Debut:
22/10/1980 v Stoke City (A) 2-1 (League Division One)
Farewell:
Transferred to Nottingham Forest, 09/1982, £250,000
Passed Away:
Biography
Gary Birtles is a former English footballer who played as a forward and is best known for his time at Nottingham Forest, where he won two European Cups under legendary manager Brian Clough. Birtles also had a difficult but noteworthy spell at Manchester United after his success at Forest. His career is marked by a reputation for hard work, dedication, and an important role in some of the most memorable moments in Nottingham Forest's history during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Early Career and Success at Nottingham Forest
Birtles began his professional career at Nottingham Forest in 1976, joining the club at a time when Brian Clough was building a team that would go on to dominate English and European football. Initially, Birtles played as a right-back before Clough converted him into a forward, a move that would pay dividends as he became a key goal scorer for the club.
Key Achievements at Nottingham Forest:
European Cup Wins (1979, 1980): Birtles was instrumental in Forest's back-to-back European Cup victories, contributing with crucial goals. In the 1979 European Cup final, Birtles provided an assist in the 1-0 victory over Malmö FF. In 1980, Birtles scored in the semi-final against Ajax, helping Forest reach the final, where they defeated Hamburg to win their second consecutive European Cup.
First Division Title (1977-78): Birtles played a part in Forest's First Division title triumph in 1978, a remarkable achievement for a team that had only recently been promoted from the Second Division. His work rate and finishing ability made him a key figure in Forest's success.
Move to Manchester United (1980-1982)
In 1980, after his impressive performances for Nottingham Forest, Manchester United signed Birtles for a then-significant transfer fee of £1.25 million. Expectations were high for Birtles, as he was brought in to lead United's attack under manager Dave Sexton.
However, Birtles' time at Manchester United proved to be difficult. Despite his effort and work ethic, Birtles struggled to find the back of the net and went through an extended goal drought, which led to significant criticism from the media and fans.
Difficult Spell at Manchester United:
Goal Drought: Birtles famously went 32 league games without scoring a goal during his first season at Old Trafford, despite being a key player at Nottingham Forest. His inability to replicate his previous form made his time at United challenging.
Scoring Resurgence: Despite the early struggles, Birtles eventually found his scoring touch, netting 11 goals in his second season. However, by this time, the pressure and expectations had taken their toll, and he never fully lived up to his potential at Old Trafford.
Birtles left Manchester United in 1982 and returned to Nottingham Forest, where he would go on to regain his form.
Return to Nottingham Forest and Later Career
Birtles returned to Nottingham Forest in 1982 and immediately rediscovered his scoring touch, once again becoming a key player under Brian Clough. He continued to play for Forest until 1987, when he moved to Grimsby Town, where he spent two seasons before ending his playing career at Notts County.
Playing Style: Hard-Working and Versatile Forward
Birtles was known for his work rate, versatility, and ability to play both as a central striker and a winger. His movement off the ball and dedication to his team's overall play made him a valuable asset, even during his difficult period at Manchester United. At his best, Birtles combined his physicality with sharp finishing ability and intelligent play.
Legacy
While Gary Birtles' time at Manchester United is often remembered for his goal-scoring struggles, his legacy as a footballer is defined by his remarkable success at Nottingham Forest. His contributions to Forest's back-to-back European Cup victories remain a highlight of his career, and his hard-working style earned him respect from fans and teammates alike. Birtles remains a symbol of Forest's golden era under Brian Clough, and despite the difficulties he faced at Old Trafford, he is remembered for his resilience and professionalism.
Summary
Gary Birtles was a hard-working and versatile forward who won two European Cups with Nottingham Forest and experienced a challenging period at Manchester United. Despite his goal-scoring struggles at United, Birtles' contributions to Forest's success, particularly in Europe, cemented his legacy as an important figure in the club's history.
