Danny Taylor has been a sportswriter for the Guardian since 1999, predominantly covering the (mis)fortunes of Manchester United and England. Although Danny is a devout red he is of the Nottingham variety and consequently dreams of the City Ground instead of Gold Trafford. He has recently had a book published entitled Deep into the Forest in which he tracks down fourteen of his favourite Forest idols. Unsurprisingly, no-one from the current squad features.
Where the anecdotes of some of the larger than life players interviewed could marginalise a narration, a quick turn of phrase and beautifully weighted observations ensured the author was not overshadowed, making this a must have Bible for any true fan. I caught up with Sibthorpes’ finest to discuss life, the universe and the tricky trees.

Was the book something you always wanted to do?
I'd had the idea for a few years and I thought it was a good time to do it. Nostalgia is the football fan's best friend, particularly when there is fuck all to celebrate of the present team.

Were the players accommodating?
Larry Lloyd and Garry Birtles were particularly hospitable, inviting me into their houses. None of them was awkward, although John McGovern was a bit hard to nail down as he had just released his own book and Des Walker was distant and evasive. Trevor Francis and Archie Gemmill were nice surprises. For no particular reason, I'd got it into my mind that they would be awkward interviews, but they were great company.

If you could bring in two extra players for the book who would they be?
Martin O'Neill would be the first, just to prove that I still love him. A Scottish journalist mate of mine has told me that Martin was spitting mad when he found out I missed him out. I used to cover Leicester when Martin was in charge and he was absolutely top man. But he's also the hardest guy in the world to pin down and it was a question of him or Larry Lloyd. Anyone who reads the book will probably agree that Lloyd was a great person to interview. He calls David Platt a dickhead, for starters.
The second extra chapter would have to be Peter Shilton. I missed him out because I was unwilling to pay for memories and unfortunately that's not the way he works. Had it been a book about the best-ever XI I would have had no choice but to speak to Shilton and empty out my bank account but, as it is, the book features 14 of our best players. To call it 'Forest's best-ever XI' etc would have been a bit egotistical because who am I decide what their best team is?

Roy Keane was the only player not to grant an interview. Was there ever a moment when you thought bollocks to you Keano, I'm replacing you with Brian Rice?
Quite a few. It's certainly divided people. Some say I was wrong to include Keane if he wasn't going to spare the time for an interview. Others agree with me that it nicely breaks up the book, and besides I wanted to write about how he once road-raged me. Keane's always interesting, isn't he?

I hear your girlfriend Zoe and her parents are Derby fans, bet Sunday dinners have been just as interesting as anything Mr. Keane could offer up?
Her entire family support Derby, sisters, brother-in-law, friends, everyone. I shame myself. They take the mickey but they know when to stop as well. When Derby have thrashed us over the last two seasons and when Forest were relegated they kept a diplomatic silence. It was as if it never
happened. Me? When Preston beat them in the play-offs I was hammering my mobile. I was hysterical.

Do you see a similar rivalry with the ‘pies?
Is there such a thing? Notts County are a club for pensioners and small children. I never think of them. Forest's rivals are Derby, Spurs, Liverpool and sometimes Leicester. Oh, and Chesterfield this season.

Nottingham is unrivalled as the media’s favourite scapegoat. How do you find the city?
Top place. So many memories. Can't believe what I keep reading about the crime etc. I've got mates in Manchester who think a night out in Nottingham is too dangerous, and I just think that's ridiculous.

Concerning the current team, do you see anyone evoking similar passionsin you as Gary Birtles (who you describe as ‘the type of guy who would have You've Lost That Loving Feeling as his ringtone'?)
Kris Commons, allegedly. We'll see when another club tries to sign him. Maybe Wes Morgan if he stays a few years.

I keep having dreams about winning the league and the LDV. Am I an idiot?
No. It's just part of the mourning process.

What are Forest's hopes for the new season then?
To keep their incredible fans and to win promotion.

Would you consider writing a follow up entitled 'Down in the Forest' a quest to find the worst fourteen players of all time. If so, do you think this would take more or less consideration?
With David Platt and Joe Kinnear as joint managers, perhaps? It's a good idea, but I doubt the players would want to be interviewed... and I don't have a number for Silenzi.

DEEP INTO THE FOREST by Daniel Taylor
Priced £9.95 at all good bookshops now

Contact: www.parrswoodpress.com

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