Adlène Guedioura is a player that Forest fans have fond memories of after the Algerian spent two spells on Trentside, amassing exactly 100 appearances in total.
We recently caught up with the 37-year-old to look back on his time at The City Ground, and found out how the initial move to The Reds came about.
“At that time I was with Wolves, I was enjoying it there in the first couple of seasons but then didn’t make as many appearances during the third season and I wanted to go out on loan,” said Guedioura.
“The opportunity to join Forest came about and I didn’t hesitate. When I arrived, we were in the bottom three, but the loan spell was fantastic and I really enjoyed playing for the manager and in front of our supporters.
“I knew the club had a massive history with the European Cup wins under Brian Clough, and I learned even more about the club when I arrived. At the time, despite our position in the table, the stadium was always nearly full, and this made a big difference for us. The atmosphere is something you enjoy a lot as a player.”
One of Guedioura’s finest moments in the Garibaldi shirt came back in March 2012 as the Algerian scored a memorable goal during a 7-3 victory against Leeds United at Elland Road.
“It was an unforgettable game! Playing away from home and to score seven goals is always going to be special. I think Leeds took the lead in the first minute after I conceded a penalty. I had to come back from that and do something to help the team and thankfully I scored that great goal! The ball came and I felt like it was the moment to shoot, and it went straight in to the top corner.
“We had some fantastic players at the time, like Garath McCleary, Andy Reid, Guy Moussi and Dexter Blackstock to name a few. We were growing up as a team. I think if we had the whole season together, I really believe we could’ve achieved at least a play-off place.”
The midfielder was a popular figure amongst the Reds’ faithful, and took to social media to engage with the supporters upon signing a permanent contract following the successful loan spell.
“I had a good relationship with the fans, I enjoyed interacting with them and social media wasn’t so common at the time, so it was fun to do. I asked which number shirt I should wear because it’s nice to share moments with the fans and I was lucky to have that opportunity. We decided together!
“I was really happy to come back on a permanent transfer because we felt like we were building something big and had a good group of players for that level. The supporters always played an important role too, especially at home and we wanted to give them joy.”
After making 40 league appearances during the 2012/13 campaign, Guedioura’s form saw him attract interest from newly promoted Premier League side Crystal Palace. Opening up about the move, the midfielder says he would’ve been happy to remain with The Reds at the time, but after a fee was agreed the move to the capital felt inevitable.
“In that moment, it was a hard choice because it was not expected. I was going away on international duty with Algeria when my agent called to tell me about the interest. I had a strong season with Forest so there were a few clubs showing interest, but I was happy to stay to be honest.
“Palace put in the bid, which was accepted, and that’s when I felt in a little bit of an awkward situation. The bid helped the club and in the end after talking to Palace, I made the move.
“I always wanted to play in the best league in the world and it doesn’t get much better than the Premier League. As an individual I always wanted to go there, and I was just a bit bitter that I couldn’t do that with Forest. I had to go to Palace because of the situation but it was a moment to go and enjoy playing in the top division."
“I always kept in contact with people at the club, even after I left. I didn’t play too much in my first season at Palace because of managerial changes and I tried everything to come back. At the time you could move on emergency loans, and the manager wanted me to go to a different club, but I said if I am going to move it’ll only be back to Forest.
“Unfortunately it didn’t quite happen at the time, but I was sure that at some point I would come back.”
Fast forward to January 2018 and Guedioura’s wish to return to The City Ground was granted following a deadline day move from Middlesbrough.
“The move was in the pipeline for a couple of weeks but it went down to the final day because there are many things to sort during a transfer, but I was delighted when it was confirmed.
“We tried to reach the play-offs but didn’t quite have enough time. We started the next season well, but the Championship is a tough division and after a few draws or defeats suddenly it’s difficult to catch up.”
After a year back on Trentside, Guedioura moved on to Qatari-based club Al-Gharafa before returning to England with Sheffield United at the beginning of the 2021/22 campaign. The midfielder admits he’s always kept an eye on Forest’s results since moving on to pastures new.
“I was with some former Forest players at Sheffield United last season, so we would often look at the results. We were worried at the start of the season because Forest didn’t start very well, but the season turned drastically when the new manager came in and you must commend that because it takes great character and great ambition to change it like they did.
“I was glad to see Forest back in the Premier League, because I really believe the club deserve to be at the highest level."
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“I experienced playing at the top level with Palace and then later with Watford. I remember we had only six points with Palace after a tough start, but you have to create a strong group and togetherness. In the end we finished 11th in the table, so it can be done.
“It’s not easy but from what I’ve seen so far, and I was at the Liverpool game, the team deserve to be there and hopefully the players can continue to adapt to the level and I’m sure the team will find a way to get some more wins.”
After turning 37 earlier this month, Guedioura is back plying his trade in Qatar with Al-Duhail. Despite still enjoying his football, the former Forest man already has one eye on a new career once he hangs up his boots.
“I’ve just turned 37 so when you reach this stage it’s just a privilege to still be playing. I’m enjoying training and playing matches, keeping myself fit and enjoying competition. I’ve also applied to do my Masters in Sports Directorship, it’s something that I’m looking into, and I’ve started my coaching badges, too. I feel I’m more into the Sports Directorship where you can improve a club and bring my experience of being a player. I want to keep learning.
“I do a bit of punditry too, which I also enjoy and after being at The City Ground for the Liverpool game, I’ll have to come back more often! I really believe in Forest and look forward to coming back to more games in the future.”