adminAI Has Named the Best All-Time Derby County and Nottingham Forest Combined XI
Do You Agree?
The debate between Derby County and Nottingham Forest fans has raged for decades — who has the better history, the bigger legends, and the more iconic players? Well, artificial intelligence has now weighed in.
Using stats, honours, longevity, and individual brilliance, an AI model has crunched the numbers to select the ultimate combined XI from both East Midlands giants. It’s a lineup that would strike fear into any opponent — and might just stir controversy among fans on both sides of the A52.
Here’s the AI’s all-time combined Derby-Forest XI in a classic 4-3-3 formation:
Goalkeeper: Peter Shilton (Forest)
One of England’s greatest ever between the sticks. Shilton’s commanding presence and legendary shot-stopping helped Forest to European glory.
Defenders:
- RB: Viv Anderson (Forest)
England’s first Black international and a key part of Brian Clough’s European Cup-winning side. - CB: Roy McFarland (Derby)
A defensive rock in Derby’s title-winning team under Brian Clough. Fierce, reliable, and classy. - CB: Des Walker (Forest)
“You’ll never beat Des Walker” was more than a chant — it was a fact for much of his career. - LB: Stuart Pearce (Forest)
Mr. Psycho. Iconic, fearless, and loyal — and one of the finest left-backs England has produced.
Midfielders:
- CM: Archie Gemmill (Derby)
Skill, vision, and that iconic World Cup goal — Gemmill was a key playmaker in Derby’s glory years. - CM: John McGovern (Forest)
The captain who lifted two European Cups. McGovern’s influence can’t be overstated. - CM: Alan Hinton (Derby)
Known for his pinpoint crosses and flamboyant style, Hinton remains a Derby legend.
Forwards:
- RW: John Robertson (Forest)
The magician on the wing. Robertson was pivotal to Forest’s European Cup successes — just ask Brian Clough. - ST: Kevin Hector (Derby)
With over 200 goals for Derby, Hector remains one of the most prolific forwards in English football history. - LW: Trevor Francis (Forest)
Britain’s first £1 million player and a European Cup final goalscorer. Enough said.
Manager: Brian Clough (Both)
Could it be anyone else? Clough took Derby from the Second Division to champions of England — then repeated the miracle at Forest with two European Cups. A genius — and a legend on both sides.
Who Missed Out?
Some big names were left out — including Steve Bloomer, Martin O’Neill, Colin Todd, and more modern stars like Wes Morgan or Kris Commons. Even Derby’s Frank Lampard-era players didn’t make the cut.
But that’s the nature of all-time XIs — there’s never room for everyone.
Do You Agree with the AI’s XI?
Would you have included more Derby legends? Does someone like Chris Martin or Nigel Clough deserve a shout? Or is this the perfect blend of Rams and Reds history?
Let the debate begin.
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