Forest Early History - sponsored by I‘m Red Till Dead

[Cloughie1975]

Here's the piece that went with the pictures. I don't think I like Frank McGhee!

(Daily Mirror, Saturday, March 18, 1978)

Paisley holds all the aces​

By FRANK McGHEE​

WEMBLEY STADIUM has seldom staged a match with more appeal, excitement and potential than this afternoon's League Cup Final. That may be an extravagant claim but, I insist, justified.

Nottingham Forest are the most accomplished team in the country. Their record proves it. Liverpool are the most famous side in the land - and the most experienced. No one can dispute it.

The reigning champions of Europe have, won every trophy available except this one.

It all adds up to the imposition of a heavy extra demand on both. And Wembley is notorious as the setting most likely to destroy the nerves of the players who come clattering on studded boots out of the cool concrete tunnel into noise which stuns like a punch to the head.

Both teams possess men in charge who are perfectly equipped in their very different ways to take the tension out of the occasion

Plug​

Bob Paisley, the Liverpool manager, happy and homespun, is plugging away at the obvious line: "Wembley has no terrors for us. We've been there so often before we feel at home.”

“We are the champions. Forest are just beginners at the game."

Brian Clough of Forest, far more complicated as a person, is not, I believe, in the same class as a tactician.

But Clough has no equal as a motivator: His message to his team will be equally simple: "You have never been at Wembley before. You never dreamed you would be.”

"So delight in it, make the most of it. Go out there and do what you have shown you can do.”

"You can play. Enjoy yourselves. Have a lovely time.”

It might work with Clough. It often does.

Driving first Derby and then Forest to the heights was about as difficult and impossible as standing in a bucket and then lifting it. Clough did it.

No one, least of all me, could or would deny the immensity of the achievement.

I do not always admire the psychological techniques involved. They seem to me to involve playing on fear.

Clough, I feel, sees himself as bigger than the club he manages - and he may be right.

Personally I don't think he is. I find the Paisley attitude far healthier. He knows that Liverpool F C matter much more than he does.

It may be personal preference which makes me hope that Liverpool win today. There is, however, nothing personal in my conviction that, Liverpool SHOULD win.

They will be at full strength - while Forest will be without goalkeeper Peter Shilton, centre half Dave Needham and midfield man Archie Gemmill - all Cup-tied and full back Colin Barrett.

Liverpool are at their strongest where Forest could be most seriously weakened -in midfield - with Ray Kennedy, lan Callaghan, Jimmy Case and Terry McDermott. They can all, as a bonus, also shoot and score.

Duel​

For me the most fascinating individual duel could be between Liverpool winger Steve Heighway and Forest's accomplished black full back Viv Anderson.

Anderson is inclined to leave inviting gaps behind him when he attacks, and no full back in the world will catch Heighway once he is a couple of strides clear.

All in all, I can see Forest being denied a double that once threatened to be a treble - and that will be no bad thing.

Although they are a fine side, they are not yet, in the same class as teams from the past who have won more than one trophy in a season - Tottenham, Arsenal, Leeds and Liverpool. They are, however, more than good enough to provide what I hope the public will see - a real spectacular,

Liverpool were certainly favourites (given Forest’s cup-tied players),as they were in the replay at Old Trafford.
But how many times did Brian Clough’s Forest upset the odds (especially against the Merseysiders)?

 

[I'm Red Till Dead]

Liverpool were certainly favourites (given Forest’s Cup-tied players),as they were in the replay at Old Trafford.
But how many times did Brian Clough’s Forest upset the odds (especially against the Merseysiders)?

I appreciate that Liverpool were favourites. What annoyed me was this

"All in all, I can see is Forest being denied a double that once threatened to be a treble - and that will be no bad thing.

That's just the kind of view that hints at the desire for top clubs to keep dominating!

 

[I'm Red Till Dead]

Washing the kit at Forest

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1575192070037569536

By the way although the tweet says it's 1950, the print I have dates it January 7th, 1960.

 

[Quntib Hollox]

By the way although the tweet says it's 1950, the print I have dates it January 7th, 1960.

Where did you get hold of it from?

 

[I'm Red Till Dead]

Where did you get hold of it from?

It was a gift from a guy who publishes Forest books. I suspect that it was he that created the colour version, though I could be wrong about that. I can ask him if he sells the unframed prints if you'd like.

 

[Cloughie1975]

I appreciate that Liverpool were favourites. What annoyed me was this


That's just the kind of view that hints at the desire for top clubs to keep dominating!

No point being annoyed-Forest won anyway!

 

[I'm Red Till Dead]

No point being annoyed-Forest won anyway!

They did? Now you've gone and spoiled it I'm still on the morning of the final in my 'clipping' collection.

 

[Otis Redding]

By the way although the tweet says it's 1950, the print I have dates it January 7th, 1960.

That is definitely 1960 Nicola. I'm pretty sure that I've noted previously in this thread (?) that I think I recognise that kid from the Meadows. I wouldn't have been much older than him at the time the photo was taken.

