Romy Jarr Omar was a casual football fan with no favourite team until he moved to Nottingham, the United Kingdom, for work in 2010.
While there, he had the opportunity to attend Nottingham Forest matches – home and away – and quickly fell in love with the fallen giant.
Winner of the European Cup in 1979 and 1980, and one top-tier English title (1978), Forest was languishing in the lower divisions following relegation from the Premier League in 1999.
“When I was there, Forest was in the Championship,” said Romy.
“I knew of its history and used to admire them. I also closely watched all the top teams like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal,” added the self-described “seasoned information technology guy”.
“We had several experienced managers with good reputations, but somehow, only Steve Cooper managed to bring us to the Premier League.
“I do not have high expectations this season. I will be happy if we finish 13th-15th. Janji (as long as) we stay in the Premier League.”
Romy is delighted with the team’s start – four points from three games, and joked: “We are ahead of Manchester United and Liverpool at this point!
“It could have been better – we could have beaten Everton but settled for a draw.”
He, however, recognises the challenge ahead as many of the players who helped Forest earn promotion were on loan last season.
“Our loan army was fantastic, but they have returned to their parent club. That is one of the reasons Cooper went on a spending spree,” said Romy of the 18 new signings and one loanee – Dean Henderson.
“We still need a couple of new players, especially at centreback as Moussa Niakhate, whom we bought from Mainz, is out injured for at least two months.
“Other centrebacks – Scott McKenna, Joe Worrall and Steve Cook – were fantastic in the Championship but are not good enough for the Premier League.”
Romy said the next two matches are tough, as Forest, also known as The Tricky Trees, faces Tottenham at home and Manchester City away.
He said a point against Spurs might be possible as the home crowd and the new Ultras – Forza Garibaldi – have made the City Ground a cauldron.
“One reason for our win over West Ham was the crowd factor. They spurred the players on,” said Romy, who plans to visit Forest next year.
“When I was there, the stadium was not intimidating at all. The stadium was hardly full. But it is different now.
“I hope to experience the atmosphere for myself next year.”
After Tottenham and City, Forest faces a run of matches against “winnable” teams – Bournemouth, Leeds, Fulham and Leicester.
“We have 13 matches from now until the break for the World Cup. We need to beat the teams around us to stay in the Premier League,” said Romy, who also supports Selangor in the Malaysian Football League.
“I do not expect much against the top six teams. A point from any of them would be a bonus. But we can beat teams like Bournemouth, Leeds, Fulham, and Leicester.”
Romy said Forest might have seven or more players at the World Cup, so it needed to get the points on board before the break.
Forest has four matches in 20 days after the World Cup, starting with games against United and Chelsea.
“It is an interesting and tiring season. The quicker we get the points, the better the chances of staying in the Premier League.”
FIXTURES (Malaysian time)
SATURDAY
Southampton vs Manchester United (7.30pm)
Chelsea vs Leicester (10pm)
Brighton vs Leeds (10pm)
Manchester City vs Crystal Palace (10pm)
Liverpool vs Bournemouth (10pm)
Brentford vs Everton (10pm)
SUNDAY
Arsenal vs Fulham (12.30am)
Wolves vs Newcastle (9pm)
Aston Villa vs West Ham (9pm)
Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham (11.30pm)
