Nottingham Forest - James Perch Interview

During our time with the Jitty, we've met a number of celebrities from all sorts of backgrounds, and it has to be said, James Perch has got to be one of the nicest footballers we've ever had the pleasure to meet!

We’re sat in the lobby awaiting the arrival of Nottingham Forest footballer James Perch. On the walls around us are items of Forest memorabilia, and close enough to catch our eyes are photos of our interviewee helping local children with their literacy skills. What else could be expected from the former academy player chosen as the Club’s book reading champion?

Drawn away from our musings by the twenty-one year old defender coming through the door fresh from training, he chats away with us as we make our way towards the room where this interview is to take place.

We settle into the comfy sofas, papers are rustled, and we’re ready to begin

As a local lad, and one who has come through the Nottingham Forest ranks, what were you feeling when you made your first team debut?

Excitement. No time for nerves at all, I felt a little pressure [to do well], but mainly excitement.

How much of a step up in your own game have you had to make this season as you are making more appearances in the first team?

Well, I’ve got a stated place now, so I have to take more responsibility both on and off the pitch. And there’s a lot more training involved too.

Do you think Forest will carry their good form for the rest of the year to glide into the championship?

We should do. We aim to go up this year. The whole team is positive we can do it, and then do well in the next year.

Once you have helped the team clinch promotion, have you been given any indication as to whether you will continue your progress in first team appearances?

I’ve just signed a new two-year contract. So I’ll be here for the next two seasons.

That must have been a boost.

Yes, it was a big boost to my confidence. It’s given me more security and taken a big weight off my shoulders.

Do you ever get nervous before a match?

I’m not a nervous person. It helps a lot to not think about it.

What are your expectations for the match against Chelsea this weekend?

I think it will be a closer game than people think. We’ll just try to win, but obviously I can’t make any predictions on it.

How did you get into football?

I’ve always been into it. I’ve got a brother who’s five years older than me who’s always been into football, so I just followed him into it. I was constantly with a football. I was spotted at Norwich and brought here.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

My debut, that was good. First appearances always are. Other than that, playing for Forest, and having the opportunity to play for clubs I support.

Which players did you admire and look up to when growing up?

[Manchester] United players, Eric Cantona, Ryan Giggs in his heyday and Paul Ince.

Which team did you support as a boy?

United. I went for the rival team as my brother supported Liverpool. Since I joined Forest I’ve not really followed a club but support football as a whole.

In your opinion, who is the best player in the world?

Cristiano Ronaldo. [James doesn’t hesitate in answering]

What has your time with Forest taught you?

I’ve been here for ten years now, so everything about football. I’ve learnt a lot through the ‘Playing For Success’ centre here at Forest. [Playing For Success is a scheme where the Department of Education works with the FA, the Premier League, the Nationwide League and their clubs to use the sporting environment to teach a variety of subjects].

Where do you see yourself in ten years time?

That’s a tough question. At Forest in the Premiership. I’d love to stay, it would be hard to leave after so long.

Have you got any advice for teenagers going through issues such as bullying?

Tell someone. Don’t keep it to yourself, bottling things up only makes them worse.

We noticed that you’ve been involved with reading schemes, including ‘World Book Day’. Could you tell us how that came about?

I’ve always been close to the Academy, and so when they asked me to become a Reading Champion, I accepted. It’s been a very positive thing both for myself and the kids I work with.

Following these questions, it was decided to ask James a series of questions similar to those that would be asked on the football show, Soccer AM.

Who is the hardest trainer?

[Jack] Lester.

Who is the ‘hard man’?

[Jack] Lester, again.

Who is the most skilful?

Wes Morgan.

Who has the best dress sense?

Apart from me? Not many. Erm, [David] Johnson.

Who takes longest in the shower?

Junior Agogo

Who do you get on best with in the team?

Everyone really. In particular, Kris Commons, Wes Morgan and Julian Bennett. The younger lads mainly as we have a lot in common

Who has the best sense of humour?

Jack Lester, a very funny man. Or Nicky Southall.

The interview is drawing to a close now, but before we go, we can’t quite resist asking one last question.

How do you feel about not signing Liam [one of the Sport’s Section Chiefs] for Forest?
[James smiles, we’ve explained the meaning of the question to him.] Obviously it's a big loss for Forest.

Finally we’d like to say a big thank you to Nottingham Forest for having been so helpful, especially Nottingham Forest’s Study Support Centre without whom this wouldn’t have been possible, and of course James Perch who gave up some of his time for us.