FOREST AWAY: Newcastle United, Sunday 23rd February – Fan Guide

Almost 4 weeks ago, as I reckon most of you will know by now, I released my first book: ‘Trailblazers: The Groundbreaking History of Nottingham Forest’. Along with the fantastic feedback I’ve had, I’ve also enjoyed people popping a few ideas across about more examples of Forest’s pioneering. While the book mainly carries significant developments and innovations the Reds have led the way with, I did really enjoy including more quirkier, peculiar happenings and moments that Forest have been involved with, so it’s been nice to hear a few more of these.

A couple of these bits that I’ve been asked about I’m still looking into as interesting little snippets of our history, but one exchange I recently had focussed on our recent trip to Exeter and I thought I’d share.

I don’t claim these as accurate, more a possibility of something unique that occurred.

> With the final penalty taking place around 11:10pm at Exeter, was this the latest finish to a FA Cup match in history? Could it also have been the latest finish to a game in Forest’s history?

> Was it unique that all Forest’s penalties were taken by substitutes (Chris Wood, Morgan Gibbs-White, Elliot Anderson & Neco Williams)? We only had to take 4 but I have seen it mentioned that Nico Dominquez (another sub) was due to take the fifth. I have a feeling this might be correct for a NFFC ‘first’; especially as more than 3 subs is a relatively new concept, but I’m less certain it’s the case for any English team in a competitive game.

> I suspect this won’t be something that has only happened to Forest but it feels like a rarity that the same club and its fans would travel to both St James’ Park’s in the same month for a competitive game. Given the distance between Exeter and Newcastle, this is certainly something that adds a bit of ‘away day’ kudos to those who attend both fixtures.

Obviously, none of the above is particularly earth shattering but it’s nice to try and put Forest against little footnotes in football history, and I guess it’s become a habit of mine over the years of researching the book. If anyone has any theories about whether any of this could be correct then do let me know.

It’s been a really heavy month so far on the road and travel and ticket prices, as we know, are not cheap. Hopefully Sunday at Newcastle will bring reward for such dedication. I’ll see you all at the summit of the Leazes End, loud and proud as always.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION – NEWCASTLE

Last Visit: A Chris Wood inspired 3-1 win on Boxing Day 2023

Famous Visit: A controversial FA Cup quarter-final tie in 1974 where the Reds took a 3-1 lead but the game was abandoned due to a pitch invasion by Newcastle supporters. When the game resumed Forest capitulated to a 4-3 defeat. The FA ordered the game to be replayed at Goodison Park. Newcastle eventually progressed after a second replay at Goodison.

Away End: Forest supporters will again be housed in the upper section of the Leazes End. It’s a long way up prepare yourself for those steps!! Hopefully we’ll be dancing down them again at full time.

 

TRAVEL

RAIL:  As advised in a recent issue of our away guide, there is planned works on the East Cost line which will likely impact Forest fans heading up by train. The 08:25 and 09:18 services from Nottingham both end up requiring a final change onto the 11:53 from York and arrive into Newcastle 13:48, a matter of minutes ahead of kick-off.

The best route appears to be get to Derby for the 8:28 which changes at Sheffield and York and arrives into Newcastle at 12:33. I will note however this service is showing as sold out on Trainline.com.

Coming home is where the main issues are; rail replacement buses are in operation out Newcastle to York with trains completing the journey.

If planning to travel by train I’d strongly urge you to have a proper look at your options as the way back in particular looks very difficult.

ROAD: In last season’s guide I suggested (without much experience) that it might be better to head around Newcastle to the west from the A1(M) onto the A1 rather than take the direct route towards the city centre. This worked well for us last time and we easily picked up parking on the housing estates a 20 minute or so walk to the west of St James’ Park. To try and be specific these are the Fenham and Arthur’s Hill areas which you’ll reach by using the A186 off the A1.

There is, I recall, various parking options in town and just south of the river and it might be a bit easier on a Sunday too, but most of these will be paid parking.

 PUBS

Newcastle prides itself on providing an open welcome to away supporters; welcoming travelling fans in pubs and bars across the city.

The Victoria Comet remains the main venue for away fans, opposite the train station and around a 15-minute-walk to the stadium. The nearby Gunnar Tavern will be a more even split of home and away fans. A little further up, Tilley’s Bar was a good shout for us in 2022.

There is also several options round the stadium, including the Gate complex which has bars inside and out, which, although often extremely busy, will allow in well-behaved Forest fans. For the Boxing Day game in 2023, a group of us had no issues at the Newcastle Arms which is a stones throw from the stadium.

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Safe travels. We’ll see you up there.

You Reds

Matt