Nottingham Forest pay tribute as Reds legend Larry Lloyd dies

Nottingham Forest legend Larry Lloyd has died at the age of 75.

One of the Reds’ Miracle Men, he was at the heart of Brian Clough’s history-making side. The former defender was a key player as Forest memorably clinched back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980.

The club have paid tribute to Lloyd on social media. They wrote: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Larry Lloyd. Part of the Miracle Men, Larry was an integral player in the Forest side that memorably won back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980, making 218 appearances for the club in total.

READ MORE: Forest injury latest ahead of Palace clash

READ MORE: Forest told points deduction could have tripled as Premier League criticised

“We send our condolences to Larry’s friends and family at this truly sad time. Rest in peace, Larry.”

Lloyd signed for Forest from Coventry City in October 1976. He left the City Ground five years later, in 1981, having firmly cemented his place in club legend and with an impressive collection of silverware to his name. As well as the two European Cups, he also won a league title, two League Cups, the FA Charity Shield and the European Super Cup during his time on the banks of the Trent.

Reflecting on when he signed for the Reds, Lloyd said: “There were no agents in our day so you negotiated your own contracts. I was having talks with Clough and was looking for a little bit extra. He said to me: ‘Have you got a washing machine?’ so I told him that I had one, but it had broken down.

“The following morning there was a knock on my front door and there were two guys stood there with a washing machine. I pointed them to the kitchen so they could plumb it in and as they carried it through to the kitchen there was water dripping out of a pipe at the back. I just thought they must have tested it in the shop.

“Later that morning I had to go into training and I was just walking in when two ladies stopped me. ‘Are you Larry Lloyd?’ one of them asked, so I said ‘yes’. And then they said ‘thank you very much!’.

“They went on to explain how Clough had nicked the washing machine from the laundry room, which they weren’t too happy about. So that was my signing on fee – and it wasn’t even brand new!”

In addition to the Reds and Coventry, Lloyd counted Bristol Rovers, Liverpool and Wigan Athletic as his former clubs. He also represented England four times during his career and managed the Latics and Notts County.

Forest are understood to be planning to honour Lloyd’s life on Saturday. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side face Crystal Palace at the City Ground as they return to Premier League action after the international break.

What are you memories of Larry Lloyd? Have your say in the comments below