The Vital Forest Fan Interview: Gareth Roberts

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

I'm 21 and have followed Forest since I was around 10 or 11. My first game I remember was Crystal Palace at home in 2004. We won 3-2.

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

Being that I didn't get to see the glory days of Brian Clough, I'd have to say winning promotion back to the Championship is my best memory. Worst, I'd say losing the play-offs to Sheffield United.

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

Wow...easier to name my worst 11 I think!
Camp (Though i'm going off him after last seasons exploits!). Brennan. Walker. Dawson. Louis-Jean. Andy Reid (His 1st spell obviously). Guedioura (I know he was a loanee but he is one of the best talents i've seen in recent years). Gareth Williams
RM is a hard one...slim pickings, gonna say Nicky Southall. David Johnson. Earnie, Huckerby? No..i'm gonna say Dexter Blackstock. Not an obvious choice but is a genuinely nice guy and always gives 110% for the team.

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

Like I say, I'm fairly new. Has to be Majewski v West Brom.

Q - Best and worst away ground visited?

Best ground...Boleyn Ground. Worst...Glanford Park.

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

Would love to see Higginbotham back, Guedioura isn't a bad shout..although can see Wolves wanting him. We need a left back..again.

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

Bad for atmosphere. Never got to enjoy the days of the Trent End standing, but whenever I'm in the Main Stand I never sit, or in the...I suppose John Pye Corner now!

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

Wow. Worst season in a long long time. Why get rid of a manager who had brought us our most successful football since Paul Hart? I genuinely thought McClaren would forge a reputation for himself again back in England, unfortunately he damaged it even more. Had Portsmouth not been deducted points, we would be preparing for life in League One.

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

It's all uncertain at the minute. If we get taken over, get some of last seasons loan players back in, spend a bit of cash...not too much..we could finish top 8, depends on who we lose/sign.

Q- With the introduction of Financial Fair Play coming soon, do you think NFFC should spend their way to promotion, or adopt a more frugal approach in trying to achieve it?

We absolutely have to spend something, however avoid doing a Leicester. I think money spent should be on players we loaned previously, Guedioura, Higginbotham, Cunningham, whilst the 7 sub rule means we should give Freeman/Lascelles a chance. I think we need a keeper to challenge Camp, a top class winger i.e Whittingham, and the 20 goal a season striker we have lacked for so long.

Q - Name a former Forest player you were most disappointed to see sign for another club?

I was outraged at the decision to swap Louis-Jean for Gary Holt!

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

Steve Cotterill bought in fantastic loan players, but the brand of football being played before O'Driscoll was far from pretty. He's a solid bet for a club lacking funds, seems to have a good eye for talent, but can not see him forging a top 6 finish with us.

Q - New stadium, or renovate the City Ground?

Renovate! I have to unfortunately work in an office full of Sheep and they never shut up about the days of the Baseball Ground. The City Ground has years of history!

Q - If you could give one piece of advice to the eventual new owners of NFFC, what would it be?

Sign a manager and give him a chance. Don't sack him after 4 months if we aren't top of the league! Forest have lacked stability since Frank Clark was boss. I'd love to see Clark given some kind of role at the club once a buyout is complete as well.

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

Had a season ticket in Main Stand B Block since 06, thinking of changing to the John Pye Corner though.

Q - Name the celebrity you would most like to meet

I've never been bothered about meeting celebrities, although if I met Georgie Thompson I'd have to stop myself from trying it on.

Many thanks to Gareth for taking the time out to answer the questions. If you would like to take part in the Vital Forest Fan Interviews, then you can find a copy of the questions here. Just email your answers to forest@vitalfootball.co.uk and we will publish them on the front page.

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