Goalkeeper Brice Samba has quickly established himself as a fans’ favourite at Nottingham Forest - and not just because of his performances on the pitch.
The summer signing has been a key figure for the Reds so far this season and is clearly a bit of a character.
And for many supporters he has been been Forest’s standout performer in the opening few months of the campaign.
The 25-year-old has now firmly established himself as first-choice for head coach Sabri Lamouchi and has notched up five clean-sheets from 10 appearances in both league and cup.
He’s never shy about popping up on social media with a cheeky quip, and who can forget his promise (one which he kept) to pass on tickets for the Carabao Cup clash at Arsenal after one fan got Samba’s name tattooed on his bottom.
In a recent NottinghamshireLive Forest fans’ survey, we asked supporters who would be their player of the season so far, with Samba getting plenty of backing.
“He has given the defence some confidence and pulled off some great saves,” said Steve Jeffrey, from Warrenhill, in response to the question in our survey.
Chris, from Sutton-in-Ashfield said: “Samba… a goalkeeper that we needed a long time ago. Breeds confidence in the defence.”
Richard F, from Nottingham, said: “Brice Samba. Not many characters around who have their feet on the ground. This guy not only oozes class and ability but is a really likeable and fun person who seems to simply love what he does.”
Midfielder Ben Watson was also a popular choice.
“He has been outstanding,” said David Stacey, from Nottingham, while Ian Clarke said he had been “transformed”.
Connor Calthrop, from St Albans, picked out Matty Cash, while Helen, from Nottingham, suggested Michael Dawson and Joe Worrall. And Mark Harrison, from Doncaster, plumped for Samba Sow.
