Soccer Nostalgia: The Soccernostalgia Interview- Part 80- A video Interview and blog presentation with English Podcaster Mr. Steven Toplis of ‘1865: The #NFFC #PremierLeague Podcast’, discussing Nottingham Forest’s Champions Cup winning run in 1979/80 season)

For this interview, I look back at Nottingham Forest’s Champions Cup winning run in 1979/80 season.

The Interview will be as a video link companion, while the Blog will be a presentation of the events.

The Interviewee is:

English Podcaster Mr. Steven Toplis

Mr. Toplis is on the ‘1865: The #NFFC #PremierLeague Podcast’

Mr. Toplis’ contact info:

Twitter: @steven_toplis

Podacst Twitter: @nottm_forest

My contact information:

on twitter @sp1873 and on facebook under Soccernostalgia.

https://linktr.ee/sp1873

Nottingham Forest FC in the Champions Cup 1979/80

In the summer of 1979, the Nottingham Forest had already achieved beyond most teams’ dreams. The unfancied side under the tutelage of Brian Clough and his able assistant Peter Taylor, had earned promotion, won the English title and were now European Champions.

But this story was far from finished and Nottingham Forest were still hungry for success at European level and Liverpool’s double triumphs in 1977 and 1978 and their own in 1979, perhaps gave an aura of inevitability for English sides competing in the Champions Cup.

In the aim to achieve this goal, Clough had to do some tinkering with his squad.

Photo From: Onze, Issue 53, May 1980

Veteran defender Frank Clark had retired and Scottish veteran Archie Gemmill had also left to join Birmingham City. In addition, promising understudy to Peter Shilton, Chris Woods joined Norwich City for some deserved playing time.

To replace the departures, Clough signed Scottish International defender Frank Gray from Leeds United.

Jimmy Montgomery arrived from Birmingham City to replace Woods as back-up goalkeeper.

Scottish International midfielder Asa Hartford was signed from Manchester City to replace Gemmill.

While Gray was a welcome addition, Hartford was offloaded as early as August (after three matches) to Everton.

There was also another problem as Forest had to write off record signing Trevor Francis’ participation in the first round of the Champions Cup.

Before joining Forest, Francis had a deal in place to play for the NASL side Detroit Express in the English off-season (summertime) and would return after the first rounds of the Champions Cup.

This episode would have consequences within the season as understandably Clough was opposed to risk his player in such a way.

Photo From: France Football, Issue 1769, March 4, 1980

(Ian Bowyer and John McGovern)

Photo From: Mondial, New series, issue 3, June 1980

(Brian Clough, Kenny Burns and Larry Lloyd)

Photo From: Soccer Monthly, November 1979

(Frankie Gray)

In the First round, Forest’s opponents were Swedish side Östers IF. The First Leg was at the City Ground on September 19, 1979. Clough selected Ian Bowyer to replace the missing Francis and he would reward the Manager’s confidence with two goals.

The Return leg at Växjö on October 3, 1979, was a tougher task for Forest. This time the young Gary Mills was in the lineup instead of Bowyer.

Östers took the lead in the 52^nd minute through Mats Nordgren before Woodcock headed in the equalizer in the 79^th minute.

Around this time, there were reports that the Forest hierarchy had discussed the financial state of the club and how Clough and Taylor were running the club.

Clough responded to the press that if they have any doubts, they should hire two other people.

He did praise the Nottingham Forest President Stuart Dryden but attacked ‘parasites’ that that he felt were getting involved in Football just elevate themselves.

Photo From: L’Annee du Football, 1980

(John Robertson)

Prior to the Second-Round matches against Romanian Arges Pitesti, the Trevor Francis issue came up. He had returned from the United States carrying an injury.

There were reports of a feud between Francis and Clough and attempts to transfer the player elsewhere. Clough stated that he would not be paying his wages.

Clough started, “We’ve 13 games under our belts here, Trevor’s only got a money belt’.

For his part, Francis dismissed any reports of a feud.

There were also growing concerns that Gemmill’s absence was being felt. Liverpool Manager Bob Paisley was among those who felt Forest were not playing well as Gemmill had not been adequately replaced.

The First Leg was at the City Ground on October 24, 1979. In addition to Francis, Martin O’Neill was also injured. Clough selected the young Gary Mills to replace O’Neill with Bowyer deputizing for Francis.

