Seat Pitch writer Lee Clarke’s latest article for the Nottingham Forest matchday programme, Forest Review, looked back at the excellence of Michael Dawson…
Writing programme notes for a game against Hull City gives me the perfect opportunity to wax lyrical about a man who I’m sure both of tonight’s teams will greatly appreciate.
Very few players down the years have epitomised professionalism quite like Michael Dawson.
In a career spanning 17 years and counting, the centre-back has oozed tremendous leadership qualities and earned respect from team-mates, managers and supporters alike.
Prior to last season, I was asked by the Nottinghamshire FA to officiate an in-house training game between the Forest first-team at the Nigel Doughty Academy. Dawson has just signed for a second spell at the football club and as a supporter, I was looking forward to seeing what he had to offer from the best ‘seat’ in the house.
Professionalism personified
It is very rare that I am speechless but I was genuinely astounded by the experienced defender. Despite this game being ultimately a glorified training session, Dawson was barking orders, making commands and generally playing like three points or a place in a big final was up for grabs.
Not only that but what really struck me was that the former Tottenham man was a completely different bloke off the pitch. Warming, welcoming and showing an interest in the life of a fan-boy who happened to be a qualified referee earning a reward for a decent season with the whistle.
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I think supporters of both teams today will agree he’s proved a tremendous footballer over the years too. You certainly don’t play 563 games, 263 of which in the Premier League, without doing something right throughout your career.
At Hull he helped the team back to the Premier League, leading them to play-off glory in 2016. He would make 132 appearances for the Tigers; adhering himself to the club’s supporters in the process.
It is at Forest, however, where the City Ground faithful truly worships the ground which Dawson walks upon.
I still remember seeing the Forest favourite play for the first time in the famous red shirt. A 3-2 defeat at home to Walsall – shock horror – in which Dawson played alongside Jon-Olav Hjelde and looked pretty solid. That was in 2002 on April Fool’s Day, would you believe.
Emerging talent
The following season was when Dawson’s brilliance sticks firmly in the memory. Still a teenager, he struck up a formidable partnership with Des Walker as Paul Hart’s young guns defied the odds and reached the Division One play-offs.
Even back then you could tell that unless Forest reached the Premier League, Dawson wouldn’t be playing for Forest very long. Not because the player himself would want to leave, but due to him boasting an unbelievable amount of box office talent.
This was a time when central defenders being able to pass the ball out became a thing. It was an area that Dawson excelled in and his cross-field ping is still a sight for sore eyes today.
The Northallerton-born enforcer would earn his big move to play among the country’s elite. Tottenham Hotspur the destination and he wouldn’t go there to make up the numbers.
Generation game
He made 324 appearances for Spurs, featuring in a period of transition initially and then making 40 appearances on the continent in either the Europa League, UEFA Cup or Champions League.
I still maintain that had Dawson been born in an era that didn’t include John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Jamie Carragher and Ledley King all in their prime, he would have collected far more than the four England caps that he will finish his career with.
Players like Dawson deserve every ounce of success that comes in their direction. A player who has worked tirelessly at his profession, dedicated his working life to giving everything for thousands of supporters each week and one who appreciates the true values of good old-fashioned leadership.
It’s now 17 years since his debut at the City Ground and the fact he chose to return highlights how he feels about the football club who gave him his big break.
He remains as important as he ever was to the Forest team and if he stays fit during 2019/20, Dawson could finally realise the dream of leading the Reds into the promised land of the Premier League.
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