It hasn’t taken Yohan Benalouane long to earn the affection of Nottingham Forest fans – and the defender has made it clear the feeling is mutual.
The 31-year-old became Martin O’Neill’s first signing as Reds manager, when he made the move from Leicester City in January.
Since then, Benalouane has established himself in the first-team, becoming a regular in the back line as he has struck up a promising central defensive partnership with Alexander Milosevic.
He has made 10 appearances so far, playing his part in three clean-sheets, while helping to keep O’Neill’s side in with a chance of reaching the Championship play-offs.
And of course, there was that winning goal against Forest’s arch-rivals Derby County.
Finding the back of the net after just 74 seconds at the City Ground, the centre-back secured the local bragging rights and cemented his place in club folklore.
It has led to Reds fans quickly devising a chant for the Tunisian, sung to the tune of Wilson Pickett’s Land of 1000 Dances – you may not immediately know the title, but you will almost certainly recognise the lyrics.
It goes, “Na, na, na, na, na; na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na,” with the Forest faithful adding Benalouane’s name on the end.
It has clearly won favour with the man himself.
Benalouane posted a clip of supporters in full voice on social media.
He wrote: “A reciprocal love @officialnffc #amazingsupporters #family #reds #yb29pablopicasso #hitmanbenalouane #nffc #nottingham #nottinghamforest #song #football #love”
