Far have I travelled and much have I seen – tales of sacrifice and what promotion means to a long suffering Nottingham Forest fanbase

Nottingham Forest ended their 23 year hiatus from the Premier League as they came out winners in the Championship Play-Off final on Sunday. For supporters, the clamour to be at Wembley on the day had led to many going over and above to see their team achieve glory following a barren period over the previous two decades.

Over 36,000 supporters made the trip down to London for their first visit in over 30 years and the level of anticipation was such that if you could get a ticket, there was absolutely no way on earth you were going to miss it.

There were stories of people travelling in from abroad, and supporter’s clubs meeting in Australia and New York to watch the game. At Wembley, there were people on crutches, in casts and protective boots, and even a mobility scooter was spotted outside making its way to the stadium.

The togetherness and sacrifice that manager Steve Cooper has spoken so much about since taking the reigns in September has been reflected in the fanbase, speaking with supporters on the day.

‘Stevie Cooper completely understands the power of the team ethos. Combine that with his focused plan that the players can express themselves to achieve their full potential is what we have witnessed at NFFC. It means when you have to dig deep, it comes naturally despite the pain of being out on your feet. It’s going that extra mile for the team. ‘ – Graham E – Nottingham Forest fan

Best laid plans

Forest fan Ivan Domleo, from Long Eaton, Derbyshire had to change flights from a holiday booked to the US with family when Forest was sitting rock bottom of The Championship back in August. As Forest’s win over Sheffield United took them to Wembley, the call had to be made so that he could see the game regardless of the expense and the gruelling schedule that would ensue as he flew out afterwards to meet up with his wife and daughter.

‘I celebrated in to the night but was up Monday morning at the hotel for 3am, airport for 4am and I was still buzzing from the game. Having boarded at 7.45am, I was sat on the plane for nearly 4hrs as there was an issue and so was unable to fly. We eventually took off at 11.30am making it to Washington at 2pm (7pm BST) after nearly 12 hours. It was definitely worth it!’

Every emotion

Jamie Martin, 16, who has been providing commentary on Forest since December 2021 for Hospital Radio had only found out on Thursday that his request to cover the game had been approved.

Having already taken a leap of faith to spend over £350 on train fare and accommodation for the big day, the chances of being present far outweighed those of not being able to report on the game, despite knowing full well he would  ‘get a bollocking’ if media accreditation had not materialised.

When the call came that he was not only going to Wembley but would experience it broadcasting live from the press box, he was filled him with unbridled excitement. Reporting on your team at Wembley doesn’t come much bigger.

When Sunday arrived however, the journey of getting down to Wembley had soon transformed the excitement into the ‘most stressful day of my life’. Nottingham Train Station had seen unprecedented queuing for trains from early morning. There was no way he was going to get on there.

Hoping to jump on a connection at his home town of Beeston, the carriages were packed full of revellers and with the amount of equipment that had to be carried, Jamie and Mum couldn’t get on there either. Travelling down to the potential next connection at Long Eaton, the platforms were the same. Packed.

The panic of holding Willy Wonka’s golden ticket but not being able to use it were taking stress levels off the chart. By hook or by crook, Jamie was getting there. This was not a time for frivolity. The decision was made to  stump up for a taxi. Just the 126 miles to go at the expense of £250….

Stress levels soon reduced once they were hurtling towards Wembley down the M1. When they finally got on Wembley way, it was only then that it finally dawned on Jamie, the magnitude of the day. The stadium, the fans. For a young man that had never visited Wembley, things were about to get more surreal.

Having waved Mum off to the hotel, and navigated his way through the security checks at the media entrance, Jamie was taking it all in as he shuffled into a lift going up to the press lounge. Hearing a familiar voice of Sky Sports and Talk Sport broadcasting legend, Jim White, Jamie had to double take and was apologetic for asking if it was really him.

You never know what you might get when meeting your heroes but things went better than a photo. ‘Walking out to Wembley with your idol was just unreal. It was every emotion in one. He was so kind and so nice.’ An interview followed once Jamie had gotten his gear quickly set up and even got a mention on Jim’s TalkSport breakfast show the following morning.

Meeting up with co-commentator James, and having an embrace that they’d made it to the game, it was down to business and just the small matter of commentating on Forest’s biggest game in 23 years and reporting back events to patients listening at the Queen’s Medical Centre. Jamie recalled that it was a fairly exciting but harrowing experience all the same as Forest survived two second half penalty shouts.

‘When it came to game time, we were both shaking and nervous. In the first half, things had gone well, our reports went alright and there were no technical difficulties. We felt confident that Forest would win.

‘The second half came and as it got more nervy, it was like ‘Woah, ok – starting to feel a bit scared now.’

‘It was the best feeling in the world. Even if I’d not been there to commentate, just to have been there at Wembley with so many people was amazing. And when you’ve supported forest from being a young lad, it was just like wow! It will stay with me forever. It was massive.’

Act of kindness

Andy Rydzyc told of a fantastic act of generosity from a work colleague which had enabled his 14-year- old son, Oliver the opportunity to go the game. A phone call from his pal, Callum Bradwell brought news that he was prepared to give up his own Wembley ticket so that Oliver could enjoy the experience which he had many moons ago.

‘He (Callum) knew how gutted I was when we realised Forest was only selling one ticket per season card holder. We both knew I wouldn’t be able to get my lad a ticket realistically. But he phoned me and said he would give me his ticket to go with my boy, as it was a day we’d both never ever forget as a father/son moment.’

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Nottingham celebrations

Kerry Clarke told of her anxious wait for the game having not been fortunate to have gotten a ticket but was thinking very much of her teenage children who were making the trip down on coach. Having had just three hours sleep and making sure the kids got off on the coach, it was off to the Miners Welfare in Bestwood to take in the game.

‘After seeing them off on their coach to Wembley, I sat clock watching the whole day waiting for the match to begin behind gritted teeth!! But when the final whistle went I actually shed a tear.

This is not only great for the club, players, manager and fans it’s great for the whole City of Nottingham. Attending the parade yesterday really showed that. What an amazing few days it’s been, I’m still driving around with my forest flag attached to the car!!’

What it means

Speaking to fan Chris Slack, he could not hide his delight about the historic win, that had also seen him brave the rain at the homecoming reception in Market Square.

‘After a long and well documented absence of over two decades getting back into the Premier League is monumental! Financially it will be seismic. Not just for signing new players but now we have the ability to keep the best of our own young talent which for me is probably more important.

‘As a fan that was brought up in the Clough era when Wembley trips were a pretty much an annual occasion I was overwhelmed with emotion at the final whistle on Sunday. Relief, joy and incredulity that we’d actually made it! I was surrounded by the next generation of fans in their late teens and early twenties on Sunday and we wept tears of joy together, danced and sang together. What a club.’

Nottingham Forest are back in the big time and their supporters are going to cherish the journey that Steve Cooper has taken them on forever.

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