AS a player, to me, crowd noise was just a background buzz.
You could differentiate between cheers and boos; you got an obvious idea of the mood in the stadium.
But, generally, I was one of those players that really had to focus; who was only at my best when I was concentrated – so I would tend to block it all out.
You would have a general idea of what the fans were thinking, of course you would. But personally, I was lucky that I was not influenced by it, negatively at least.
I was lucky that I was able to focus my attention on the action on the pitch; it was a not a distraction.
Not all players are the same, however. Some men are effected more than others.
I was always lifted when the atmosphere was positive – but there are others who really raise their game when the fans get behind them.
And there are many who fall to pieces when there is a really partisan atmosphere.
Which is why anything that can be done to make the City Ground more of an intimidating place to visit has to be a good thing.
Last time Billy Davies was in charge, the foundation for one of their top-six finishes was an unbeaten run at the City Ground.
Teams did not like coming to Nottingham to face the Reds, because they knew they were in for a tough time.
That was as much to do with the quality of the football as anything.
Of course, this is something Davies will be looking to restore this summer, as he has the chance to stamp his own influence on what, from this point on, will be viewed as his Forest side.
But if the club can aid the situation off the pitch as well, why not?
And ensuring that home fans are situated immediately behind both goals is not going to hurt, is it? Having the visiting supporters in the Lower Bridgford does give them an advantage.
When the likes of Derby and Leicester visit, in particular, having thousands of them all grouped together in one section, so close to the pitch, allows them to make a lot of noise of their own.
As Davies said prior to that Leicester game, it is important that Forest claim that section back for themselves.
If they can get a few noisy fans in there that, coupled with A-block, will give that end of the stadium a really noisy edge.
The City Ground could be as partisan as ever.
The away fans will still have to go somewhere but, in that upper tier of the stand, it will be harder for them to make themselves heard – particularly if the Forest fans are as boisterous as they are capable of being.
Yes, there will be some fans who are upset at having to move – particularly if they have sat in the Upper Bridgford for many years, which some of them will have.
But, if it is for the benefit of the team, then it is the right move to make – as long as those fans who are affected are well looked after.
I am sure that if, come the end of the season, Forest supporters are cheering a top-six finish, most people will be happy.
And it is small margins that can make the difference in these things. It may not sound like a huge deal. It may only make a 5 per cent difference to things, if we are honest.
But, if there is a way to make the City Ground more of an intimidating place to play, then I am all for it.
As I said, it might not influence every player in the opposition side; because not every player takes any notice.
But some do; some will be intimidated, if this idea does have the desired effect.
Even if it gives the Forest lads a bit of a boost; even if it makes the stadium feel like a bit more of a fortress, it is something worth doing. Hopefully, if the switch does get the green light, plenty of fans will be quick to snap up tickets there – and will through their weight behind the boys on the first day of the season as they try to get off to a flying start.