 

[Steve B]

That is definitely 1960 Nicola. I'm pretty sure that I've noted previously in this thread (?) that I think I recognise that kid from the Meadows. I wouldn't have been much older than him at the time the photo was taken.

Yes definitely. Forest didn’t have shirts like that until about 57-58.

 

[I'm Red Till Dead]

That is definitely 1960 Nicola. I'm pretty sure that I've noted previously in this thread (?) that I think I recognise that kid from the Meadows. I wouldn't have been much older than him at the time the photo was taken.

I remember you posting it before. I couldn't remember where it was though.

 

[Quntib Hollox]

It was a gift from a guy who publishes Forest books. I suspect that it was he that created the colour version, though I could be wrong about that. I can ask him if he sells the unframed prints if you'd like.

Thanks Red. It’s got a great nostalgic vibe.

 

[I'm Red Till Dead]

Thanks Red. It’s got a great nostalgic vibe.

I've emailed him to ask if he sells them and if he doesn't himself, where they might be obtained.

 

[I'm Red Till Dead]

 

[I'm Red Till Dead]

(Liverpool Echo, Monday, March 20, 1978)​

The P.F.A.'s awards lived up to their reputation for unpredictability, which has persisted since Norman Hunter was named their first "Footballer of the Year."

This time the premier award went to Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Peter Shilton, with Archie Gemmill from the same club runner-up, and a third Forest player, Tony Woodcock. named as the best young footballer.

 

[Bonfy177]

(Liverpool Echo, Monday, March 20, 1978)​

The P.F.A.'s awards lived up to their reputation for unpredictability, which has persisted since Norman Hunter was named their first "Footballer of the Year."

This time the premier award went to Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Peter Shilton, with Archie Gemmill from the same club runner-up, and a third Forest player, Tony Woodcock. named as the best young footballer.

We’ve had worse neets

 

[I'm Red Till Dead]

Video's of the Forest v Liverpool 1978 Cup Final Replay at Old Trafford.

Thank goodness there was no VAR back then!

 

[I'm Red Till Dead]

(Newcastle Journal, Tuesday, March 21, 1978)

The final chance.

North youngster in Clough's squad​

BRIAN CLOUGH has not only turned Nottingham Forest into the pride of English football, he has made Jeanette Elliott the country's proudest mother.

Mrs. Elliott, of Haltwhistle is the mother or Forest's young reserve striker, Stephan Elliott, who today figures strongly Clough's plans for tomorrow's League Cup final replay.

For Stephen, 19, has been called to join the replay squad at Its Scarborough headquarters and could make his big match debut in the heady atmosphere or a Cup Final.

"He telephoned me to say he had to go with the squad," add Mrs. Elliott who with husband Billy lives in Woodhead Lane.

I thought he was drunk but he wasn't, he was just absolutely elated.

"I feel as if I've been on the alcohol all day," added Mrs.Elliott at the town’s Compela Factory where she works in the evening.

And at the factory tomorrow all the staff will be listening for news of the final if Stephen plays.

But his dad, and brothers Barry, 24, and Michael, nine, will be travelling to Old Trafford to see the final.

Stephen, a former pupil of Haltwhistle Middle School and Haydon Bridge High, has been playing regularly for Forest Reserves and has made one first team appearance In a testimonial match.'

Notes: Compona Limited was situated on the Haltwhistle Industrial Estate, and anodised aluminium products.

It's a shame that the youngster couldn't have got a minute on the pitch.

 

[Cloughie1975]

Video's of the Forest v Liverpool 1978 Cup Final Replay at Old Trafford.

Thank goodness there was no VAR back then!

Although Thompson would see red now.
I was exactly level and it was clearly outside-but as Peter Taylor said 'we've got the cup'!
A memorable night in Manchester.

 

[Bonfy177]

Although Thompson would see red now.
I was exactly level and it was clearly outside-but as Peter Taylor said 'we've got the cup'!
A memorable night in Manchester.

I love Peter’s oh doesn’t it?

Outside of Forest circles sometimes I feel Peter maybe doesn’t get the credit he richly deserved.

 

[Cloughie1975]

I love Peter’s oh doesn’t it?

Outside of Forest circles sometimes I feel Peter maybe doesn’t get the credit he richly deserved.

Yes,Brian Clough was a great manager in his own right-but the Clough/Taylor partnership at its
peak shook up the football world (much to the delight of the citizens in Derby and Nottingham).

 

[Otis Redding]

Although Thompson would see red now.
I was exactly level and it was clearly outside-but as Peter Taylor said 'we've got the cup'!
A memorable night in Manchester.

I was level-ish, but quite high up so couldn't make a definitive judgement.

As for PT's response, as you imply, his sarcasm towards the questioning was priceless.

 

[I'm Red Till Dead]

(Daily Mirror, Tuesday, March 21, 1978)

FOREST’S STROLLING PLAYERS​

MANAGER Brian Clough took his Nottingham Forest players to Scarborough yesterday to relax and after having a television camera crew thrown out of their hotel, relax is what Forest did.

