaches, but Rangers would be delighted to be an integral part of any British league and I know Celtic are particularly keen on this idea.”
Jack McGinn, the Celtic Chairman, said: “As one Britain’s major clubs, we would have to be interested in any proposal that might entail a better future for football.”
Notes: 1 Irving Scholar, Nigel Wray, and-Phil Soar formed a consortium in 1997 which purchased
Nottingham Forest Football Club.
Cloughie1975
John Robertson
What a silly idea-not the only time that the Scots have tried to muscle in on the
English game.
No wonder it never got off the ground with Scholar involved.
I'm Red Till Dead
Stuart Pearce
The Celtic chairman, Jack McGinn, mentioned above is John McGinn's granddad.
I'm Red Till Dead
Stuart Pearce
I have to admit I didn't know that the world almost lost Psycho in 1998. He might have left us and gone to Newcastle by then but the world would be worse for not having him in it for that period.
SOCCER hardman Stuart Pearce prayed as his car was crushed by a seven-ton dustcart yesterday.
The Newcastle defender cheated death by ducking on to the passenger seat of his Rover 200.
England's Euro '96 hero said: "I remember seeing the dustcart skidding and I thought, `lt's going to hit me'."
“I first saw him about 50 yards away and he was snaking all over the road.”
"The cart then began tumbling on its side, at which point I stopped my car.”
"When it got within 10 metres of me, I bent over, put my head in my hands and prayed the impact would not be that bad. I had my fingers crossed.”
"The cart landed on its wheels on my roof. I was pinned slightly to the seats. I panicked, it was very frightening.”
"I took my seat belt off and smashed the passenger window and climbed out. I'm all right. I suppose I'm very lucky to be alive.”
Pearce, who has captained England and is nicknamed Psycho, walked away from the tangled wreckage with just a slight hand injury. The dustcart driver, who suffered a minor head injury, helped him from the car.
Pearce, 36, then calmly dialled 999 on his mobile phone.
And he waved away approaching vehicles from the crash scene over fears that leaking petrol could spark a fire. Local policeman Don Greenwood, who knows Pearce well, said: "I don't know how he got out of there alive.”
"Looking at the state of his car, this is a genuine miracle.”
"It's lucky he had no passenger. Ducking his head at the last second undoubtedly saved his life.”
"In this sort of situation, nine times out of ten we would be looking at a fatality.”
"We arrived on the scene within minutes and Stuart was in the road shouting for me to go back. "He said: 'lt's smoking and there's petrol all over the road'. I thought the whole lot was going to go up."
The lorry's rear axle was left perched on what remained of the car's roof, which had been crushed to below the level of the steering wheel.
Pearce had left his home in Cropwell Bishop, Notts, only moments before the crash. He was alone in his wife's R-reg car on a country road at about 1pm.
The council dustcart was travelling in the other direction near Cotgrave.
Police were last night investigating how the Rushcliffe Borough Council vehicle became airborne before landing on Pearce's car.
A fireman who attended the scene said: "It's incredible that we didn't have to cut him out of the wreckage.”
"It was a real mess and usually when you see a wreck like that you get this feeling in the pit of your stomach that you're going to see a body."
Pearce was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre, where he was treated for back pain and a hand injury. He was later discharged and driven away by his wife, Liz, in a Toyota Landcruiser.
The footballer said: "My back is still a bit sore from where I was pinned down, but the doctor said I was OK.”
"It won't affect my football. I'll just have to watch my back in training. I have sent a message to Newcastle and manager Kenny Dalglish and told them I'm OK."
His team are currently playing in a friendly tournament in Ireland.
Newcastle Spokesman Graham, Courtney, speaking from the teams hotel in Dublin, said the club were relieved he had escaped almost unscathed.
He said: “It sounds like he’s lucky to be alive. He got away with just a hand injury, which isn’t career threatening.”
“Stuart’s a big strong lad, so I don’t think he has any less chance of playing against Charlton on Saturday than he had before the accident.“ One local described the lane where the crash happened as a notorious blackspot.
“It’s a bolt hole for drivers who want to cut out the traffic jams on the way to Nottingham,” she said.
“There have been on or two bad accidents along the lane in the past few years.”
Pearce has a reputation for being one of the toughest players in football – but he’s also one of the most popular.”
