FANS FOR THE MEMORIES
Watching game from stand with Forest faithful fuelling Cook’s promotion drive
PETERBORO
Championship: 3pm
BY JAMES NURSEY
STEVE COOK is determined to help Nottingham Forest to promotion – after sitting with the fans to watch a game.
The defender went in the away end in Good Friday’s 1-0 defeat at Luton when nearing a comeback from an ankle injury.
Forest did not have much to shout about that day but bounced back in a 4-0 win over West Brom when Cook returned. “I’d never done it before,” said Cook. “Apart from the result I really enjoyed it.
“It was either sit with Luton fans or get in the mix with the Forest faithful. I’m not sure I can repeat some of the fans’ one liners but they were good value for money.
“Some people said maybe you shouldn’t go in the away fans and just take it easy and enjoy your day because you might take a bit of stick in there. A couple told me I should be a bit better on the ball sometimes but it was a good laugh and an eye-opener.
“I was praying we scored to experience the Forest roar.
“You hear a lot about away days and I experienced it minus the alcohol. I’m sure it’s a bit better with a few beers. I think the fans appreciated it and we’re feeling it in the changing room how together we are as a club.”
Steve Cooper (right celebrating the Albion win with Jack Colback) takes his men to Peterborough today after just that one defeat in 12 league games. And Cook says the experience of being with fans is driving him to get the club in the Premier League for the first time since 1997.
“It gave me a sense of how passionate they are and how much it means to the group of supporters,” said the centre-back. “I can’t imagine what it would be like for them if we get promoted. “I am hoping I won’t be in the crowd come those games. If we do manage to get there it will be something special.
“The fans do deserve Premier League football here. We’re desperate to give that back. We’re reaping the rewards of that passion.” Forest still have second-placed Bournemouth to play in their five remaining games and while Cook feels an automatic promotion spot is probably beyond them he insists they will battle to the end. He said: “I think a seven-point gap is very difficult with so little games to play. There would have to be some shock on the cards for us to overtake Bournemouth.”