A youthful Chris Cohen was bought by Nottingham Forest as part of a £1.2 million double contract with Yeovil Town, which also featured the arrival of Welshman Arron Davies at the City Ground.
However, the former’s 11 years with the team saw him develop into a contemporary legend at the club, whilst the latter’s time in the Midlands was mainly forgettable.
Cohen was mostly used as an all-action center midfielder, although he could also play on the left flank when needed.
Starting his career in London with West Ham United, with whom he came through the youth academy to make a few sporadic first-team appearances, Cohen would join League One Yeovil, initially on-loan, in November 2005.
Impressing for a Glovers side that was in the midst of the most successful era in the club’s history, Cohen quickly made himself a mainstay in the engine room at Huish Park, extending his loan deal until the end of the season after being almost an ever-present in the team since his arrival, ultimately helping them to consolidate their position in the third-tier.
As Russell Slade took over as Yeovil manager in the summer of 2006, he moved to bring Cohen in on a permanent basis, the physically strong and technically sufficient youngster penning a two-year deal ahead of the following campaign.
It was to be a memorable season for the Glovers, as they kept up with the divisional pace-setters, playing an effective and entertaining brand of football that would see them make the play-offs, with a shot at a place in the Championship; and Cohen and diminutive attacking midfielder Arron Davies were at the heart of things.
Prevailing in one of the most spectacular play-off semi-finals in history, Yeovil recovered a 2-0 home setback to Nottingham Forest with an astonishing 5-2 triumph in the second leg at the City Ground to set up a Wembley final with Blackpool.
It wasn’t to be for Slade’s men, however, as goals from Robbie Williams and Keigan Parker each side of half-time won the Tangerines a spot in the second-tier
Prevailing in one of the most spectacular play-off semi-finals in history, Yeovil recovered a 2-0 home setback to Nottingham Forest with an astonishing 5-2 triumph in the second leg at the City Ground to set up a Wembley final with Blackpool.
But it was not to be for Slade’s team, as goals from Keigan Parker and Robbie Williams each side of halftime sent the Tangerines—at Cohen and company’s expense—to the second division. The midfielder and his teammate, Davies, had stood out as outstanding performers in a strong Yeovil side, and, having beaten them in spectacular manner a few of months previously, the two made a joint transfer to Nottingham Forest for a combined cost reported to be in the region of £1.2m.
Cohen overcame early hurdles due to injury and went on to play a key role in a Forest team that won promotion to the Championship automatically in the midfielder’s first season with the team.
Versatile, consistent, and demonstrating a wonderful mentality, Cohen was vital in everything his side achieved over the next decade.
| Chris Cohen’s career statistics, as per Soccerbase | ||
|---|---|---|
| CLUB | APPEARANCES | GOALS |
| West Ham United | 22 | 0 |
| Yeovil Town | 80 | 8 |
| Nottingham Forest | 305 | 18 |
Even though injuries occasionally irritated him, Cohen developed into a true leader in the locker room. A player who was well-liked by managers, teammates, and spectators alike for his enthusiastic, dynamic performances in the City Ground engine room.
After 11 years of ups and downs as the team tried to reach new heights, Cohen was a dependable, steady presence who frequently came up with significant contributions at crucial moments.
Although Davies had left in 2010 to become a permanent fixture at Brighton & Hove Albion after a previous loan period, Cohen would stay with the Reds until his retirement in 2018.
The legendary player for Forest, who was always willing to risk his life for his team, played 305 games for the team overall, scoring 18 goals and winning many Player of the Year awards.
Though he has moved on to coaching positions at a number of teams in recent years, the red half of Nottingham will always hold Cohen in high regard.
Although Forest spent a sum of £1.2 million for both Cohen and Davies, it was Davies who, on his alone, turned the deal into a complete bargain.
The club undoubtedly got good value for the money they spent. They found the ideal expert. a captain of character, honesty, and ambition who led his team.
It’s uncommon to find a player that stays at one club for an extended period of time in the present day, when players frequently switch around in search of the greatest short-term financial deal. One who makes more than 300 appearances with such distinction, and one who connects and feels attached to the fan base.
Forest hit the proverbial gold mine when they acquired Cohen on his own, even if the 2007 amount they paid Yeovil was for two players in a combined transaction.
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