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This preview was written by Brian Judson.
Full Record of Spurs -v- Nottingham Forest
Premier Pl W D L For-Ag Pts
Home 4 1 0 3 3-7 3
Away 4 0 1 3 5-8 1
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Total (Prem) 8 1 1 6 8-15 4
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Football Lge
Home (Div 1) 34 20 4 10 76-46 48
Away (Div 1) 34 17 10 7 48-37 50
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Total (Div 1) 68 37 14 17 124-83 98
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Football Lge
Home (Div 2) 13 8 3 2 25-15 19
Away (Div 2) 13 1 6 6 15-25 8
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Total (Div 2) 26 9 9 8 40-40 27
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Total (Prem) 8 1 1 6 8-15 4
Total (Div 1) 68 37 14 17 124-83 98
Total (Div 2) 26 9 9 8 40-40 27
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Grand Total 102 47 24 31 172-138 129
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"We hate Nottingham Forest
We hate Liverpool, too,
We hate the bloody Gunners
But Tot'nam We Love You!"
Back in the '70s, this was a little jingle heard from the Shelf where
the faithful used to congregate. I am none too sure what Nottingham
Forest had done to merit hatred from the faithful because in those days,
Forest used to roll over and let Tottenham walk all over them. (Ed: I think there were variations on the theme and "West Ham United" might also have got a mention. I think the opening line had the right number of syllables to fit!)
The record score in these encounters dates from 29 September 1962. The
problems of the previous season, particularly before the arrival of a
certain Master Greaves, were forgotten. Spurs had been finding the net
again. Poor Peter Grummitt picked the ball out of his net NINE times.
Spurs were 6-1 ahead within half an hour. Les Allen scored the sixth
from the penalty spot because he was worried Bill Nicholson was about to
drop him. Greaves let Allen take the penalty which was crashed in from
off the crossbar. Greaves scored four that day, Cliff Jones scored twice
and Medwin and White completed the rout. Yet Forest scored the first and
final goals of the afternoon.
Nine years later, in October 1971, Spurs thrashed Forest, 6-1. I am sure
most of us resident in the UK have seen these goals on video or on TV,
particularly in Bobby Charlton's Soccer Scrapbook on Sky. The football
from Spurs was exquisite and the celebrations were just a clap on the
back and a handshake. Mullery blasted the ball from the edge of the area
to score one goal that sticks in my mind. Chivers scored one from good
work by Martin Peters on the left wing. Peters scored two, one of which
was from the penalty spot. And Jimmy Pearce completed the rout.
Pearce, to my mind, was a very talented player who lacked that vital
little bit of the devil that makes a truly great player. Perhaps he was
overawed by the many talented players around him. But it was sheer
tragedy that injury prematurely forced him out of the game.
I am sure that most people have their own memories over the years.
Nottingham Forest had their greatest years under Brian Clough, who took
over the management of the club in January 1975 and retired after the FA
Cup Final defeat at the feet of Tottenham in May 1991. His greatest
achievement was to take Nottingham Forest to two successive European Cup
Finals and win them both.
But in Clough's later years, Nottingham Forest declined and it was clear
that all was not well at the City Ground. It was sad to see Clough
depart after playing such a magnificent part in the history of British
football, particularly as he never subscribed to defensive football.
I just wonder how old Big 'ead would have dealt with Van Hooijdonk when
he walked out on Forest before the season started. Somehow I don't think
he would have taken him back even if he had licked his tongue raw
cleaning Cloughie's boots.
Even with the Flying Dutchman back, I'm taking Spurs to win Saturday's
game : I think it will be a 2-0 win.
Cheers, Brian
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