Email:
toddstreet@optusnet.com.au
One Day in November – by Stephen Hayes It was a 12 o’clock kick-off at the ground today, but there wasn’t a match
on. Instead it was a chance to represent
NFSDU and meet the players whom we follow from afar and in doing so are
hanging on the piercing tones of Colin Frey week in week out. But not this time … it’s face-to-face
stuff. I decided to get off the bus
before Trent Bridge so that I could slowly wander across it and take (once
more) in the scenic panorama of the River Trent and the Trent End. I was not alone as a BBC cameraman was
doing the same (for some future programme presumably). Our player, as we all know, is David Tarka, who had decided it was
worth his while to represent Australia and was therefore overseas
representing his country. Anyhow, instead, and with much assistance from
Dave Brown (the Todd Street of the South West and M5 branch, though with a
more noticeable Pommie accent), we had been allocated a place on John
Thompson’s table. Why JT? Well quite simply because Dave’s branch
was sponsoring his away kit. Reg (not Reggie), who was Dave’s Dad, was also
in attendance as NFSDU’s “other” representative. The real reason was I think was because he had the biggest
table in the Robin Hood Suite! Anyway,
I digress. I walked, alone, with some apprehension, into the City Ground
and to the Robin Hood Suite as if I did it every day. Slightly disorientated, I bumped into a
tall, lanky blonde individual who was in his tracksuit … I said “G’day”. He
politely reciprocated with a welcoming smile, even though he didn’t know me
from Adam. It was the unmistakable frame of Michael Dawson. I entered the Robin Hood Suite to be greeted by Laura Perkins, who I
had met previously. She advised
that the players were running a bit late due to training (how
inconsiderate!), that I was on JT’s table (because DT was not here….but
didn’t I know that already?), and that Andy (no not Reid!) from the Heanor
and District Branch was already there representing JT’s home strip. This was good news as I was a bit early
and didn’t want to sit at the biggest table in the room like a spare … well
you know how it goes! So we had a
good natter primarily about the Watford game and how to solve the main
issue of the moment, which was how to get more than two drinks that were
allocated to each of us! We decided
that two drinks could mean two pints of vodka … but decided on the more
conventional approach of pints of lager (but not Fosters). I told him my story, which was to be
repeated many times to more notable individuals (sorry Andy), that I lived
in Sydney and was over here for the end of last season, the play offs and
now working in Gloucester-Cheltenham area.
The room then started to fill up, and JT’s and DT’s sponsors were
all in their place at the table. DT’s
away kit sponsors were “The Forest Forum” and JT’s away kit was “SW and M5”
(Dave Brown) and home “Heanor and District” (Andy). Food was on peoples mind as it was nearing one o’clock by now. A
buffet was organised to supplement the two drinks that we were each
allocated (did I mention that already?). With the plates being small only an equivalent small helping
could respectfully be taken. So
because Andy decided to go up for third helping it took the pressure off
yours truly to follow suit. Then
with our mouths full of chicken legs, egg sandwiches and mini pasties the
players strolled in without fanfare. Mostly dressed in training tracksuits, you noticed current
icons such as Reidy, Michael Dawson (he had already met me you know!) and
Des Walker. JT, after looking for a
spare chair, managed to find a space on “our” (or should that be “his”)
table. He politely came around the
entire table and introduced himself. He needed no intro to Dave and Reg as they know him personally
I think. It was a bit like meeting
a film star … and watched his every move for the ensuing five minutes
before settling down to normality. What
questions shall I ask? I listened
across the table but at the same time casting my eye across the room to see
other players. I inevitably told JT
the story that I was here as DT’s kit sponsor and had flown in from Sydney
(Australia) for the occasion … and that DT was now the other side of the
world! He laughed … and quipped
that he usually misses things (tackles I presumed). I also asked, quite diplomatically I
thought, who he preferred to play with in defence. He
replied…diplomatically, of course, that MD was his preferred partner as
they had developed together through the Academy. He made special mention of
DW who he says provides valuable experience to all the players. We then had the “official” photo call in
front of the “Capital One” backdrop wall.
