90 seconds with Jamie ‘Fozzy’ Forrester

The quick footed striker started his youth career at Auxurre in France before moving back to England to team up with an exceptionally talented Leeds United youth team under the pupillage of former Leeds player Paul Hart. During his time at Elland Road, Jamie will be fondly remembered for his opening goals in both legs of the FA Youth Cup finals against holders Manchester United which helped his Leeds team topple United’s famous Class of 92. The silverware kept on coming that summer as Jamie played his part in winning the European Championship with England U18’s team.

After three years at Elland Road, Jamie enjoyed a successful career in the lower leagues including fruitful spells with Scunthorpe United, Northampton Town and Lincoln City to name a few.

90 seconds, 11 Q&A with Jamie Forrester:-

1) Childhood team growing up? Tottenham Hotspur.
2) First pair of football boots owned? My first pair of boots we’re 10p off the market as we had no money but they served me well as I scored 25 goals in them but I eventually upgraded to a pair of Clarks football blades. I was offered a lucrative boot deal with Asics in my early Leeds days but Howard Wilkinson put a stop to that as he wanted to keep me grounded.
3) Did you have a nickname in the dressing room and how did you get it? Fozzy, but I was never a great fan of it.
4) Favourite teammate? James Hunt, Northampton Town.
5) Toughest opponent? Probably Blackburn Rovers Colin Hendry, we clashed on my debut for Leeds United in 1993 and I ended up with stitches. Welcome to the Premier League!
6) Which player do you wish you’d had the chance to play with? I was very lucky to play with alongside some phenomenal players like Paul Scholes, David Batty, Robbie Fowler and Sol Campbell but it would have been a dream to play with Diego Maradona. What a footballer.
7) Favourite football shirt you’ve played in? The Leeds United 1994 shirt by Asics with Thistle Hotels sponsor on.
8) Best stadium for atmosphere? Elland Road, the Leeds fans made a great noise.
9) Biggest influence on your career? My parents and Leeds United youth coach Paul Hart.
10) Most prized possessions from your playing days? That would have to be my 1994 Leeds United shirt with 26 on the back.
11) What keeps you busy these days? I work in the education sector for sport, working with Football Family. I also don’t mind a round of golf when I get chance.