FOREST'S
DUTCH
MASTERS
JOHNNY
METGOD
HANS VAN BREUKELEN
f|
LOOKING BACK AT THE DUTC
gHAT HAVE GRACED THE CI
GROUND OVER THE YEAR
198-4-86
APPS 136 (3)
GOALS 17
1982-86
APPS 75
The 'pass master' of his generation who became
a highly-popular figure at The City Ground
following his arrival from Real Madrid for the
start of the 1984-85 season.
Brian Clough, who signed him, said he treated
the ball 'as a friend' in recognition of his
composure when in possession.
He could also operate in defence but was used
mainly by Forest as a creative midfielder with a
stunning strike - as West Ham could testify after
one particularly explosive free-kick in his second
season. Moved on to Tottenham in the summer
of 1987.
Theimmensely likeable goalkeeper had the unenviable job of following in
the gloves of Peter Shilton after he signed for Forest in 1982 from Dutch
club FC Utrecht.
But although he had injury problems early in his Forest career he
overcame them to become an important member of the side and rapidly
emerge as one of the top keepers in the country.
It was a major disappointment when the Dutch international No 1 decided
after just two seasons to return to Holland and sign for PSV Eindhoven.