Laura Perkins had advised us (Reg and me) that we could return to
the hallowed Ground and have a “private” shoot when DT returns from
international duty. However in the moment this seemed a bit of an
anti-climax, so Reg and I went of to have our shoot with JT. That will
provide a fine memory of the day. And so after getting my scoop of the day from JT and the “official”
shoot out of the way it was time to drum up Dutch courage to meet some more
of the players. Being a somewhat
reserved individual, and with considerable aid from Reg and his son, Dave,
I proceeded to mingle. First up was
MLJ. Reg asked if I ‘knew who that
was’. “Of course I did”, I retorted
“it’s Mattie”. Didn’t say much to
him as it was straight after the official shoot and the whole room was
looking. Don’t like too much
publicity! I then returned to the
table to take stock. Who to meet next? Well might
as well go for broke … and off I went to say Hello to Harty in the corner. He was on the phone … his back to me.
Davy Oyen was on the table near him and I said to him “Must be trying to
get another loan player”. He
laughed. I had actually wondered if
he was on the phone to Leeds … as ironically it was on this day that the
other Reid (Peter) got the sack from Leeds. I still waited, but decided to return to JT’s table as he was
talking ages. Had a drink and went
back. This time he was talking to
Davy Oyen’s table. He turned
towards me … what shall I say? I
commenced by saying “Paul, we have met before … do you remember?” He paused and I could see he was
struggling a wee bit. I then gave him a bit of a hint and said that we had
met in Sydney: “Ah, yes, I remember, we all went to see Brisbane Broncos
and Wendell Sailor.” “That’s right”,
I replied. I then proceeded to tell
him my much researched story, you know the one, about being in UK and DT
not being here. “Yes, we knew that he would be away a bit when we got him”,
replied Paul. I then asked him if
it was possible to get a signed football to take back for NFSDU. He said no problem and that I should give
his secretary a ring to sort it out.
I then wished him luck for the future and returned to JT’s table to
relive my five minutes of fame with the boss with those at the table. The occasion was now in full swing. The Forest players were mingling and making themselves very
accessible. This was one of the
things I noticed about them … they seemed that they could not oblige too
much with talking the sponsors and were not in any way aloof. This was very
instrumental in people mixing as they did and add to the occasion. My next stop was Andy Reid, initially
accompanied by Reg. AR struck me a
very boyish and sincere. We talked
about him being in the Irish squad, and he was very proud to be a part of
that and playing with the likes of Damien Duff. He hoped he would get a run. As we all know he got more than that; he got a start. I told him to let DT know that I came
over from Sydney for the occasion … and make him feel a bit guilty about
not being there. He laughed and
said that he would. Nice one, Andy. Then MD came over to our table and sat next to JT. I saw a photo opportunity here with the
two Forest centre backs being together and I asked the resident table
photographer (Dave) to do the honours. I hope the pic comes out well with me between JT and MD! Then PH appeared again, doing the rounds
of the tables. He chatted again and, without my knowing, Dave asked if he
could take his photo with me to take back to Oz. He could hardly refuse. So, with an almost flat battery, Dave did the honours again. This opened up the floodgates with PH and
every man and his dog wanted a pic after that. I said to PH that he should charge royalties for all this. He agreed. I strayed further afield and went to meet firstly Marlon and then
Johnno. Johnno was a bit subdued … he
was probably sick to death of people asking him about “that injury”. I said that we missed him and then bid
farewell. Marlon was not as
‘powerful’ as I imagined. He too
looked boyish too … I guess he still is though! Then Eugen Bopp, sitting on Des’ table nearby came over. Dave, who knows more (players) than he
doesn’t know, then introduced EB to me. I decided on a different approach hear and tried to practice
some of my schoolboy German. “Wie
geht’s” said EB. “Gut danke, selbst?” I replied. That was enough without embarrassing myself more. And of course one more pic for the album. The players were now starting to leave. I noticed PH quietly leave
the room alone. I thought where would he be in a week’s time…Forest or
Leeds. Our table was the last to
leave. JT had gone round the table
