May 30 1999
Nottingham Forest Club Call is today carrying news of Forest's pre-season plans. The players will report back for training on June 28 1999 and then start on a series of friendly matches in July. The fixtures announced so far are:
July 13 Peterborough
Then travel to Ireland for two fixtures:
16 Bray Wanderers
17 St Patricks
and back to the mainland:
21 Bournemouth
24 Brighton
27 Bradford City
28 Wycombe Wanderers
31 Millwall
all matches are away.
May 28 1999
AT LAST!:
Stand is named after Clough.
Brian Clough today voiced his pride as Nottingham Forest finally decided to
name a stand after him.
The Executive Stand, built to commemorate the European Cup success 20 years
ago on Sunday, will be re-named 'the Brian Clough Stand'.
A bronze bust of the legendary manager will sit in the club reception, while
the bars at either end of the stand will be named "Munich" and "Madrid",
the venues of the two European Cup triumphs.
The club also plans to name the City Ground's 32 executive boxes after the players
and coaches - including Clough - who starred in the two European Cup triumphs
and the 1984 UEFA Cup run. Chief executive Phil Soar said: "We feel the
20th anniversary of our first European Cup triumph is the perfect time to make
these decisions and these changes. "Those of us who were present in Munich and
Madrid can never overestimate the significance of those nights and it is only
right and proper that those who made it possible are remembered in the most
visible way. "Clough, looking fit and well after his recent illness said
on a visit to Nottingham yesterday that hew as delighted by the gesture and
particularly that it has come in his lifetime. "People have said it's not before
time, but I'm very proud," he said. "I'm delighted. I'm pleased that
they have done this in my life-time, rather than afterwards as some other clubs
have done. I drove over Trent Bridge yesterday and saw the sun was shining on
the stand and I thought to myself: 'What a great honor.'
I watched Manchester United win the European Cup on Wednesday night and that
brought all the memories flooding back of when we won it twice - especially
as they did it in that great stadium in Barcelona, where we won the European
Super Cup. "European Cup-winning striker Garry Birtles said: "This
is something that should have been done before but I'm delighted it has finally
happened."
Current Reds captain Steve Chettle said: "I think it's been a long time
in coming but it's the perfect honour for Cloughie."
Supporters' Club chairman Mel Hart said: "It's absolutely brilliant news.
I'm sure all fans would say it's worthy recognition for what he achieved. "The
club has wanted to honor Clough for some time but were hesitant while the FA's
bung inquiry was ongoing.
The bust of Clough, produced by Nottinghamshire artist Gordon Brown, was commissioned
by Newark-based Project Telecom. Andy Childs, of Project Telecom, said: "We
have a situation where Europe's top clubs will do anything to win the European
Cup once. What everyone should remember is that, under Brian, Forest won the
trophy two seasons running. It would be nice to think that current and future
players will be inspired by past achievements and give that little bit extra
to regain Premier League status."
May 27 1999
Though this is not strictly Forest related it should be of Interest to most Forest Fans. Today Barnsley unveiled Dave "Harry" Basset as their new manager. Most speculation had been that "Harry" would be going back to Sheffield United after Steve Bruce resigned a couple of weeks ago.
May 22 1999
Some good news at last!
Thierry Bonalair has at last signed a new contract to keep him at the City Ground for another year. He had been dragging his heels over signing the contract while deciding whether or not to return to France. Bonalair is 32 and has played in five different positions this season. Initially he established himself on the right-side of midfield during the last division one campaign. This season he has played as a full-back on both sides of defence, as a sweeper and both wide and central midfield roles. He was offered the contract on the recommendation of Ron Atkinson over a month ago and said at the time "I don't know yet what will happen. I have
some decisions to make and that is taking some time." Ron Atkinson was quoted in the Evening Post saying " Thierry was one of the first players I recommended to Irving Scholar. "He is very versatile and has a good attitude. He can play in many positions and that counts for a lot these days." Bonalair could in fact end his playing days at Forest as the club has an option to for a further year should he prove successful again.
May 17 1999
After much speculation this past week regarding a possible move to West Ham and stating that he would only stay at Forest if they made him an offer he "couldn't refuse" Richard Gough has signed for Everton. He joins his old boss from Rangers, Walter Smith. Gough has taken advantage of a clause in his contract with the American club San Jose Clash which allows him to move for free if a Premiership club want him. He has signed a 12 month contract with Everton, and at the age of 37 this will probably be one of his last at the top level. Both Forest and West Ham offered him a 12 month contract as well so we can only assume that the wages are better at Everton.