He won his nickname Psycho for his no-nonsense attitude and tough defending and became a national hero during Euro ’96.
No football fan will ever forget his celebration after scoring in a vital penalty shoot out against Spain.
Pearce, 36, had volunteered to take a spot kick despite being one of the villains whose penalty kick miss led to England losing to Germany in the World Cup finals six years earlier.
A fierce patriot, Pearce’s greatest honour was putting on an England shirt.
The best present he says he has ever received is a 25ft. flag pole with a St. George’s Cross that stands on his front lawn.
(The Daily Mirror, Thursday, August 06, 1998)
I PRAYED AS THE LORRY CRUSHED MY CAR
I PRAYED AS THE LORRY CRUSHED MY CAR
SOCCER hardman Stuart Pearce prayed as his car was crushed by a seven-ton dustcart yesterday.
The Newcastle defender cheated death by ducking on to the passenger seat of his Rover 200.
England's Euro '96 hero said: "I remember seeing the dustcart skidding and I thought, `lt's going to hit me'."
“I first saw him about 50 yards away and he was snaking all over the road.”
"The cart then began tumbling on its side, at which point I stopped my car.”
"When it got within 10 metres of me, I bent over, put my head in my hands and prayed the impact would not be that bad. I had my fingers crossed.”
"The cart landed on its wheels on my roof. I was pinned slightly to the seats. I panicked, it was very frightening.”
"I took my seat belt off and smashed the passenger window and climbed out. I'm all right. I suppose I'm very lucky to be alive.”
Pearce, who has captained England and is nicknamed Psycho, walked away from the tangled wreckage with just a slight hand injury. The dustcart driver, who suffered a minor head injury, helped him from the car.
Pearce, 36, then calmly dialled 999 on his mobile phone.
And he waved away approaching vehicles from the crash scene over fears that leaking petrol could spark a fire. Local policeman Don Greenwood, who knows Pearce well, said: "I don't know how he got out of there alive.”
Perched
"Looking at the state of his car, this is a genuine miracle.”
"It's lucky he had no passenger. Ducking his head at the last second undoubtedly saved his life.”
"In this sort of situation, nine times out of ten we would be looking at a fatality.”
"We arrived on the scene within minutes and Stuart was in the road shouting for me to go back. "He said: 'lt's smoking and there's petrol all over the road'. I thought the whole lot was going to go up."
The lorry's rear axle was left perched on what remained of the car's roof, which had been crushed to below the level of the steering wheel.
Pearce had left his home in Cropwell Bishop, Notts, only moments before the crash. He was alone in his wife's R-reg car on a country road at about 1pm.
The council dustcart was travelling in the other direction near Cotgrave.
Police were last night investigating how the Rushcliffe Borough Council vehicle became airborne before landing on Pearce's car.
A fireman who attended the scene said: "It's incredible that we didn't have to cut him out of the wreckage.”
"It was a real mess and usually when you see a wreck like that you get this feeling in the pit of your stomach that you're going to see a body."
Pearce was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre, where he was treated for back pain and a hand injury. He was later discharged and driven away by his wife, Liz, in a Toyota Landcruiser.
The footballer said: "My back is still a bit sore from where I was pinned down, but the doctor said I was OK.”
"It won't affect my football. I'll just have to watch my back in training. I have sent a message to Newcastle and manager Kenny Dalglish and told them I'm OK."
STRONG
His team are currently playing in a friendly tournament in Ireland.
Newcastle Spokesman Graham, Courtney, speaking from the teams hotel in Dublin, said the club were relieved he had escaped almost unscathed.
He said: “It sounds like he’s lucky to be alive. He got away with just a hand injury, which isn’t career threatening.”
“Stuart’s a big strong lad, so I don’t think he has any less chance of playing against Charlton on Saturday than he had before the accident.“ One local described the lane where the crash happened as a notorious blackspot.
“It’s a bolt hole for drivers who want to cut out the traffic jams on the way to Nottingham,” she said.
“There have been on or two bad accidents along the lane in the past few years.”
Pearce has a reputation for being one of the toughest players in football – but he’s also one of the most popular.”
He won his nickname Psycho for his no-nonsense attitude and tough defending and became a national hero during Euro ’96.
