John Pemberton who invented Coca-Cola", is chosen as one of the few people allowed to leave the city of Atlanta, just before it sinks into the Atlantic Ocean. In 2010, the Coca-Cola Company paid tribute to Pemberton as a key character in an advertising campaign called "Secret Formula". Centered on the secret ingredients of Coca-Cola, imagery related to Pemberton was used to make people more aware of Coke's history and mythology. In 2013, Pemberton was portrayed by Bill Hader in the "Atlanta" episode of Comedy Central's "Drunk History", created by Derek Waters. Welsh rock band Manic Street Preachers have an album track
John Pemberton (footballer) ended his career back at Crewe Alexandra with two appearances in the 1997–98 season. Pemberton coached Nottingham Forest's reserve team to the Central League title in the 2007–08 season. In December 2008, following the dismissal of first-team manager Colin Calderwood, Pemberton was appointed as caretaker manager for the match against Norwich City, guiding Forest to a 3–2 victory. Billy Davies was appointed to the post, but did not take over with immediate effect. Pemberton took charge of the Forest side which caused an upset in the Third Round of the FA Cup by winning 3–0 at the City of Manchester