Forest won (2-0) with two quick goals by Woodcock (12^th minute) and Birtles (16^th minute).

They were unable to capitalize further and afterwards Clough said, “Players can either put the ball between the wood or they can’t and I can’t teach the how.”

The Second Leg was on November 7^th, 1979, at Pitesti. The only change for Forest was the inclusion of John O’Hare in place of Mills.

Forest won (2-1) with two goals in the first half, through Bowyer (5^th minute) and Birtles (23^rd minute). The Romanians replied in the second half through a penalty by Barbulescu (60^th minute), but Forest were comfortably on their way to the Quarterfinals.

Photo From: World Soccer, January 1980

(Tony Woodcock)

Ahead of the Quarterfinals against East German side Dinamo Berlin, there was some transfer activity. Striker Tony Woodcock left to join West German side FC Koln.

His contract was set to expire at the end of the season and potentially there could be a big drop in his transfer fee at the end of the season.

In addition, Koln’s financial offer was much superior to Forest’s, and he could not refuse.

Clough signed Stan Bowles in December 1979 from Queens Park Rangers. Clough also welcomed Southampton’s Charlie George in a month-long loan in January 1980.

As a boost ahead of the Quarterfinals, Nottingham Forest defeated Barcelona in the UEFA Super Cup to earn extra European silverware.

It was also reported that Clough had received a lucrative offer from Greek side Olympiakos. However, Clough stated that given his family obligations and the age of his children, an adventure in Greece was out of the question.

Photo From: Mondial, New series, issue 3, June 1980

(Trevor Francis)

Photo From: Mondial, New series, issue 3, June 1980

(Trevor Francis)

Photo From: Mondial, New series, issue 3, June 1980

(Trevor Francis)

Photo From: Mondial, New series, issue 3, June 1980

(Trevor Francis)

The First Leg was at the City Ground on March 5, 1980. Trevor Francis was available for the first time in Europe.

Viv Anderson was suspended and replaced in the lineup by Bryn Gunn.

New signing Stan Bowles was in the lineup as well.

Despite continuous pressure, Forest were caught in the break by Berlin and Hans-Jürgen Riediger scored in the 63^rd minute.

In addition, Kenny Burns was booked and would be suspended for the Second Leg.

This was Forest’s first loss in Europe in 14 matches.

At this point, there were also rumors that qualification was important for Forest to build a new stand., however, Clough dismissed these reports and stated that Football is not an exact science and Finance is not his domain.

In between the First and Second Legs, Forest faced further disappointment as they lost in the League Cup Final on March 15^th,1980, to Wolverhampton Wanderers (0-1 loss).

Following this, Clough started to criticize Francis in the Press. He stated that Francis was not performing given the money spent.

There were also questions regarding Francis’ position. At Birmingham, he was on the left side, while at Forest he was confined to the right side.

Francis was so dismayed by Clough’s attacks that in the days leading up to the match in Berlin, he was not on speaking terms with Clough.

Before the match, Clough noticed that Francis was sad, he asked where he wanted to play and Francis replied ‘upfront’ and Clough said ‘Done’.

Clough also hesitated in starting with Bowles again, as allegedly the player lost effectiveness when traveling by plane. In the end, Bowyer started in his place.

David Needham also deputized for the suspended Burns and Viv Anderson was back in the squad following his suspension.

As far as Berlin, they were missing key midfielder Reinhard Lauck, and this disrupted their plan.

The Second Leg was on March 19^th, 1980, in East Berlin. After early Dinamo Berlin pressure, Forest would take over and win convincingly away from home.

Trevor Francis scored twice in the 15^th and 25^th minutes. His second goal was somewhat controversial and had to be validated by the Linesman as it was unclear whether it had crossed the line.

Afterwards, Francis said that if a referee had validated a goal (like the one he scored), here (in England) or in a Western country he would have been lynched.

Forest scored a third through a penalty kick by John Robertson.

Early in the Second Half, Berlin pulled a goal back through a penalty kick of their own by Frank Terletzki (49^th minute).

Forest were through the semifinals and were deserved winners.

The Press proclaimed the return of the Miracle Man, as Clough was praised for overturning the deficit and Forest winning away from home.

