Nigel Jemson and Mark Crossley were guest speakers at another of The Approach’s “An Audience With….” series.

After a slightly late start, compere Darren Fletcher introduced Nigel Jemson (to a chorus of “who ate all the pies?!”) who proceeded to amuse and enlighten us with stories about his career, many of which, unsurprisingly, involved Brian Clough.

For example how Jemson got his first contract, as Cloughie gave Jemmo’s wife and mother some money to go shopping…

…insights into his working relationship with David Platt, for whom Jemson CLEARLY has no time – a feeling shared around the room – and why he left Forest (which he still maintains was the worst decision of his football career), and what happened when he was nearly re-signed…Cloughie greeted him with the line “I don’t particularly want to re-sign you, but I’ve been talked into it…”

After a short break, enter Mark Crossley, who quite simply stole the show. Mark has a LOT of stories to tell – and told them with style, flair and all the impersonations – Clough, Pearce, Frank Clark even Jimmy FiveBellies!!

Crossley is an amusing speaker and knows how to tell a story, and seems to get funnier as he drinks more beer. By the end of the evening, he was VERY, VERY funny!!!

Far too many stories told that I can remember, but highlights included:

• How Cloughie told him he was starting his first game (it would appear that Cloughie ALWAYS referred to Crossley as “s**thouse”!) – namely:  “S**house!! Get your f*****k a**e in this f*****g dressing room. You’re f*****k playin in half an hour!”

• What ACTUALLY happened that night in Barnsley, before the FA Cup quarter Final in Portsmouth, and how at Pearce’s request he was supposed to make a clean breast of it with Clough…!!!

• Losing his rag with Pearce on a day out at the races, and stopping the Limo  to have a scrap with Psycho..

• ..and many many more, all told with great candour, great timing and super impressions of the people involved!

A hugely enjoyable night, in a packed Approach bar with a couple of former favourites who clearly hold Forest very dear to this day.

If anyone is in two minds about whether to go and see one of these “audience with” nights, on the strength of this one, I can thoroughly recommend them.

Thanks to Alex for organising this LTLF competition, and to the people who were kind enough to donate so that I got a ticket! (Cheers, Winnits!)