More Fan Talk
Sun 10 Aug 2008
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I'm sure there are going to be a few posts like this but what a fantastic result at the (lack of) Pride Park!! It was the perfect result, not because of it being Derby, but because of Commons and being opening day of the season! You can perform surgery on a team but you cant change the disease! Here's hoping for a lot more results like that this season.
Good luck to the lads tomorrow... lets banish the memories of recent performances in front of the TV cameras. (fingers crossed for some miraculous recoveries from injuries for tomorrow)
You Reds....
Mike Wood
cheshire
I hope this is not a sign to come Cole,Anderson,Garner,Tyson,McCleary all injured 3 Long Term as well. We need to get behind the team when things are not going right this season not the 'Boo Tactic' that some did last year.
I think we will take a while to settle this year but feel we will do well, good luck lads will be shouting you on from the Lower Clough with my buddy the Old Timer from Worksop.
Mick Wagstaff ( Young Timer )Worksop
I don't know if anyone was watching England Legends v Germany last night, but the England team had five former Forest players on the pitch at one time: Des Walker (and he still stands out as a great defender), Chris Woods, Harry Hodge, Neil Webb and Viv Anderson.
Boy we've had some good sides. Let's hope it's an omen for this season.
Good luck to everyone at the Club: see you Sunday.
Ian Emerson
Cleethorpes
Good luck to CC, his management team and all of the players for this season. I am really excited about seeing how those who were once classed as 'academy' players develop as 'first team squad' players. They were very successful in an academy team and with the reserves and I see no reason to doubt that they will develop into good first team players. There are enough of them together to keep the team spirit they had when it was only them and they were successful. It will be important that they all maintain individual and team confidence, the fans can help with this by supporting positively. It will also be interesting to see who are the new academy players and how they fair this season.
Michael R Smithson, Ely, Cambs
Although I've been a supporter since the early 70's, and have seen the club acheive some major triumphs, I reckon I'm the most excited now waiting for the start of this new season.
My hope is that by February we are pretty safe from relagation and the lads can just enjoy the run to the last game, rather than all of us sweating on each match. Go on boys, do us proud.
One thing though, and it was the same last season, we already have a handful of players unavailable for the Reading match due to injury. When will we ever be able to start a season with a fit squad?
Phil Jeffs
A big thankyou to all at NFFC for excellent open day,players were friendly as was cc and your "in the community staff" are brilliant. I hope i am not going to be explaining to my 7 yr. old son what all the booing is about this season, get behind the lads when we have difficult games. Been to everton&sunderland games. MOUSSI WILL PLAY IN PREMIER LEAGUE lets hope its with us maybe not next season but who knows?
A VERY EXCITED RED FROM ALFRETON
Another season. This time in a more suitable league. Not where we want to be but hey, we're heading in the right direction. Good to see most people writing here are optimistic. We have reason to be. The naysayers complain that we are too defensive. Funnily enough I remember a certain Mr. Clough believed in a strong defence. As did every other manager worth his salt. Keep doing what your'e doing Colin. This man will lead us to the premiership. Top six this season.
Marty
Hi to all FOREST fans,
Cant wait for the new season to start. Good luck to everyone involved with the club and most all CC. Coz to be honest mate, your gonna need it again this year, by the messages supposed fans write on here. To all of you why bother turning up at match's and whinge about paying £25 to watch boring football, negative tactics blah blah blah. Here's an idea go watch county on the other side of the trent!!!!!!...It's cheaper and if county go down because of bad support i don't care. But with Forest i do. I read this forum like a newspaper. Everyday and after every match. and nothing seems to change. Poor this, manger this, this player is pants, this player is good. My god get behind the team sing like every match is yeovil last game of the season. And maybe we finish in the top half. But if we whinge and moan every home game i am afraid we will struggle. On a side note like the look of moussi, solid, hard working and box to box. looking forward to seeing him more next season.
Scott.... An upbeat FOREST 4eva Fan. hoping the CG becomes a fortress Good luck and enjoy the season.
At the beginning of the summer I think it is agreed that most Forest fans started off feeling very optimistic over the new signings we initially made.
However, we are now a couple of days away and I think it's become very apparent that our squad is looking very thin and we have fallen short of really putting ourselves in a potentially exciting situation.
At present we only have one fit striker, as it appears Colin as signed 2 crocks up front to add to the one we already had! Our season-long loan signing also appears to be a long-term injury doubt. Add this to the fact that we have no back up players in the left and right back positions (apart from academy players) . Our first choices are also un-proven at this level and who knows how they will cope in the Championship. As for the goal-keeping situation - again we have no proven backup and unfortunately Paul Smith is prone to mistakes.
Hopefully Colin can pull something out of the bag ASAP to remedy some of these short-falls, otherwise I think we could be in for a long season.
Karen
Reading
A quick reply to Wakeyfan, regarding the wages Mr Cole is supposed to be on - according to todays interview with him in the Independent, it's supposed to be £10k a week - a lot of money in the real world I'll grant you, but not out of place in the Championship for a guy who has played at the top
John Mc
Just like to say good luck to everyone at Forest for the start of the new season.
