David Serella, born on 24th September 1952, is a name not often found in the headlines, yet his career as a professional footballer resonates with resilience and integrity. Across his 376 league and cup appearances for clubs such as Nottingham Forest, Walsall, and Blackpool, Serella carved out a reputation as a dependable central defender. His journey, however, is not just defined by his on-field accomplishments, but also by his ability to endure moments of controversy and adversity, notably a violent episode during an infamous FA Cup tie.
Serella’s footballing story began in earnest at Nottingham Forest, where his no-nonsense defending and work ethic caught the eye of manager and players alike. His ability to read the game, combined with his physicality and leadership in the heart of the defence, saw him quickly earn a spot in the first team. His time at Forest, however, was not just a period of personal growth but also one of great team success, although he was never a household name at the club. It was at Forest where Serella began to develop his reputation for being a solid, reliable figure, a player who might not always steal the spotlight but whose performances were key to his team’s stability.
In addition to his time at Forest, Serella’s career took him to Walsall, where he continued to showcase his defensive prowess. It was here, however, that he would experience one of the most shocking moments of his career. During the 1974 FA Cup sixth-round tie against Newcastle United, Serella and his teammate Bob Chapman found themselves in the midst of a terrifying incident that would alter the course of the match and the future of FA Cup ties. On 9th March 1974, as the match progressed, a section of Newcastle United fans invaded the pitch, and in the chaos, Serella, along with Chapman, was physically assaulted.
This violent attack, which shook not just Serella but the footballing world, forced the Football Association (FA) to act. In the aftermath, the match was expunged from the record books, a rare and controversial decision that led to a replay at Goodison Park. The brutal nature of the assault and its impact on Serella’s career was profound, but it is a testament to his character that he continued his playing days without allowing the incident to define him. He went on to play for Blackpool, cementing his place as one of the stalwart defenders of the era, his name forever linked with a tragic chapter in the FA Cup’s history.
Moreover, Serella’s post-football life also reflects his commitment to his community and his desire to make a difference. In May 2007, over three decades after his playing career had ended, Serella decided to stand for election in the Kilnhouse Ward of the Fylde Borough Council local elections. His decision to enter local politics was, in many ways, a natural progression for someone who had spent his career working with teams and communities, showing a clear desire to continue to serve and contribute to society beyond the football pitch.