No football fan will ever forget his celebration after scoring in a vital penalty shoot out against Spain.
Pearce, 36, had volunteered to take a spot kick despite being one of the villains whose penalty kick miss led to England losing to Germany in the World Cup finals six years earlier.
A fierce patriot, Pearce’s greatest honour was putting on an England shirt.
The best present he says he has ever received is a 25ft. flag pole with a St. George’s Cross that stands on his front lawn.
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I'm Red Till Dead
Stuart Pearce
Notts played some home games at the City Ground in the first decade of the 1900's. Their annual lease of the Trent Bridge Ground would run out before the end of the football season so Notts CCC could get set up ahead of the cricket season.
Forest allowed them to use the City Ground to finish their League programme. The League allowed it for a few seasons but by the end of the decade they had had enough and told Notts to sort it out and Meadow Lane was theie answer.
Cloughie1975
John Robertson
I suppose Notts returned the favour in 1968 in a way.
I'm Red Till Dead
Stuart Pearce
For Subin here is a very brief history of the club. The article appeared in the paper on the day of the 1959 FA Cup final against Luton.
(Football Post, Saturday, May 02, 1959)
From racecourse pitch to Wembley
Club that sprang from Shinney and Cricket
IN addition to making their second Cup Final appearance since starting their 81 years connection with the Football Association Challenge Cup competition, the two finals being separated by 61 years, Nottingham Forest this afternoon succeeded at the 31st attempt in reaching the Wembley Stadium. Since defeating Notts County on November 16, 1878, to celebrate entering the national tournament, the Reds have been opposed to 92 different clubs, and that of this afternoon was their 216th match. Little did the 15 founders who gathered at the Sherwood Street - Shakespeare Street hostelry, the Clinton Arms, realise that they were setting the club out on a long trail which was destined to lead them from playing matches in the shadow of the grandstand on Nottingham's old racecourse on the Forest, via the Cup Final of April 16, 1898, in which they defeated Derby County 3-1, to an appearance before over 90,000 people at the famous Wembley Stadium.
ONE point, rendered all the more important because six years hence Forest will become the third football club to celebrate their centenary- Sheffield were the first a year ago last October, and Notts County will be the second in three years' time - we cannot supply in these notes on the club's long history is the exact date of formation.
However, it certainly took place during the winter months, for the idea of organising a football - club the example had been set three years earlier by Notts County - was mooted during an informal meeting of some 15 hockey - or shinny, as the stick game was then known - player's on their Forest racecourse playing pitch. It was J. S. Scrimshaw upon whom fell the task of calling players to the meeting, at which it was agreed to form the "Forest Football Club" - Nottingham was added later - those who desired to remain loyal to hockey being at liberty to do so.
Thus, as in the case of the vast majority of clubs that became great in football, Forest’s origin was of a humble character, and some of the following 15 founder-members were destined to witness the Reds play their first victorious Cup Final at the Crystal Palace 33 years later:
A. Barks, W. Brown, W. P. Brown, C. F. Daft, T. Gamble, R. P. Hawksley, T. G. Howitt, W. L. Hussey, W. R. Lymbery, J. Milford (first secretary and treasurer), J. H. Rastall, W. H. Revis, J. G. Richardson, J. S. Scrimshaw and J. Tomlinson.
In that year of 1865, clubs made their own laws, for the Football Association was only 12 months old, and Forest adopted a medley of Rugby, Sheffield and London Rules for their games.
William Brown purchased the first playing outfit - a dozen red flannel caps at the shop of C. F. Daft, the elder brother of Dick Daft, the famous cricketer.
It was in 1866 that Forest and Notts County met for the first time, and here is a short description of that game on the racecourse in the shadow of the grandstand:
Neither gained a point until, close upon time, with a sort of steeplechase across the goal line and over the railings near the stand, between Hugh Browne, and W. H. Revis, the ball was touched down by the latter, and the place kick, 15 yards from the goal line, was taken by Revis with success, Forest winning by one goal to nothing.
It was in 1868 that Forest joined the Sheffield Association, and had many exciting matches against teams from that area.
December 23, 1873, was another historic occasion for Forest, as on that day, in meeting the Royal Engineers, the club who started touring in search of sport, defeated them 2-1. At the same time they gave the Reds a lesson in combination which was not allowed to pass unnoticed, for the winners passed the ball accurately while advancing in line, as soldiers might be expected to do.
