Video: Michael Dawson reflects on the 2002/2003 side which almost gained promotion
Nottingham Forest’s 150th anniversary season may not have been what fans hoped for but that didn’t stop them from toasting it in style as hundreds gathered at the East Midlands Conference Centre.
The event included a three-course meal, champagne reception and commemorative programme for attendees.
Players past-and-present got together with supporters for the night of celebrations on Monday.
Forest fans have been voting all season long for who they thought should be in the greatest Nottingham Forest eleven of all time and yesterday evening, the results were announced.
None of the current crop of players made it into the eleven and perhaps unsurprisingly many of the names were from the legendary double-European cup winning side.
Interactive graphic: The all-time Forest XI as voted for by fans
England international and current Hull defender Michael Dawson returned to Nottingham, the city where he made a name for himself as a footballer and admitted he had some fond memories of his time at the City Ground.
He said: “I signed at the age of 14, left home at 16 and coming to such a great football club, it was such a brilliant opportunity because they gave young players a chance if they were good enough to play in the first team.
“Their record of bringing academy players through was magnificent and it still is.”
The 32-year-old forged a partnership with the legendary Des Walker, who he said he learnt a great deal from.
Dawson said: “I played with Des in my first full season of being in the first team and playing alongside him, I look back and think ‘god I look young’ and it was 500 games ago. It’s amazing what you know then and what you know now and to play alongside Des was a huge learning curve for calmness.
“The opportunity was just unbelievable.”
Forest’s best-ever goal
Lewis McGugan developed a reputation during his time at the City Ground as being a set-piece master and it was one of his moments of brilliance that was voted the best goal to ever be scored at the City Ground.
The attacking midfielder found the top corner during the first half of a clash with Ipswich Town in 2010 from more than 35 yards and beat the likes of Simon Cox’ effort against Birmingham in 2012 and Chris Cohen’s goal in the first leg of the 2010 play-off semi final against Blackpool to the award.
Video: Lewis McGugan talks about ‘that goal’.
Player of the year
Although there may not be anything to celebrate this season for the Reds, Dorus De Vries can take a lot of positives from his performances. He was voted Nottingham Forest’s Player of the Year and was delighted to be recognised for his form this season.
The goalkeeper said: “It means a lot of course. As a team sport, you always want team success but as an individual it is nice to get that pat on the back.”
Lifetime achievement
The late and great Brian Clough was given a lifetime achievement award, which was accepted by his captain at the time John McGovern and Frank Clark. He was recognised for being the most successful manager ever to grace the City Ground.
For more from the celebrations watch Notts TV News at 5.50pm, 6pm, 7pm and 10pm on Tuesday, May 3 on Freeview 7, Sky 117 and Virgin 159.
