Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Nottingham Forest will see both clubs come together in memory of four people who tragically lost their lives in the city last month.

A minute’s silence will be held, black armbands will be worn and a special programme cover has been produced as a mark of respect to Ian Coates, Grace O’Malley Kumar, Barnaby Webber and Barry Spooner.

Ian, a 65-year-old devoted Nottingham Forest fan, was killed along with students Barnaby and Grace, both 19, in the Nottingham attacks, while lifelong Notts fan Barry, 74, was discovered in his home with multiple stab wounds following a separate incident days earlier.

While Ian’s loyalties lay on the other side of the Trent, he was always very supportive of Notts and once crafted a wooden wheelbarrow which was attached to the top of the van he and his family drove to one of our Wembley appearances in the early 1990s.

He was, however, ‘bonkers’ about Forest – so much so that he almost permanently wore a red and white knitted hat, even on his wedding day. Another of his prized possessions was a photo he had taken with the European Cup.

His sons Darren, James and Lee, along with their partners and children, are our guests today and will take their place pitchside for the minute’s silence.

James said: “The outpouring of support and the messages of condolences we’ve received from the football community has been astounding.

“Nottingham Forest and Notts County have been brilliant, as well as fans who have arranged charity games or passed on stories about my dad during his footballing days.

“The response has been heartwarming and we are extremely grateful.”

Barry, meanwhile, was a Notts season ticket holder for many years alongside several family members. He will be sorely missed by his many loved ones – five of whom will be at the match today to witness both sets of players and supporters unite in paying their respects.

The club has also donated a kit for Barry to wear when he is committed at Wilford Hill.

Our thoughts continue to be with everyone affected by these tragic events.


https://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/news...ribute-130723/