A year later came such outstanding events as the use of a whistle for the first time, when Forest played Sheffield; the disbanding the Notts Castle FC, which gave Forest an increase In playing strength; and their first Association Cup tie (November 16, 1878), which they won, their team being:
John Sands (goal), Sam Widdowson (captain and cover goal - sort of extra back), Edward Luntley1, Charles Caborn (backs), Jack Bates (right half-back), A. M. Holroyd (left half-back) A. H. Smith, Arthur Goodyer (right wing), J. P. Turner (centre), Fred W. Earp and Walter Luntley (left wing).
Sands, Widdowson, E. Luntley and Goodyer quickly became internationals.
By a curious circumstance, which was certainly very fitting, their first clash in the national knock-out was against Notts County, and one can imagine the joy of the wearers of the red Garibaldi shirts on winning 3-1. That match was played at Beeston, and it is interesting to recall that not since 1894 when Forest were one of Notts County's victims in their only Cup-winning season of 1893-4, have Nottingham's clubs been opposed in the Cup.
In all, Forest have been opposed to the County in the Cup on six occasions, the results, from the Reds’ standpoint, being as follows:
In January, 1879,in opposing Old Harrovians in a cup-tie at the Oval, Forest became the first club from the provinces to appear in London. Forest also have the distinction of being the one club who have played Association Cup-ties in all four home countries. They also played a semi-final in Scotland, losing to Queen’s Park at Merchiston Park, Edinburgh, in 1885.
Forest, who stubbornly kept struggling against the tide of professionalism which had set in, were the last club to include the paid player in their ranks, and it was the outcome of losing 24 out of 40 matches in 1888-9 and 21 out of 38 in 1889-90.
In the latter season Harry S. Radford a corporation official and father of the famous Nottingham singer, Bob Radford, became secretary and to him goes the credit for placing Forest in a firm position from every standpoint. He remained in office until 1896 and was succeeded by Harry Hallam. Some professionals were employed and such was their recovery in playing standard that in 1890-1 they won 27 of their 56 games, scoring 168 goals against 86.
During their long career, and unlike their County neighbours, Forest led a nomadic life regarding playing headquarters until they took up "residence” at the City Ground.
There they play upon the finest stretch of turf in the country, and proudly displayed the Association
Cup on the opening afternoon on September 3, 1898, when Blackburn Rovers, as their guests, won 1-0.
The Reds went there from the Town Ground, just off Arkwright Street, where the City Transport have their establishment. It was approached across a field, the entrance being at a point near the junction of the Victoria Embankment and Arkwright Street, adjacent to the Town Arms. Earlier the Gregory, Ground, Derby Road, Lenton, was the scene of their games. Earlier still, they played on Parkside, Derby Road, and before going there made use of the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground.
Not content with the latest City Ground improvement - the fine new East Stand - the club intend to increase the accommodation for spectators at the Radcliffe Road end.
(Football Post, Saturday, May 02, 1959)
From racecourse pitch to Wembley
Club that sprang from Shinney and Cricket
IN addition to making their second Cup Final appearance since starting their 81 years connection with the Football Association Challenge Cup competition, the two finals being separated by 61 years, Nottingham Forest this afternoon succeeded at the 31st attempt in reaching the Wembley Stadium. Since defeating Notts County on November 16, 1878, to celebrate entering the national tournament, the Reds have been opposed to 92 different clubs, and that of this afternoon was their 216th match. Little did the 15 founders who gathered at the Sherwood Street - Shakespeare Street hostelry, the Clinton Arms, realise that they were setting the club out on a long trail which was destined to lead them from playing matches in the shadow of the grandstand on Nottingham's old racecourse on the Forest, via the Cup Final of April 16, 1898, in which they defeated Derby County 3-1, to an appearance before over 90,000 people at the famous Wembley Stadium.
ONE point, rendered all the more important because six years hence Forest will become the third football club to celebrate their centenary- Sheffield were the first a year ago last October, and Notts County will be the second in three years' time - we cannot supply in these notes on the club's long history is the exact date of formation.
