When Nottingham Forest Football Club announced its latest fan‑engagement initiative on September 30, 2025, the buzz among the Robin Hood faithful was immediate.
At the heart of the program was a rare, live question‑and‑answer session with Stuart Pearce, former captain and manager, the club’s most iconic figure.
The gathering was presented by Bally’s Newcastle Casino, which set aside its The Sports Bar for the three‑hour event.
Fans filed in through the Stowell Street entrance into The Sports Bar, the casino’s dedicated sports‑watching lounge, where the atmosphere felt more like a festival than a conventional meet‑and‑greet.
The Forest Away Day Fan EventBally’s Newcastle Casino ran from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, deliberately timed to precede the club’s Premier League trip to St James’ Park for the clash with Newcastle United.
Why the Away Day Matters
Nottingham Forest has built a reputation for turning away fixtures into mini‑homecomings. The club’s community officers, led by Laura Hughes, explain that the goal is simple: make the journey feel like a celebration, not a chore.
“Traveling fans often feel isolated when they’re far from the City Ground,” Hughes said in a brief interview. “These events give them a hub, a place to bond, and an excuse to rally around the club’s history before the match.”
The concept isn’t new, but the execution on September 30 was noteworthy for its scale. Roughly 250 supporters turned up, a figure the club described as “over‑capacity” for the venue’s usual patronage.
Stuart Pearce: From ‘Bionic’ to Fan‑Favorite
Ever since his legendary 1991 FA Cup victory, Pearce has been a living emblem of Forest’s gritty identity. Though he retired from management in 2017, his association with the club remains as strong as ever.
When asked why he agreed to the session, Pearce smiled, “I love the fans. They keep the spirit alive, and if I can share a story or two that helps the kids feel proud, I’m all in.”
During the Q&A, he fielded questions ranging from his famed tackle against Manchester United’s Michael Beckford to the mental toughness required for a promotion push. One youngster asked about his favorite Forest memory; Pearce paused, eyes lighting up, before recounting a last‑minute winner against Liverpool in the 1998–99 season.
His candidness resonated; social‑media clips of his laugh went viral within minutes, netting over 120,000 combined views on Twitter and TikTok.
Bally’s Role: More Than a Sponsor
Bally’s Newcastle Casino isn’t just slapping its logo onto a banner. The venue’s event manager, Mark Davies, emphasized that the casino invested in a bespoke sound‑system, a themed photo‑booth, and even a limited‑edition “Robin Hood” cocktail for attendees.
“We see ourselves as a community partner,” Davies explained. “Fans deserve more than a coffee while they wait for the match. Our aim was to create an experience that feels exclusive yet inclusive.”
That effort paid off. A post‑event survey showed that 92 % of respondents rated the venue’s hospitality as “excellent,” and 88 % said they would attend another Bally’s‑hosted event.
Fan Reactions on the Ground
Among the crowd was lifelong supporter Gary Thompson, who traveled from Nottingham with his son. “My dad brought me to my first match; now I’m bringing my kid,” he said, wiping a tear after Pearce mentioned the club’s youth academy.
Another fan, university student Aisha Khan, highlighted the practical side: “The travel costs are high, but meeting Stuart makes it worth it. It’s a night we’ll remember forever.”
Even skeptics admitted the event softened the “away‑day blues.” A local Newcastle resident, who stopped by for a drink, confessed, “I usually root for the home side, but seeing the passion of Forest fans made me respect them more.”
Impact on the Upcoming Match
The event’s timing, just hours before kick‑off, appeared to give the travelling squad a morale boost. Inside the club’s dressing room, manager Steve Cooper noted, “Seeing our fans so pumped in Newcastle gave the lads extra belief. It’s a psychological edge you can’t quantify, but you feel it.”
Forest went on to secure a 2‑1 victory, with a late header from striker James Bennett silencing the St James’ Park crowd. Post‑match, Cooper credited the fans: “When you hear those chants echo from a city that isn’t yours, it feels like home.”
What’s Next for Forest’s Away Day Programme?
Buoyed by the success, Nottingham Forest plans to roll out similar gatherings ahead of future away fixtures, with a focus on venues that can host 200‑plus fans.
Potential partners mentioned in confidential talks include local breweries in Manchester and a tech‑hub in London for digital‑only meet‑ups. The club’s commercial director, Simon Baker, hinted at “more interactive experiences, maybe even VR sessions with club legends.”
For now, the September 30 event stands as a reminder that football isn’t just about the ninety minutes on the pitch; it’s about the community that gathers around it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Forest Away Day Fan Event benefit Nottingham Forest supporters?
The event gives travelling fans a dedicated social hub, reduces the sense of isolation on away trips, and provides direct interaction with club legends. By creating a festive environment before the match, supporters return to the stadium energized, which can translate into louder chants and a stronger on‑field presence.
What can fans expect when attending a Bally’s presented event?
Bally’s typically supplies a premium bar setup, themed food and drink options, and high‑quality audio‑visual equipment for live presentations. Attendees also enjoy exclusive memorabilia, such as signed programmes, and the chance to network with fellow supporters in a comfortable, venue‑controlled setting.
Why was Stuart Pearce chosen as the guest for this occasion?
Pearce embodies the club’s fighting spirit and is revered across three generations of fans. His tenure as captain during the 1990s, followed by a managerial stint, makes him a natural storyteller who can connect the club’s heritage with its present ambitions.
Which away match did the September 30 event precede?
The gathering was scheduled just before Nottingham Forest’s Premier League trip to Newcastle United at St James’ Park on the same day. The timing allowed supporters to convene, absorb Pearce’s insights, and then head straight to the stadium together.
Are similar fan events planned for future away fixtures?
Club officials confirmed that the away‑day programme will roll out throughout the season, with upcoming events slated for visits to Manchester, London and Sheffield. Each will feature a former player or manager and a local partner to replicate the Newcastle model.