Former Nottingham Forest defender Eric Lichaj reflects on his time at the club and more
Nottingham Forest feel a long way from relegation battles at the foot of the Championship these days.
"That game was intense. Jeez, just thinking about that stresses me out," he told the Garibaldi Red podcast. "My grey hairs started with that game. I was reminded of it because of that Derby v Sheffield Wednesday game. "You either want to go down before the last day or even better be safe before the last day. You need to save that stress for something else, when you have kids or something like that."
"I remember that save and just thinking 'Thank God' because it would have been bad to go 1-0 down. When I was taking throw-ins, fans were shouting Blackburn were beating Brentford 1-0 and 2-0. That did not help at all!"He was raised in Downers Grove, on the outskirts of Chicago. The youngest of three sons, he earned a scholarship to the University of North Carolina before getting his big break with a move to Aston Villa - not that he necessarily saw it that way at the time.
Garibaldi Red podcast - listen and subscribe The Garibaldi Red podcast is our weekly Nottingham Forest podcast featuring fans, ex-players and managers or Forest supporting journalists, such as Darren Fletcher, Daniel Storey and Gregor Robertson. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts here or you can watch episodes and subscribe to our YouTube channel. Most episodes are also streamed on Facebook so like our page for alerts when videos will begin."Now I look back, everyone wanted to get to the next stage any way possible. I wasn't used to that. The first year was really hard. I was unfit. I couldn't feel my foot until February when I was playing.
When then manager Paul Lambert said he could go, Forest were left vying with Brighton and one other club for his services. "I wasn't used to that. I wanted intense training and to get my fitness up. I remember that first game I wasn't on the mark. I remember I actually went into his office and told him I don't feel fit.
Lichaj scored twice, although fans might only recall his brilliant volley from outside the box. Newspaper headlines followed as his wife Kat had promised he could have a dog if he scored a hat-trick. Two goals proved to be enough as a French bulldog called Gunner joined the family. "My wife didn't want a dog. She said I could if I scored a hat-trick, which she knew would never happen.
Former boss Sean O'Driscoll has said how he urged Al Hasawi to cut back on bumper contracts, while Guy Moussi found it unsettling to know teammates had the phone number and ear of the owner.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Nottingham Forest-linked Rodriguez explains decision to stay at Real BetisLatest Nottingham Forest transfer news as Reds-linked Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez discusses his situation
Read more »
Verdict delivered on Nottingham Forest's January transfer window agendaLatest Nottingham Forest news as NottinghamshireLive looks ahead to Reds' January transfer window
Read more »
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest fixture affected by Anfield stand delayNottingham Forest news from NottinghamshireLive as the Reds are set to face Jurgen Klopp's side in front of a reduced capacity crowd
Read more »
Nottingham Forest flop proves instant hit as Liverpool issue raisedLatest Nottingham Forest news from NottinghamshireLive as the Premier League season pauses for the international break
Read more »
Chelsea 'assured' Andrey Santos will get Nottingham Forest chanceLatest Nottingham Forest transfer news as on-loan Blues midfielder waits for Premier League chance with Reds
Read more »
Liverpool have Robertson injury concern ahead of Nottingham Forest clashLatest Nottingham Forest news as Steve Cooper's Reds prepare for return to Premier League action
Read more »