One unexpected family tie has been maintained at Nottingham Forest, with Martin O’Neill now managing Matty Cash – after previously signing his dad, Stuart, for Wycombe.
The Reds boss says Cash senior was an integral figure to his Wanderers side that won promotion to the Football League, early in his managerial career – after taking him into non-league football from the City Ground.
Stuart Cash was a left back with a cultured left foot, who unfortunately played for the club at a time when they were fairly well stocked in that position, with another Stuart – in the form of a club legend, Stuart Pearce – having somewhat pinned down that role.
Cash senior did not make a single first team appearance for the Reds, but was regarded as an important figure with the Chairboys, as they won a bit of silverware.
“I did sign his dad at Wycombe and he helped us to win the Trophy final, which is the non-league version of the FA Cup. That was big news for us at the time,” said O’Neill, of that 1991 trophy win over Kidderminster.
“I took him from Forest and he did very well for us indeed.
“Initially he found it difficult, because it was amazing how many league players – who had maybe played reserve team football but not made the breakthrough at senior level – would come down to non-league and find out how difficult it was.
“It was really difficult. But he adjusted and he did very well for us. Winning the trophy was the start of our run and he was a big part of that.”
O’Neill revealed that Matty Cash has asked him for his views on his dad – and about what he was like as a player.
“Matty has asked me about him, very early on in my time and I did see Stuart very briefly at one of the games,” he said.
“There are not really any similarities, no – they are totally different players. Stuart played left back most of the time and had a very nice, cultured left foot.
“Matty – and I am sure his dad would not mind me saying this – is more about his athleticism. Not that Stuart was slow – but Matty is more athletic.
“Eventually, when his career finishes, I am sure Stuart would not mind if Matty can look back and say that he has had an even better career.”
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Cash junior says he did ask his dad for some advice, when his former boss was appointed as Forest manager.
“When the gaffer came in, dad just told me to keep doing what I am doing, to get crosses into the box and, when you are going forward, have a shot if you can,” said Matty. “But I did ask him for his advice.”
