DERBY COUNTY 11/12, 7:45PM
At the end of the 1933/34 season, Derby County were asked to visit Germany in a post-season friendly that was shrouded in controversy.
Derby were pitted against four host teams and were soon to realise the prowess of German football and their tour ended in ultimate failure.
The Rams lost 5-0 in Cologne, 5-2 in Frankfurt, 1-0 in Dusseldorf and drew 1-1 in Dortmund. The players enjoyed their time in Germany, despite their results but the visit was marred by the obligation to deliver a Nazi salute at each game.
The players had informed manager George Jobey that they did not want to take part in the salute but Jobey was pressed by British ambassadors to ensure that his players would comply.
They believed that any sign of distaste towards Germany could ruin the fragile relations between the sides and all the players reluctantly agreed to conform.
All the players, that is, except goalkeeper Jack Kirby, who was sure that he would not perform the salute. Kirby's defiance was captured by photographers but gained little attention.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST 14/12,
Cult heroes have a special place in many football fans' hearts, they may not be the best players but still attract the attention and admiration of the supporters. One man who had managed to achieve this coveted title is Nicklas Bendtner.
'Lord' Bedntner', as he is semi-affectionately known, had a spell at Nottingham Forest in 2016. The move marked a triumphant return to England following a season at Wolfsburg.
Bedntner had earlier made his name at Arsenal, his career mainly being focused around exaggerating his on-field abilities.
His title of Lord was solidified in 2015 when a square foot plot of land was purchased on his behalf. He has joined in with the joke himself, posting images of himself holding the Ballon d'Or and running as a candidate for Danish Prime Minister on his social media.
In September 2016, Bendtner signed a two- year deal with Forest. He made his debut against his former club Arsenal in the EFL Cup and his former manager Arsene Wenger said after the game: "If he keeps fit he still has a chance to come back to the top level. I think a hungry Nicklas Bendtner can score goals against anybody, and that's what you want from him."
Alas, Bendtner finished his Nottingham Forest career with just two goals from 17 appearances in all competitions. Lord Bendtner now plies his trade in Denmark with FC Copenhagen.
Peter Jones
@PeterKennyJones
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