Ahead of next Monday’s East Midlands derby, the goalkeeper – who played for both clubs – gave an insight into what it was like being a Rams hate figure.
Former Nottingham Forest and Derby County goalkeeper Lee Camp has opened up on the rivalry between himself and the Rams faithful due to his move to the City Ground.
The 34-year-old came through the ranks at Pride Park and made 96 senior appearances in all competitions between 2002 and 2007 (Transfermarkt).
However, Camp went on to join Derby’s bitter rivals Forest, via a two-year stint at Queens Park Rangers, and made 193 appearances for the Reds.
Now at Birmingham City, the veteran custodian returned to DE24 in November and had to pick the ball out of the net three times in a 3-1 defeat for the Blues.
The South Stand – known for having the most vocal Derby fans – gave Camp plenty of stick during the game and, speaking ahead of the famous East Midlands derby with Forest next Monday, he spoke out on how intense it can be for rival players.
“I have had it for ten years,” he told the Birmingham Mail. “It’s probably got worse in recent years since they have moved the away fans behind the goal to the right.
“The majority of my family are Derby fans, most are season ticket holders and sit in that area so they are subject to hearing the abuse. They say they are not part of it but I have got my suspicions!”
However, Camp was by no means upset – he took it all in good stride and admitted that he enjoyed baiting the Rams fans as well while playing for the Nottingham side.
“Over the years playing in a Forest shirt I have given as good as I have got,” he added. “I have wound a few people up along the way and blown a few kisses.
“What’s dished out to me is part and parcel, I am not going to sit here and say it’s unfair because I have given as much as I have got… it is what it is. It’s tongue in cheek.”
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