However, it certainly took place during the winter months, for the idea of organising a football - club the example had been set three years earlier by Notts County - was mooted during an informal meeting of some 15 hockey - or shinny, as the stick game was then known - player's on their Forest racecourse playing pitch. It was J. S. Scrimshaw upon whom fell the task of calling players to the meeting, at which it was agreed to form the "Forest Football Club" - Nottingham was added later - those who desired to remain loyal to hockey being at liberty to do so.
Thus, as in the case of the vast majority of clubs that became great in football, Forest’s origin was of a humble character, and some of the following 15 founder-members were destined to witness the Reds play their first victorious Cup Final at the Crystal Palace 33 years later:
A. Barks, W. Brown, W. P. Brown, C. F. Daft, T. Gamble, R. P. Hawksley, T. G. Howitt, W. L. Hussey, W. R. Lymbery, J. Milford (first secretary and treasurer), J. H. Rastall, W. H. Revis, J. G. Richardson, J. S. Scrimshaw and J. Tomlinson.
In that year of 1865, clubs made their own laws, for the Football Association was only 12 months old, and Forest adopted a medley of Rugby, Sheffield and London Rules for their games.
William Brown purchased the first playing outfit - a dozen red flannel caps at the shop of C. F. Daft, the elder brother of Dick Daft, the famous cricketer.
It was in 1866 that Forest and Notts County met for the first time, and here is a short description of that game on the racecourse in the shadow of the grandstand:
Neither gained a point until, close upon time, with a sort of steeplechase across the goal line and over the railings near the stand, between Hugh Browne, and W. H. Revis, the ball was touched down by the latter, and the place kick, 15 yards from the goal line, was taken by Revis with success, Forest winning by one goal to nothing.
It was in 1868 that Forest joined the Sheffield Association, and had many exciting matches against teams from that area.
Learned art of attack
December 23, 1873, was another historic occasion for Forest, as on that day, in meeting the Royal Engineers, the club who started touring in search of sport, defeated them 2-1. At the same time they gave the Reds a lesson in combination which was not allowed to pass unnoticed, for the winners passed the ball accurately while advancing in line, as soldiers might be expected to do.
A year later came such outstanding events as the use of a whistle for the first time, when Forest played Sheffield; the disbanding the Notts Castle FC, which gave Forest an increase In playing strength; and their first Association Cup tie (November 16, 1878), which they won, their team being:
John Sands (goal), Sam Widdowson (captain and cover goal - sort of extra back), Edward Luntley1, Charles Caborn (backs), Jack Bates (right half-back), A. M. Holroyd (left half-back) A. H. Smith, Arthur Goodyer (right wing), J. P. Turner (centre), Fred W. Earp and Walter Luntley (left wing).
Sands, Widdowson, E. Luntley and Goodyer quickly became internationals.
By a curious circumstance, which was certainly very fitting, their first clash in the national knock-out was against Notts County, and one can imagine the joy of the wearers of the red Garibaldi shirts on winning 3-1. That match was played at Beeston, and it is interesting to recall that not since 1894 when Forest were one of Notts County's victims in their only Cup-winning season of 1893-4, have Nottingham's clubs been opposed in the Cup.
In all, Forest have been opposed to the County in the Cup on six occasions, the results, from the Reds’ standpoint, being as follows:
| F | N | ||||
| 1878 | Nov 16 | Beeston | A | 3 | 1 |
| 1879 | Nov 08 | Trent Bridge | H | 4 | 0 |
| 1883 | Dec 01 | Trent Bridge | A | 0 | 3 |
| 1887 | Nov 26 | Gregory Ground | H | 2 | 1 |
| 1894 | Feb 24 | Gregory Ground | H | 1 | 1* |
| 1894 | Mar 03 | Trent Bridge | A | 1 | 4 |
| * After extra time |
In January, 1879,in opposing Old Harrovians in a cup-tie at the Oval, Forest became the first club from the provinces to appear in London. Forest also have the distinction of being the one club who have played Association Cup-ties in all four home countries. They also played a semi-final in Scotland, losing to Queen’s Park at Merchiston Park, Edinburgh, in 1885.
Forced to take up professionalism
Forest, who stubbornly kept struggling against the tide of professionalism which had set in, were the last club to include the paid player in their ranks, and it was the outcome of losing 24 out of 40 matches in 1888-9 and 21 out of 38 in 1889-90.
