Jon Olav Hjelde
| 1997 - 2003 | Defender | 153 (22) games | 4 goals |
Signed by
Dave Basset before the Red's 1997/98 Championship winning season,
Hjelde was a part of the first team right up until he left on a
free transfer in 2003, his only worry being the many injuries he
picked up. The Norwegian, who had left behind Champions League
football with Rosenburg when he joined Forest, proved himself to
be a valuable player on many occasions.
Hjelde's best season was 2001/02 when he and Riccy Scimeca formed
Forest's back line and he was voted Player of the Year by LTLF
readers. However, the following year he was once again hit by
injuries and spent most of the season on the bench following the
return of Des Walker and the emergance of Michael Dawson.
As Hjelde was one of the highest earners at the club and he was
no longer an essential team member, the club didn't renew his
contract and he was allowed to leave on a free transfer.