to thank everyone for attending. A
nice gesture … but that was just all Forest … the players were just one of
the lads meeting their fans. They were all a credit to the name of Nottingham
Forest. No room for PVH to return
you feel! The occasion now drew
rapidly to an end. I had the 4-00PM Central train to catch to Cheltenham. A
reality check if there ever was one. The others on the table (Dave, Reg, Cheryl, and a few more I
think) went on the Hooters…a Nottingham haunt more noted for waitresses
with big boobs. Would have been
nice but the train beckoned. As I left the Robin Hood Suite, quite fittingly, I bumped into Michael
Dawson again. We had another chat
before he got into his car. I
walked out of the ground and over Trent Bridge to catch my bus to the
station (railway not police). I
took with me memories on a par with one night in Munich 25 years ago. It was an honour to meet the players and
next time I see them perform I will quietly remember that I was more
fortunate than the other 20,000 in the ground to meet them in person. What a great day! Stephen Hayes [11 Oct 2002] Due to a combination of unforeseen
circumstances, the need for an upgrade and some major University
commitments on my part, the web site has been down for the last few
days. I am obviously not Merlin the
Web Magician, but hopefully you will all like the change in scenery. If anyone is interested in offering some
suggestions for improvement, you are more than welcome to contact me at toddstreet@optusnet.com.au. [11 Oct 2002] Nottingham Forest Supporters Down Under
currently boasts a membership of 169 Nottingham Forest supporters. This is comprised of approximately 60
members in New South Wales, 30 in Victoria, and double figures in all other
major centres apart from Tasmania. --- Nottingham Forest Supporters Down Under News Release Newcastle, Australia Wednesday 11 July 2001, 12.32am --- Nottingham Forest Supporters Down Under (NFSDU), the
Australian and New Zealand branch of the Official Nottingham Forest
Supporters Club, is proud to announce the appointment of its Inaugural
Patron and Honorary Life Member. Mr
Paul Hart, who played 87 games and scored 3 goals for Forest in the
mid-1980's, and now holds the position of Director of Nottingham Forest's
Youth Academy, has graciously accepted NFSDU's offer of patronage and
honorary life membership. Mr Hart said: "I am absolutely delighted to become
the inaugural patron and an honorary life member of NFSDU. It is a great honour." Todd Street, chairman and founder of Nottingham Forest
Supporters Down Under, said: "Paul has shown a tremendous interest in
the growth of NFSDU, and a willingness to be of assistance to our cause
whenever possible. He was also our
guest of honour at our Inaugural Annual General Meeting. On top of his obvious achievements with
Forest, both as a player, and now as Director of the Youth Academy, we feel
that Paul's contribution to the NFSDU cause more than warrants any
recognition we can bestow upon him.
We are honoured that Paul has accepted our offer." A formal acknowledgment of Mr Hart's appointment as
Inaugural Patron and Honorary Life Member of NFSDU will take place in the coming
months, where Mr Hart will be presented with a plaque to commemorate his
appointment by a visiting member of Nottingham Forest Supporters Down
Under. Nottingham Forest Supporters Down Under entered a team
in the recent Rowdies Supporters Football Tournament, held at Breakers
Stadium in the New South Wales city of Newcastle on February 10 2001. The
team did Forest proud, registering one victory and two losses in the group
stage before bowing out of the competition. The membership of NFSDU has passed 100 members
throughout Australia and New Zealand. The current number of members stands
at 133 members, with significant numbers of members in all states and New
Zealand. If you wish to become a member of NFSDU, click on the 'Membership'
link and send the relevant information to the NFSDU Membership Enquiries
Officer, Todd Street, at toddstreet@optusnet.com.au. NFSDU is proud to announce that it will be the away kit
sponsor of Australian youngster Gareth Edds' kit for the 2000-01 season.
Edds has made significant progress to the first team level in recent times
and is sure to continue this progress in the future. To read earlier news, click here.
Branch News
Kit Sponsors Luncheon – November 2003!
Revamped NFSDU Web Site
NFSDU Membership Update
NFSDU announces Inaugural Club Patron and Honorary Life Member
NFSDU Football Team represents
Forest in Supporters Tournament
NFSDU Reaches Membership Milestone
NFSDU sponsors Forest
youngsters' away kit for 2000-01 season
