Controversial former Nottingham Forest striker Pierre van Hooijdonk has explained to The Guardian the exact point when his relationship began to break down with the East Midlands-based club.
Although the Dutchman scored a glut of goal during his time at the City Ground, supporters will always remember him as the man who went on strike during his time at the club.
Over the years many have believed that Forest’s decision to sell Kevin Campbell was the main factor in van Hooijdonk’s decision to strike. Although that undoubtedly contributed to his decision, the man who played 46 times for his country, explains what started the ball rolling on his City Ground demise.
He told The Guardian: “The thing that started it all was after the World Cup, Newcastle and Ruud Gullit came in with a £7 million bid, twice what Forest had paid.
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“(Dave) Bassett told the papers my price was £10 million. Ten million! In 1998, that’s like putting a price tag on a bottle of water and asking for £25. Officially it’s for sale but it’s not for sale.”
The striker netted 41 goals for the Reds in 77 appearances during his time at Forest and scoring goals was never something that he struggled with.
His relationship with fans was fine during the Championship-winning campaign of 1997/98 but things soon went south following the World Cup of 1998.
Selling Campbell probably didn’t help matters, but Forest denying van Hooijdonk the chance to play under a Dutch legend in Gullit at Newcastle was always going to annoy him.
In terms of footballing ability, van Hooijdonk was one of the most technically gifted players Forest supporters have ever seen. He as good with both feet, he could hold the ball up and would score goals from all over the park.
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