It's Great To See The Fruits Of The Forest ...

It’s Great To See The Fruits Of The Forest ...

- Gregor Robertson

WHENEVER I return to the City Ground, the home of Nottingham Forest where my career began 17 years ago this month, invariably I am hit with a sentimental pang.

Not a great deal has changed with the bones of the place in that time. The chorus of Mull of Kintyre still warms the cockles before kick-off; images of European Cup triumphs under Brian Clough still hark back to the glory days.

Across from the main reception, in the study centre that doubles as the press room on match-days, the walls are still covered with framed shirts with the names of academy players who graduated to the first-team – one being my own.

The names of Wes Morgan, Michael Dawson, Jermaine Jenas, David Prutton and Andy Reid hang nearby, all of whom would go on to grace the Premier League.

Under the guidance of Paul Hart, at the turn of the century, Forest’s academy was one of the most fruitful in English football. But after Hart’s departure, in 2004, the wheels of the production line became slow and rusty.

Last Sunday at the City Ground, therefore, witnessing a Forest side with six academy graduates vanquish the FA Cup holders Arsenal in such emphatic fashion was a joy to behold.

The rejuvenation of Forest’s academy has been well known on the banks of the River Trent for some time. But, nevertheless, their announcement to the bigger stage with such a vibrant performance felt like a coming of age.