In the latter season Harry S. Radford a corporation official and father of the famous Nottingham singer, Bob Radford, became secretary and to him goes the credit for placing Forest in a firm position from every standpoint. He remained in office until 1896 and was succeeded by Harry Hallam. Some professionals were employed and such was their recovery in playing standard that in 1890-1 they won 27 of their 56 games, scoring 168 goals against 86.
During their long career, and unlike their County neighbours, Forest led a nomadic life regarding playing headquarters until they took up "residence” at the City Ground.
There they play upon the finest stretch of turf in the country, and proudly displayed the Association
Cup on the opening afternoon on September 3, 1898, when Blackburn Rovers, as their guests, won 1-0.
The Reds went there from the Town Ground, just off Arkwright Street, where the City Transport have their establishment. It was approached across a field, the entrance being at a point near the junction of the Victoria Embankment and Arkwright Street, adjacent to the Town Arms. Earlier the Gregory, Ground, Derby Road, Lenton, was the scene of their games. Earlier still, they played on Parkside, Derby Road, and before going there made use of the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground.
Not content with the latest City Ground improvement - the fine new East Stand - the club intend to increase the accommodation for spectators at the Radcliffe Road end.
I'm Red Till Dead
Stuart Pearce
Introduction of league system
As original members of the Football Alliance which after three seasons (1889-90 to 1891-2) ceased to exist, they gained election at the second attempt - they secured only one vote at the first - to the League Division I along with Newton Heath (now Manchester United), and Sheffield Wednesday, Ardwick (now Manchester City), Bootle, Burton Swifts, Crewe Alexandra, Grimsby, Lincoln City, Small Heath (now Birmingham City) and Walsall Town Swifts becoming original members of Division II. In the new division, other first members were Sheffield United, Darwen, Northwich Victoria and Burslem Port Vale.
As the Alliance is so little referred to now - Notts County, by the way, were among the clubs voting against Forest's admission to the League - it is interesting to include the three tables of results as follows:
Season 1889-90 | |||||||
P | W | D | L | F | A | P | |
| Sheffield Wednesday | 22 | 15 | 2 | 5 | 70 | 38 | 32 |
| Bootle | 22 | 13 | 2 | 7 | 69 | 38 | 28 |
| Sunderland Albion | 22 | 13 | 2 | 7 | 65 | 39 | 28 |
| Grimsby | 22 | 12 | 2 | 8 | 58 | 47 | 24 |
| Crewe Alexandra | 22 | 11 | 2 | 9 | 68 | 59 | 24 |
| Darwen | 22 | 10 | 2 | 10 | 70 | 72 | 22 |
| Birmingham St. George’s | 22 | 9 | 3 | 10 | 58 | 47 | 21 |
| Newton Heath | 22 | 9 | 2 | 11 | 38 | 43 | 20 |
| Walsall Town Swifts | 22 | 8 | 3 | 11 | 40 | 54 | 19 |
| Small Heath | 22 | 6 | 5 | 11 | 41 | 67 | 17 |
| Nottingham Forest | 22 | 6 | 5 | 11 | 31 | 62 | 17 |
| Long Eaton Rangers | 22 | 4 | 2 | 16 | 34 | 76 | 10 |
Season 1890-91 | |||||||
P | W | D | L | F | A | P | |
| Stoke | 22 | 13 | 7 | 2 | 57 | 39 | 33 |
| Sunderland Albion | 22 | 12 | 6 | 4 | 69 | 28 | 30 |
| Grimsby | 22 | 11 | 5 | 6 | 43 | 27 | 27 |
| Birmingham St. George’s | 22 | 12 | 2 | 8 | 64 | 62 | 26 |
| *Nottingham Forest | 22 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 66 | 39 | 23 |
| Darwen | 22 | 10 | 3 | 9 | 64 | 59 | 23 |
| Walsall Town Swifts | 22 | 9 | 3 | 10 | 34 | 61 | 21 |
| Crewe Alexandra | 22 | 8 | 4 | 10 | 59 | 62 | 20 |
| Newton Heath | 22 | 7 | 3 | 12 | 37 | 55 | 17 |
| Small Heath | 22 | 7 | 2 | 13 | 58 | 66 | 16 |
| Bootle | 22 | 3 | 7 | 12 | 40 | 61 | 13 |
| Sheffield Wednesday | 22 | 4 | 5 | 13 | 39 | 66 | 13 |
| * Two points deducted for including ineligible players. |
Season 1891-92 | |||||||
P | W | D | L | F | A | P | |
| Nottingham Forest | 22 | 14 | 5 | 3 | 59 | 22 | 33 |
| Newton Heath | 22 | 12 | 7 | 3 | 69 | 33 | 31 |
