An Evening with Mark Crossley Former Premiership Goalkeeper

Mark Crossley started his footballing career at Nottingham Forrest FC in 1987 as a trainee, under the management of a certain Mr Brian Clough. Amongst Mark’s many hilarious recollections of his life in football, he provides a fantastic insight into one of the most charismatic and perhaps the greatest manger in the game’s history.

Mark was a huge favourite with Forrest fans and made just under 400 appearances in thirteen years with the club, becoming first-choice keeper at the start of the 1990-91 season. He was granted a testimonial match during the 1999–2000 season which was played in front of 15,000 supporters. He was finally released from Forest, against his will, in 2000 as the club’s financial troubles required them to reduce the wage bill.

Mark subsequently played for Middlesbrough, Fulham, Sheffield Wednesday and Oldham Athletic. He has also represented Chesterfield as a player and coach and coached at Barnsley and Notts County.

He is the only goalkeeper to stop a Matthew Le Tissier penalty kick and also remains one of only three goalies to save a penalty in the FA Cup Final, against Gary Lineker in 1991.

Mark was a regular in the Welsh international squad, but served as understudy to Neville Southall, and then Paul Jones. He started only eight games. His most memorable moment with the national team was Wales’ 4–0 win over Scotland.