My First Football Shirt: Mark Brigden

As a fan there are certain football moments that stick in your mind. Goals you see in the flesh, the first time you see a player and the noise the fans make.  Mark Brigden founder of Premier Sports Memorabilia, has interviewed Bobby Moore, George Best and Bryan Robson but the moment that stands out for him is the noise the Nottingham Forest fans made at Wembley when they faced Spurs at Wembley.

Browse our collection of Bryan Robson football shirts here.

The below is an extract from Your First Football Shirt an illustrated book of interviews with footballers and famous fans about their first football shirts raising money for CALM and Willow.

There’s lots of contenders for this. Years ago, working as a football radio host in Australia, I was lucky enough to interview some of the greats like Bobby Moore, George Best and Bryan Robson, and you couldn’t wish to meet three nicer people, as well as champions. I also got to interview Bobby Robson and the England team when they played against the Aussie national team in Brisbane. England were lucky to win 1-0, thanks to a disputed goal, and let’s just say Robson took great offence at my questions after the game and I got to see his more passionate side (read angry).

Mark's favourite memories came at Wembley.  Watching Cantona and listening to Nottingham Forest fans.

I was lucky enough to be at Wembley in 1996 when King Eric [Cantona] scored the late winner against Liverpool. That was special. I’ve also been to games at Old Trafford and Anfield with great atmosphere, but nothing compares to Wembley, 1991, Nottingham Forest against Spurs. I was sitting in amongst the Forest supporters and the chants of Psycho, Psycho (for their hero Stuart Pearce) was spine tingling. The hairs stood up on the back of my neck as that was my first real experience of such passionate support. I still remember the roar that went up when he scored.

Pick up your copy of the book here.