Said Clough: "We had fixed up this trip to get Wembley out of our system and give us a breath of fresh air before we played Middlesbrough in a League match."

“Now it will serve the same purpose for the League Cup Final replay in Manchester.”

“The accent is on relaxation and getting our priorities right, which means concentrating on Wednesday night."

“Whether it's at Wembley or Old Trafford. this is still a final."

After lunch the players took a stroll along the sea front, did half an hour's training and went for another stroll after dinner.

But skipper John McGovern was absent. He stayed in Nottingham to have treatment for his groin injury.

 

[Cloughie1975]

(Daily Mirror, Tuesday, March 21, 1978)

FOREST’S STROLLING PLAYERS​

MANAGER Brian Clough took his Nottingham Forest players to Scarborough yesterday to relax and after having a television camera crew thrown out of their hotel, relax is what Forest did.

Said Clough: "We had fixed up this trip to get Wembley out of our system and give us a breath of fresh air before we played Middlesbrough in a League match."

“Now it will serve the same purpose for the League Cup Final replay in Manchester.”

“The accent is on relaxation and getting our priorities right, which means concentrating on Wednesday night."

“Whether it's at Wembley or Old Trafford. this is still a final."

After lunch the players took a stroll along the sea front, did half an hour's training and went for another stroll after dinner.

But skipper John McGovern was absent. He stayed in Nottingham to have treatment for his groin injury.

Was this the famous occasion when Peter Taylor suggested the trip-as he wanted to move some furniture
into his flat in Scarborough?!

 

[I'm Red Till Dead]

(Stapleford & Sandiacre News, Thursday, March23, 1978)

EXTRA TIME TO GET HOME AS WELL​

Many coaches, mini-buses and cars left the Long Eaton district on Saturday morning on course for Wembley Stadium to watch the League Cup Final.

Hundreds of Nottingham Forest supporters from this area donned themselves in red and white to follow their team against European champions Liverpool.

Vehicles heading for London poured on to the M1 intersections at Sandiacre and Kegworth between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m.

PACKED​

And 12 special trains from Nottingham were packed, as well as three normal service trains. On the way back some people had to wait until after 9 p.m. to catch a return from London.

Barton Transport Ltd. hired out 43 coaches and was probably the best represented bus company at Wembley Stadium. Other local firms included Erewash Travel Services Ltd. of Toton and Long Eaton Coachways of Chilwell.

On the M1 it was chaotic at times. Coaches carrying Forest supporters were only allowed to stop at one service station - Newport Pagnall.

And in Leicestershire the M1 was closed for about two hours because of a blockage, according to police.

BLOCKED​

Social clubs from the area had organised coach trips, as well as the Long Eaton and Stapleford branches of the Nottingham Forest Supporters' Club.

After the still goalless draw in extra time many supporters faced a long crawl home. It took most coaches about two hours to get out of the Wembley area.

And when they reached the M1 intersection at Edgware, there was a mile-long queue to get on to the major road.

The M1 was completely blocked to Luton, where traffic at last began to move easily.

For some it was a six-hour journey home. The lucky ones - those who left the game early or parked well away from Wembley - were back in this area by 9 p.m.

 

[Otis Redding]

(Stapleford & Sandiacre News, Thursday, March23, 1978)

EXTRA TIME TO GET HOME AS WELL​

Many coaches, mini-buses and cars left the Long Eaton district on Saturday morning on course for Wembley Stadium to watch the League Cup Final.

Hundreds of Nottingham Forest supporters from this area donned themselves in red and white to follow their team against European champions Liverpool.

Vehicles heading for London poured on to the M1 intersections at Sandiacre and Kegworth between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m.

PACKED​

And 12 special trains from Nottingham were packed, as well as three normal service trains. On the way back some people had to wait until after 9 p.m. to catch a return from London.

Barton Transport Ltd. hired out 43 coaches and was probably the best represented bus company at Wembley Stadium. Other local firms included Erewash Travel Services Ltd. of Toton and Long Eaton Coachways of Chilwell.

On the M1 it was chaotic at times. Coaches carrying Forest supporters were only allowed to stop at one service station - Newport Pagnall.

And in Leicestershire the M1 was closed for about two hours because of a blockage, according to police.

BLOCKED​

Social clubs from the area had organised coach trips, as well as the Long Eaton and Stapleford branches of the Nottingham Forest Supporters' Club.

After the still goalless draw in extra time many supporters faced a long crawl home. It took most coaches about two hours to get out of the Wembley area.

And when they reached the M1 intersection at Edgware, there was a mile-long queue to get on to the major road.

The M1 was completely blocked to Luton, where traffic at last began to move easily.

For some it was a six-hour journey home. The lucky ones - those who left the game early or parked well away from Wembley - were back in this area by 9 p.m.

I remember driving to that one Nicola with a couple of mates and my oldest son (who would have been aged 8) in tow. I parked-up in Harrow, and despite a delay at Wembley Park, we had a relatively quick journey back.