Neil Rafferty - no rest for the wicked!
Friday, July 31, 2009 
I am sorry to report that from today Neil Rafferty is stepping down as a spokesman for Forest. Neil has represented Forest for three years. Prior to that he worked for the Press Association and the Sunday Times, which is how I got to know him. (He would occasionally ring me for a quote.)
A couple of years ago Neil founded a satirical website - The Daily Mash - which has gone from strength to strength and is now taking up most of his time. As a result of this, a spin-off book, and a forthcoming series for BBC Radio Scotland, something had to give.
Last month Neil told me:
"The Mash is, slowly but surely, becoming a successful business. More importantly we really want to push it to its full potential and that means I have to give it my full attention. Between books, the upcoming radio series, developing merchandise and finding new writers, it's starting to add up to pretty much a full time job.
"I have genuinely enjoyed working for Forest from start to finish. I will always be really proud that I was involved and it has been great to be be able to say the things I want to say about freedom of choice - and get paid for it - but it's time to prioritise."
I should add that Neil and his wife are expecting a baby in November so there's no rest for the wicked!
Anyway, on behalf of everyone associated with Forest, I'd like to thank Neil for all his work and support. We send him and his family our very best wishes for the future.
Reader Comments (9)
Did you hear about Casper the Commuter Cat? There are now so few people employed in the South West that Casper is the only regular commuter on the No 60 to Plymouth. Darren Smith from Buses-R-Us said that he hoped that Casper would encourage his moggie mates to travel with them and, as an introductory offer, the company planned to pick up the cats in the local rescue centre and give them a well-deserved day out. "We take our social responsibilities very seriously", he said and added that they'd invited Casper onto their focus group. A Government spokesman enthused that they'd back the plan because it was important to stop any company going under during these difficult times. "We'll give them a grant from the Emergency Fund", she trilled. "It was earmarked for the military but this is way more important."
Above is my feeble take on a story reported on yesterday's news. The Mash would have made it sound funny. It deserves its success and best wishes to Neil.
Good luck, Neil.
Adios Neil tu muy bien para Forest
Good luck in life Neil!
Neil is a legend and the Daily Mash is one of my daily must-reads. I'm sure both will be very successful. Godspeed!
The Best of British from me, too, Neil !!
Have a good life Neil, well done.
Good luck and well done for your achievements so far.
Hope Forest gets as good a replacement and Good Luck Neil.