FRANKLY WE’RE DOING GREAT NOW
FRANK CLARK can’t wait to take his place in the stand against Spurs, insisting the City Ground atmosphere is now even eclipsing the Brian Clough glory days.
Clark, a legendary member of Old Big ’Ead’s European Cup winning sides who went on to become manager and chairman, said: “The way the crowd has got behind the team has been incredible.
“Towards the end of last season and for the home game against West Ham a couple of weeks ago the by atmosphere was amazing. I don’t think I’ve experienced anything like it and that includes the time we were winning two European Cups.”
While head coach Steve Cooper has rightly received plaudits for lifting Forest from the bottom of the Championship to success in the Wembley play-off final against Huddersfield, Clark (above) believes owner Evangelos Marinakis should take a bow. “I can’t say I know the owner very well but I judge people by their actions and not through words. I can see his support for the manager has been terrific,” added Clark.
“He told them straight after the play-off final victory there would be money – go and spend it.
“That’s what has happened. It does seem a very well-planned operation.
“A lot of money has been spent, a lot of very good players have been brought in.
“Of course it does create a problem for the manager in the fact that he has got to knit them all together.”
Recruitment, says Clark, was also key to Clough rocking the football establishment.
There were some bargains like Clark himself – on a free from Newcastle – but some big investment, Trevor Francis becoming the country’s first £1million player.
So far Marinakis, who also owns Greek giants Olympiakos, has bankrolled £200m of new signings.
Clark added: “He is very proactive, he has shown great support for Forest.”