Football Heroes

Nottingham Forest Football Club

Viv Anderson MBE
Viv Anderson, born in Nottingham in 1956, made history as the first black player to represent England. A stalwart at Nottingham Forest for over 400 games, Anderson played a crucial role in Brian Clough's European Cup-winning teams of 1979 and 1980. In 1997, 96% of Forest fans voted him the club's best-ever right-back. Anderson’s legacy is further cemented with his 2000 MBE for services to football.

Gary Birtles
Born in Nottingham in 1956, Gary Birtles is best known for his time at Nottingham Forest, where he helped secure back-to-back European Cup wins in 1979 and 1980. His successful transfer to Manchester United in 1980 saw him continue his career at a top level, earning international caps and a reputation as one of the greats of Forest's golden era.

Nigel Clough
Son of the legendary Brian Clough, Nigel Clough followed in his father's footsteps, making his name at Nottingham Forest before moving to Liverpool for a £2m transfer in 1993. Known for his goal-scoring abilities as a midfielder, Nigel Clough earned 14 caps for England. After retiring from playing, he turned to management, guiding Burton Albion to remarkable heights and later managing Derby County.

Stuart Pearce (Psycho)
Stuart Pearce became a Nottingham Forest legend, playing most of his career under Brian Clough. Known for his fierce tackling and powerful shots, Pearce earned the nickname "Psycho." His leadership on the field made him Forest's captain for many years, and his 78 England caps further solidified his reputation as one of the best defenders of his generation.

Roy Dwight
Roy Dwight made history in the 1959 FA Cup final by scoring the opening goal for Nottingham Forest. Tragically, his promising career was cut short after breaking his leg during the match, but his early contribution to Forest’s success remains legendary. He is remembered fondly in the club's history.

Des Walker
Des Walker was a mainstay at Nottingham Forest, playing as a centre-back from 1983 to 1992 before stints at Sampdoria and Sheffield Wednesday. He returned to Forest in 2002 for a second spell, ending his career with nearly 400 appearances for the club. A 59-cap international for England, Walker is a Forest legend.

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Notts County Football Club

Tinsley Lindley
Tinsley Lindley, born in 1865, played for Notts County in the 1880s before representing England in 1886. A versatile player, Lindley also made history as one of the first professional footballers in England. His legacy extended beyond football, where he became a County Court Judge and was awarded an OBE in 1918.

Seamus McDonagh
McDonagh played as a goalkeeper for Notts County between 1983 and 1984. After leaving County, he went on to represent clubs like Bolton, Sunderland, and others, before returning to coaching and guiding Plymouth Argyle’s goalkeepers.

Jermaine Pennant
Jermaine Pennant began his football career at Notts County before moving on to play for top clubs like Arsenal and Real Zaragoza. Known for his skill and speed, Pennant had a successful Premier League career, although it was marred by off-field controversies. His early days at County played a crucial role in shaping his career.

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Other Football Heroes

Andy Cole
Born in Nottingham, Andy Cole’s career took off with Manchester United after a record £6m transfer in 1995. Known for his goal-scoring prowess, Cole became one of the top strikers of his era. His stunning achievements included breaking European records and a memorable stint at Nottingham Forest before retiring in 2008.

Darren Huckerby
Darren Huckerby was born in Nottingham and played for several top clubs, including Manchester City and Leeds United. Although his time at Nottingham Forest was brief, Huckerby’s skill and flair earned him recognition across the Premier League. After retiring in 2009, he returned to play in the Masters Tournament in 2011.

Chris Sutton
Although born in Nottingham, Chris Sutton made his name in the Scottish Premier League, where he was nominated as Scottish Footballer of the Year in 2004. Known for his versatility and goal-scoring ability, Sutton enjoyed a successful career at clubs like Norwich, Blackburn Rovers, and Celtic.

Dave Watson
Dave Watson, raised in Stapleford, Nottinghamshire, had a distinguished football career, including winning the FA Cup with Sunderland in 1973 and the League Cup with Manchester City in 1976. Watson’s career spanned clubs such as Southampton, Werder Bremen, and Derby County, and he earned 65 England caps. He returned to his roots at Notts County before retiring.

Stewart Imlach
Stewart Imlach, born in 1932, was a key player for Nottingham Forest during their 1959 FA Cup-winning season. A Scottish international, he earned the ‘man of the match’ accolade in the final against Luton Town. Known for his incredible pace, Imlach was affectionately nicknamed “The Rabbit.” He also represented Scotland in the 1958 World Cup. After his playing career, Imlach’s legacy continued through his son Gary, who authored a book about him, "My Father and Other Working Class Football Heroes," which won the William Hill Sports Book of the Year in 2005. Imlach passed away in 2001, but his memory remains etched in Forest’s history.