Jack Lester Interview

By: Dan Humphrey
Date: 23/02/2001

As we approach GTFC's trip to promotion chasing Nottingham Forest, Dan Humphrey had a quick chat with former fans favourite Jack Lester, who is now a key part of David Platt's plans. Lester joined Forest in January 1990 and has made 30 league appearances for the Reds, scoring 9 goals.

Dan:
Jack you had a good start to the season, until you got injured...

Jack:
Yes I had an operation early in December (hernia) and I should be back early on in March. There could be a chance of us getting in the playoffs by the time I'm back.

Dan:
So you'll miss the GTFC:Forest clash?

Jack:
Yeah, I'll be there and I'll see some of the Town players afterwards.

Dan:
Do you think Forest have a chance of promotion this year?

Jack:
Might have - via the playoffs. The way we've been playing recently, we should definitely finish in the top 6. We need to finish above Watford or West Brom, and we've got a big game against Watford to play. But we've played most of the big clubs away, those in the top 6. So our run-in isn't too bad.

Dan:
Were you surprised by Alan Buckley's sacking?

Jack:
Yes. Obviously it was very early in the season, so early it can't have been about performances. The new board obviously wanted a new start.

Dan:
Who was your favourite strike partner at GTFC?

Jack:
When I first got in the team under Kenny Swain, it was Clive Mendonca. Then I enjoyed playing with Lee Ashcroft. He's a clever player, good feet, good to play alongside. People say he's fiery but I think that's a positive thing. He scored quite a few for Town too.

Dan:
When Lee Ashcroft left, like Mark Lever, he dropped down into Division II. Did that surprise you?

Jack:
Well Lee went to Wigan, they're quite a big club - they've just signed Peter Beagrie this week. And Lee's from the North-West I think, he signed from Preston. As for Mark, he was on a free, so I guess he chose the best club available to him.

Dan:
Finally, a quick test for you. How many players can you name that have recently played for both Forest and the Mariners?

Jack:
Brian Laws, Kingsley Black, me, Garry Birtles, Dave Beasant...

Thanks Jack, good luck for the rest of the season at Forest, AFTER Saturday's game that is..!

NB: Jack seems to have (perhaps deliberately?!) forgotten playing alongside Jason Lee and Neil Webb in Town's relegation season. But who could blame him for that?)

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