Simpson relishes cup clash
Robbie Simpson is no stranger to the City Ground, the home of Nottingham Forest, tomorrow's FA Cup with Budweiser third-round opponents.Latics' striker (pictured) played on the ground a number of times in his days at Coventry City.
And Simpson is looking forward to paying a return visit.
Simpson said: "I loved playing at Forest, even though it is one of the most intimidating grounds I have been to. At the same time, it is brilliant because of the atmosphere.
"Our fans used to pack the lower tier of the Bridgeford stand and make a lot of noise.
"There was also the history of the club and the fact they had once won European Cups only served to inspire and lift you.
"They are still a big club and looking to return to the Premier League and bring back the good times."
Though Forest's main rivalry is with Derby County, fixtures Latics' Lee Croft has played in, their games against Coventry were also East Midlands derbies.
"The games I played for Coventry against Forest were always fiesty affairs," he continued.
Simpson recalls one particular game for the Sky Blues against Forest.
He explained: "In this match we were well on top, but just couldn't score.
"I was playing on the right wing and was up against left-back James Perch.
"I struggled and didn't read one particular situation and he played a one-two with a team mate, got away from me and scored.
"It turned out to be the only goal of the game so it wasn't the best of memories."
Simpson is full of admiration for the current Forest side saying they have a fantastic squad of players.
He added that he was surprised to see Forest manager Sean O'Driscoll sacked after the 4-2 Boxing Day win against Leeds United, a result which left them one point shy of the play-off places.
Simpson is good friends with Forest striker Dexter Blackstock.
"Dexter is good friends with Leon Best who was a team mate of mine at Coventry and we hung about together a lot at that time," he recalled.