Cooper's Red Revolution How Forest Found Their Way Home
When Frank Clark assumed leadership at the City Ground in the autumn of 1993, few could have anticipated the turbulent journey that would shape Nottingham Forest's subsequent three decades. The club, still bearing the unmistakable imprint of Brian Clough's glory years, was about to embark on a journey that would test the resolve of even its most ardent supporters. Turner's masterful narrative captures the essence of those early Clark years with remarkable precision. The shrewd acquisition of Stan Collymore for £2.25 million from Southend proved a masterstroke, as the talented striker became the embodiment of Forest's attacking prowess. The author's detailed account of Forest's subsequent European adventures under Clark brings to life the electric atmosphere of those continental nights when the Trent End would pulse with anticipation. The book's most compelling passages chronicle the club's descent from Premier League mainstays to Championship strugglers. Turner's deep understanding of the club enables him to vividly depict the chaos in the boardroom and the subsequent managerial turmoil. His description of his supporters' frustration during those 23 years in the wilderness rings particularly true, capturing the peculiar mix of hope and resignation that characterises each new season. When Steve Cooper arrived at the City Ground in September 2021, Forest sat bottom of the Championship table. Turner's depiction of the subsequent events is reminiscent of a Hollywood script. Through interviews with players, staff, and supporters, he reconstructs the remarkable transformation that saw Forest rise from the depths of despair to Premier League promotion. The author's own experiences as a lifelong supporter add colour and authenticity to the narrative, particularly his description of that sun-drenched afternoon at Wembley when Forest's long exile finally ended. What sets Turner's work apart is his ability to weave together the personal and the historical. He understands that Forest's story isn't just about matches won and lost but about the collective experience of a community bound together by their love for a football club. His portrayal of the characters who shaped this period—from the enigmatic Pierre Van Hooijdonk to the talismanic Brennan Johnson— is both honest and nuanced. The author's keen eye for detail brings to life pivotal moments that might otherwise have been lost to memory: the roar that greeted Stuart Pearce's return as manager, the tension of play-off semi-finals, and the electric atmosphere when Forest finally secured their Premier League status. Turner's writing demonstrates why football matters so much to so many and why this particular club holds such a special place in the sporting landscape. ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 Published: August 14, 2023 Price: £16.99 Paperback: 325 pages ISBN-10: 1801501920 ISBN-13: 978-1801501927 Dimensions: 140 x 222 (mm)