| Small Heath | 22 | 12 | 5 | 5 | 53 | 36 | 29 |
| Sheffield Wednesday | 22 | 12 | 4 | 6 | 65 | 35 | 28 |
| Burton Swifts | 22 | 12 | 2 | 8 | 54 | 53 | 26 |
| Crewe Alexandra | 22 | 7 | 4 | 11 | 44 | 49 | 18 |
| Ardwick | 22 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 39 | 51 | 18 |
| Bootle | 22 | 8 | 2 | 12 | 42 | 64 | 18 |
| Lincoln City | 22 | 6 | 5 | 11 | 37 | 65 | 17 |
| *Grimsby | 22 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 40 | 39 | 16 |
| Walsall Town Swifts | 22 | 6 | 3 | 13 | 39 | 59 | 15 |
| Birmingham St. George’s | 22 | 5 | 3 | 14 | 34 | 64 | 11 |
| * Two points deducted |
Nearly Became A Company
Forest have the distinction of which they are justifiably proud, of being the only League club run by a committee rather than board of directors. The present day officials may not be aware, as we are, of the narrow escape the club had just before season 1906-7.
As we then pointed out in the Post Football Guide Forest, after 40 year's existence under their original constitution realised the necessity of failing into line with all the other first class organisations and intended adopting the provisions of the Companies Act.
At the annual meeting the financial obligations and a scheme of flotation was agreed upon with a capital of £5,000 in £1 shares.
At the time a directorate of five had to be appointed but nothing was done and the scheme fell through.
Notes: Edward Luntley should read Edwin Luntley
A new cricket ground was built on the Forest Recreation Ground in 1862. A number of the early Forest players appear in a various cricket
teams, including a Forest Cricket Club and a Nottingham Forest Cricket Club, post the formation of the Forest Football Club, but this is the
only report I have seen to date that suggest a cricket club might have had anything to do with the formation of the football club..
I'm Red Till Dead
Stuart Pearce
While I was having a quick look to see if I could spot something on the cricket having something to do with the start of the club I noticed this -
Could the Garibaldi Red of our shirts be a reference to the red shirts of the South Notts Yeomanry as well as / rather than Garibaldi himself?
Could the Garibaldi Red of our shirts be a reference to the red shirts of the South Notts Yeomanry as well as / rather than Garibaldi himself?
Morpeth
John Robertson
Same old Forest - always cheating!
sammy the snake
Jack Armstrong
So the person in this photo is infact my uncle.. Those shirts above his head washed and cleaned by Grandma, long gone. The pitch prepared for years by Grandad, long gone.Picture shamelessly lifted from Facebook (credit Copa90) just thought it was a great study of the WFCG in the 1960's
Forest are unrecognisable to that club in the 60s but there’s so many heart warming stories that the club would never publish.. just wanted to say never forget what Forest are, despite the crap going on
Otis Redding
Try A Little Tenderness
That's interesting Sammy. I'm fairly sure I've previously commented on here that I thought he was a kid I recognised from the Meadows. I was clearly mistaken. I've always regarded it as great photo that evokes more innocent times.
I'm Red Till Dead
Stuart Pearce
I think that probably my favourite thing I've found, in my research of the clubs history, is that in spring, crocuses would flower on the Town Ground pitch. I would love to be able to go back in time and watch a game on that pitch at that time. The leagues wouldn't tolerate flowers on the pitch now.
I'm Red Till Dead
Stuart Pearce
I remember you posting about that picture a couple of years ago Otis.
Cloughie1975
John Robertson
Forest have had a few pansies over the years.
Ian Moore Gone Little
First Team Squad
And there is of course a Crocus Street in the Meadows, a bit nearer the city centre than my recollection of the Town Ground’s location. As the whole area was meadowland between the town and the river before it was built on I expect there would have been plenty of crocuses in the area.