The Vital Forest Fan Interview: Mark Wheldon

Q - How long have you been following Forest and what was your first game?

Since the Mid '80`s. First Game v Chelsea at home (on my own) (the old man did take me late 70`s v dirty Leeds).

Q - What are your most memorable moments as a Forest fan? Good and Bad.

Good - Christ there`s been so many; I was lucky enough to be right in the thick of it late 80`s, early 90`s when the team bus would have found its own way to Wembley, they were always a great day out. Two 7 goal results against Chelsea at CG and Sheff Weds away will live long in the memory.

Bad - Hillsborough for obvious reasons. `91 cup final v the yids, 22 years old but I cried that day, Gazza should have been sent off never mind carried off, fucking Milford never had the bollocks. Only trophy the great man never won; that day should have been it.

Q - Since you have been following Forest, what would your best starting eleven be? And who is your all time favourite player?

Sutton (Just missed out on Shilts), MLJ, Dawson, Dessie, Psycho, Stone, Webbie (Version 1), Bohinen, Roy, Stanley, PVH Subs: Nigel, Woany, C Cooper, Hodge, McGugan.

Q - In your opinion, what is the best goal you have seen Forest score?

Lars Bohinen away at Sheff Wednesday in the 7-1 mauling, beautiful flowing move from one end of the pitch to the other finished with an exquisite shot with the outside of the boot- sheer class.

Q - Best and worst away ground visited?

Been to most over the years, 70 something at last count, mind you a lot of the old grounds have gone now, replaced by those soulless bowls which I haven`t visited.

Best - Anfield was always a good crack, don`t mind St James park either.

Worst - Shay Stadium (Halifax).

Q- Which player(s) would you like to see us sign this summer (realistically)?

A proper Left back? Maynard sounds useful, never seen him play mind, Reidy, if he can get himself fit, Ball playing DM.

Q - All seater stadia. Good thing, or a bad thing?

F***ing terrible.

Q - What are your thoughts on how Forest did last season and how did it compare to your expectations?

I expected us to be there or thereabouts and I suppose for most of the season we were. Bloody Roller coaster though wasn't it? At one stage we looked like we were going to give QPR a run for their money, then it seemed we wouldn't even make the top 6.Disappointed ultimately - again! I hate the bloody play offs!

Q- What are your expectations for next season in the Championship/Where will we finish?

If even half the rumours regarding incoming players are true we should be right up there. I`m expecting a slowish start as players gel and get used to a different style of play but I reckon we`ll come home with a wet sail.

Q- Was it right for the club to sack Billy Davies?

Yes. I think Billy did a great job of making us a Championship force but his position had become untenable and would have held the club back had he stayed for this coming season.

Q - What's your opinion on the appointment of Steve McClaren and will he bring success to the club?

Time will tell of course but I have a feeling he could be the best appointment we've made for many a year. Forget the poisoned chalice that is the National Managers job, he's held in too high a regard by too many knowledgeable football people for him to be a muppet.

Q- Acquisitions Panel. Good thing or bad?

Provided matters can be executed swiftly (which unfortunately they don`t seem to at NFFC) not a bad thing but the Manager must have the last say, after all they are the people working day in, day out with the players and know the best fit for the team.

Q - Where do you sit/stand at the City Ground?

Too far away I'm afraid. Exiled down under since `95. Last time I was home I stood in the A Block. Old Trent Ender though, middle middle, them were the days.

Q - Name the celebrity whose back doors you'd most like to smash.

Ooohhh there`s quite a few I`d like to hammer truth be told. I`ve had a thing for Halle Berry for a while and Eva Longoria wouldn`t be too shabby either.

Many thanks to Mark, for taking the time out to answer the questions. If you would like to take part in the Fan Interviews, you`ll find a copy of the questions here. Just email your answers to forest@vitalfootball.co.uk and they will be published on the front page.

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