Forster’s farewell
So, I was celebrating Saturday’s glorious defeat in the pub that evening, when I came across a copy of that mornings Argus.
In it could be found the final column from Nicky Forster, with what is very much a farewell message to the fans. It’ll make me feel a bit of a sad case, but I felt quite emotional reading it! Over the last 3 years, Forster has been an absolute class act, and his 51 goals have gone a long way to preventing us from exiting the division in the wrong direction.
Admittedly, I might have been feeling sad because I was pissed after watching us comprehensively batter our opponents. But it was nice to read the player giving the supporters a bit of praise with genuine meaning, a show of total respect between the two parties.
Anyway, I made a note to blog about it. Except it was one of those notes that went out the window as soon as the morning hangover kicked in. However, as far as I can tell, Mendoza has taken the time to copy the article onto NSC, but I’m going to put it on here so our followers are aware of it too. It’s a cracking read:
“IT WAS with a very heavy heart that I finally put pen to paper and ended my association with Brighton & Hove Albion on Thursday afternoon.
I left the training ground at midday and soon discovered that I had this opportunity to leave and yet I sat at home pondering this all the way up to the deadline, unsure as to whether this was really right for me.
Sadly, in many ways it was too good to turn down and therefore I opted to join Charlton on loan until the end of the season but I leave with some fantastic memories which will be lasting.
Unfortunately the one thing that I no longer have on my side in the game is time, a remark I have made on numerous occasions recently during discussions with the gaffer.
On knocking on his door in the first place, I can honestly say that my main focus was on securing a one-year extension here at Brighton with the possibility of some coaching experience. Unfortunately that guarantee couldn’t be given and I had to contemplate a playing life elsewhere.
At times it’s fair to say that our relationship has been strained but I made a point of sitting down with him after training yesterday, we spoke at length and both shook hands at the end fully understanding each others side of the situation.
My age obviously plays a part and to be fair some wrote me off even before I had pulled on the blue and white striped shirt but after 51 goals in 119 games I hope I have convinced even my fiercest critics.
One such detractor happened to be Tommy Elphick’s granddad who commented to a lad sat next to him at one of my earlier games that he “didn’t think much of the new lad do you?” to which the lad replied “Well, that is my step-dad so I have to disagree!” Thanks Jake.
The Stockport game last May is clearly a highlight for me, a day that I could never forget and the scenes that followed are an example of what makes this club great.
I had been injured leading up to the game and the lads have never forgotten me walking on to the training ground broadcasting “Panic over boys, I’m back now!”
I think some were genuinely gutted when I popped up with the decisive goal after all their hard work previously. I couldn’t have written it better if I tried, could I?
I am hugely proud of my achievements at the club both on in terms of games played and goals scored and feel that the club has been good for me and hope that I have repaid that by being good for the club.
My lasting view of Brighton is that it is a fantastic club with some of the best fans I’ve seen. I have made friend and loved every minute of it. I have been proud to be its captain. It will always be a club I love and hope to be back at some day soon.
Until then and for the final time.
All the best,
Fozzy”
The We are Brighton team certainly wish him all the best with the remainder of his career, both as a player and in the inevitable coaching role that he’ll no doubt find. Good luck Nicky, we’ll miss you!
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