Nottingham Forest European Cup 1979 Retro Football Shirt

The unseeded format of the former European Cup competition threw up numerous oddities, such as Nottingham Forest facing a more challenging opponent in the First Round (competition holders Liverpool) of their succusful 1978-79 campeign than the Final (Swedish champions Malmö).

Of course Forest were unexpected finalists themselves in what was the club's first-ever entry to Europe's premier club competition. This was a team that had grown in stature as the tournament progressed however and the team travelled to the Munich Final as firm favourites.

Although missing the injured Martin O'Neill and the dropped Archie Gemmill, Forest had the luxery of introducing Britain's first million pound footballer to their team for the game. Trevor Francis arrived at the City Ground three months earlier and become eligible only for the Final under UEFA rules.

The considerable cost of this acquistion looked money well spent when, just before half-time, he cleverly headed home a John Roberson cross for what would be the only goal of the game. The Swedish team was understrenght and offered little threat to Forest who missed several chances in the second-half to wrap up the game, most notably from Gary Birtles who still finished the campaign as the champion's top scorer with 6 goals. 

Details & care:

• 100% Polyester
• Machine wash
• Packed in a gift box
• Made in Europe