Nottingham Forest’s Ryan Yates has commented ahead of his side’s clash with Derby County.
Nottingham Forest supporters have responded after the club’s official Twitter account posted a video of midfielder Ryan Yates, citing his side’s upcoming clash with Derby County as just another game.
Yates came through the Forest youth setup and has found first-team opportunities under new manager Martin O’Neil, starting the recent 0-0 draw away at Preston North End.
Next Monday sees Forest host east Midlands rivals Derby County at the City Ground, with the Reds looking to inflict their first victory over the Rams in seven attempts since their 1-0 home win back in 2015.
When asked if Yates was looking forward to his first derby clash, he bizarrely commented that it was just another game, responding: “Yeah, obviously so excited. Obviously, it’s just another game, but there is always an edge to it and with a sell-out crowd – what more can you ask for?”
Responding on Forest’s official Twitter account, supporters were quick to point out it wasn’t just another ordinary game.
Yates, 21, may have merely suggested it was another Championship fixture with only three points up for grabs but for the supporters on both sides it is much more than that.
Forest and Derby uniquely share the accolade of being managed by the great late Brian Clough and the two cities are joined by the A52 which was renamed in his honour.
Aside from the history of the rivalry, both clubs are separated by just a matter of points in the Championship table and Monday’s clash could go some way to deciding the fate in the race for the play-offs.
The reverse fixture at Pride Park finished 0-0, while last season’s clash at the City Ground in March was also a stalemate.
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