Sleeping with the enemy - The Big One
20/03/04 | by Ivan Murfin

So here it is again: the Big One, the Battle of the A52, Silence of the Lambs - call it what you like. Mid-summer when the fixture list is released, this one and the home encounter are perhaps the two fixtures everyone looks for first. This season, and at this stage of it, this is perhaps the biggest derby of recent seasons, for obvious reasons.

Whilst the Garibaldis have somewhat consolidated since the demise of the false prophet Hart and the arrival of the second coming in the guise of BJK, D*rby’s situation has been consistent in its failure to be consistent.

Despite George Burley’s attempt to emulate the local building society in doing great loan deals, and his ‘inspired’ permanent signings, he has failed to improve the legacy left behind by our and trusted friend John Gregory. In all, Burley has now attracted 19 players to the sheep dip this season. On the other hand, Big Joe’s loan deals have proved inspirational and seem likely to become part of a permanent set-up in the summer months.

Gareth Taylor has survived the school of hard knocks dished out by Trickies (including me) during the first half of the season and now seems to command an automatic ‘man of the match’ award every time he steps on the field. One of Hart’s signings that has come good from inspirational confidence building from the manager perhaps.

Jess, another, mocked in the past has shown us his intelligence on a football field and has become a regular member of the first team. Gareth Williams has shown us what he should have been doing all along pushing up and scoring goals.

The return of the city’s favourite son, DJ, has struck fear, we hope, into the remaining teams that have to play us and caused elation to a scale not seen inside the walls of the City Ground for many a season. His display in five minutes against Palace and his 20 minute spell against Burnley showed a man determined to ensure Forest play in Division One next season, even if he has to do it all himself.

Trickies have had nothing to bring on that ‘rush’ since the still amazing and pointless sale of the one and only Marlon - that feeling that every time he touches the ball something is going to happen.

As for tomorrow, the Big One, at least 4,500 reds creating an atmosphere in the Sheep Dip never before witnessed. They have struggled with a 18-20,000 turnout all season and now find themselves with a rare full house, although from what I can gather a lot of Trickies have claimed ‘home’ seats through desperation of not getting in the away end.

Things to worry about: not enough beer in the ground, the lack of pubs in Prideless Park is quite disturbing; the pies are not to Century’s liking; the Canadian Dwarf Pesky So-and-So; Sheep fans actually singing louder than the Reds; another dodgy referee and his Muppet assistants; and maybe, just maybe, Forest losing.

Things to look forward to: DJ from the start, instant link up with GT and a hatful of goals; Barry Roach with a roll of double sided tape on his hands; Wes marking Pesky So-and-So; a left back; blow-up sheep; a sea of red; a lot of noise; Brian Clough with a red and white scarf (get off the fence Brian, you know it makes sense!); a last 15 minutes that does not require the assistance of 20 fags, pacemakers, prayer, or divine intervention by Gareth Taylor; and hopefully a Forest win.

Still, no matter the result, people can say “I was there”. Hopefully, in all honesty I hope we are still in the same division next season as our foes, as it still is and always will be the BIG ONE.