Regarding his tactic to motivate Francis, Clough said he was not expecting flowers from Francis but hoped that the player got the message.

Clough also said he did not care who their semifinal opposition would be, he said when you return from hell, the name of the hospital does not matter.

Photo From: Official Match Programme, Nottingham Forest v Ajax, 1980

(Nottingham Forest squad in East Berlin)

Photo From: Mondial, New series, issue 3, June 1980

(Brian Clough, Peter Taylor, Trevor Francis)

In the end the Semifinals opponents in April would be Dutch side Ajax Amsterdam. Clough was confident ahead of these matches and of winning the trophy again. He stated Ajax was the draw they were hoping for.

The first leg, on April 9th, was played at Nottingham’s City Ground.

Clough decided to start Stan Bowles in midfield in place of Ian Bowyer.

Nottingham Forest took the lead in the 33^rd minute with Francis scoring off a rebound following a corner.

Forest doubled the lead in the 60^th minute through a penalty kick by Robertson after a handling offense.

Brian Clough praised Francis afterwards and stated, “If Trevor (Francis) maintains his current form, not only will he take us to the Final but win it for us”.

Ruud Krol said afterwards, “If any English club had any interest on me, after such a night, they would have certainly changed their mind”.

The second leg, on April 23^rd, was played at Amsterdam’s Olympisch Stadion.

There was only one change with Forest. Ian Bowyer reclaimed his spot in midfield ahead of Bowles.

Nottingham Forest chose to play with a defense in line and the use of the offside tactic to repel Ajax’s expected attacks.

Ajax dominated though the chances were rare as they failed to connect in the final third.

Ajax scored their only goal in the 66^th minute with Lerby heading in a corner kick.

Clough stated afterwards, “We should have never conceded the corner, let alone the goal.”

During that week, Ruud Krol signed for Vancouver Whitecaps of the NASL. He later learned that Nottingham Forest had actually wanted him, and he had been unaware of it.

Clough had preferred not to contact player before the end of contract, preferring to discuss with Ajax Club President and Manager of Ajax (In another source not contacting Krol directly was said to have been at the behest of Ajax hierarchy).

Nottingham were willing to sign him, however, Vancouver had made a better offer.

Krol expressed regret as he would have preferred to go to England.

Photo From: Onze, Issue 53, May 1980

(April 9, 1980, Champions Cup, Nottingham Forest 2- AFC Ajax 0 and

April 23, 1980, Champions Cup, AFC Ajax 1- Nottingham Forest 0)

Photo From: L’Annee du Football, 1980

(April 23, 1980, Champions Cup, AFC Ajax 1- Nottingham Forest 0)

Nottingham Forest were in the Final for the second year running facing strong opposition in the West German side SV Hamburger with English star Kevin Keegan.

Forest had shown their ability to overcome obstacles and overturn seemingly difficult odds such as with Koln in the previous season and with Dinamo Berlin in this season’s Quarterfinals.

The West Germans managed by the Yugoslav Branko Zebec, not only featured Keegan but also West German Internationals Ditmar Jakobs, Wolfgang Magath and Horst Hrubesch to name a few and had eliminated Real Madrid in the semifinals.

In the end, Zebec chose not to risk and start with Hrubesch as he was carrying an injury and included him as a substitute.

Last season’s goalscoring hero Trevor Francis missed this match through injury and Gary Mills started in his place.

Clough decided on a more defensive formation in Francis’ absence (4-5-1 formation according to reports).

It would be a somewhat disappointing match like the previous year’s Final. Hamburg had come to attack though they were unable to break through. Keegan was disappointing in his final outing for the West German side.

Forest scored in the 19^th minute with a long-range effort through Robertson and that was all they needed.

Peter Shilton was the star for Forest as he came through with many saves.

Clough stated afterwards that Hamburg were better technically but Forest were better on application and effort.

He admitted they were forced to defend given the circumstances (missing Francis).

Nottingham Forest were Champions of Europe to continue the four-season domination of England in the Champions Cup.

This was the zenith of Forest, despite a somewhat weaker Forest side reaching the semifinals of the UEFA Cup in 1983/84.

In the League, they finished Fifth and soon were no longer a force capable of winning League titles.

While they would remain a stable First Division side into the next decade, they would not feature in Europe, as they had in these two seasons of 1978/79 and 1979/80