From players and management team to all the background staff good luck for a season that may be testing but one that we shouldn't fear.This is the managers big chance to shine and I wish him the best of luck.
A good start to the season is important so lets see where we lie around the end of September before we start calling for heads to roll if the first couple of games don't go our way .
Any way cant wait for Sunday and the game with Reading what a test for the lads.
Goals win games so attack all the way.
Londonderry Red
Hi everyone....
It as been a long time since i was watching forest every other week , but now my oldest son is old enough to come with me, we will be returning to the city ground every other week and i cannot wait till sunday.
I have been lucky enough to watch forest when they were good in the old CANNON LEAGUE DIVISION ONE !!!! under mr clough it was the good old days ...
If we as a club can get around 25000+ supporters to every home match we can all take our club to a much higher level this will enable us to buy good players and also improve the city ground.
Lets get behind the team this year instead of booing when we are not getting our own way!!! because it is going to be a lot harder this season and the team needs all the help it can get .
We all as supporters could make the city ground a very hostile place for away teams to come and play their football this season.
When we boo our own team, all it does is make the other team play better and our players get their heads down and we end up losing and most of all we look and sound stupid.
come on everyone lets get behind our team and manager this season win lose or draw!!!!!
and no booing just loads of cheering and praise ...
daz layden
worksop red for 35 years....
I see the Watson deal fell through because we would not break our wage structure. Is this the same one that meant we lost valuable players in the past only for them to be replaced with inferior players on higher wages. Is it also the same structure that pays "Old crock Cole" £20,000 a week! Watson would have been an immense signing, although it was rumoured he wants to go to QPR. The point is i think it is about time that the board came clean on the hairy old chestnut of The Wage Structure so that fans really know weather it is actually a policy or just a management tool.
Hoping Ernie can dispel the sheep sceptics on Sunday.
Wakeyfan
Expectations of Forest fans are undoubtedly high following a nail biting but successful finish to last season. The arrival of several new players has added weight to the belief the team is at long last heading back to the dizzy heights of the premiership. Can that possibly the case i wonder?
My big concern relates to the attitude of some of our players. We all know in the past a few of our so-called "stars" simply did not perform on the pitch with some being no more than elusive pimpernels often going absent without leave instead of giving one hundred per cent all the time. As a result there was very little chance if any of playing the game as it should be i.e as a team!
Of course some players have gone to pastures new. Lets hope those who now wear our red and white shirt do so with pride and give one hundred per cent all the time. If some of them are still in doubt what I am getting at --- may I suggest they take a look at Messrs Bennett and Morgan. If we had nine more with their drive, determination and honest endeavour we could possibly be knocking on the premiership door at the end of the season. Wishful thinking?
John Rider Old Timer Worksop
Hi all you super reds fans.
Its nice to see a bit more optimism from you all as we are getting a little closer to the new season.I know a few of the fellow fans were very critical of my last email on the site but hey, who cares when the boys are doing so well pre season and holding their own against premiership sides. The only thing that does concern me myself is our defence which I think is also a concern to others reading the website but how do we know till we give the boys a go.and as we have all seen if pre season is anything to go by why should we be worried about the defence. again julian psycho pearce what a guy and hopefully can improve even more as a player during our 1st season back in the championship and we can again have another left back running down that wing frightening opponents to death as a certain left back used to do a few years back. come on guys lets get to that city ground on sunday and sing and make some loud noise infront of those sky viewers and not be sat at home watching it on that tv saying i wish i was their.I know i will be singing in the A block.come on lets fill that ground for a change and make it so these away teams dread coming to the city ground.
see you all sunday then at the city ground.
Colin.
A BLOCK.
I went to the Sunderland game, and was very optimistic with the performance, nice to see Smith playing the ball to defenders instead of kicking it far as possible, Guy Moussi impressed always available from defense, well done to the scouting team. my only concern is the lack of attacking midfielders and defenders, there doesn't seem to be much cover in this area for injuries, We have taken on a young France striker for a year, so I assuming he is in CC thoughts for this season, the fans that have seen him play, is he a player that would be good enough? I hope we are not going rely on the younger players to bails us out if needed, this will be a very challenging season, and a lot of clubs are buying well, the championship is really starting to attract quality players, CC there was some occasions when Bennet and Chambers were available in a lot of space on the flanks and were not spotted, I think we would have punished Sunderland, they did leave this quite open. I'm looking forward to the new season and I am optimistic that we are going to figure well in this campaign.
Mark Reece
I'd like to express my heartfelt thanks to all involved with this year's open day. It was an immensely entertaining day and the kids had a wonderful time. It was a shame there wasn't time to join both queues to meet all of the players but those we did meet were all very pleasant and I have some wonderful photos of a great day out.
Many thanks again and keep up the good work.
Bob Allen
Nottingham
Well, went to both the Everton and Sunderland games. I must say I was very impressed.
Moussi is a star in the making. I thought he was the best player in both games...for both sides.
Julian Bennett, well, now you can see why he was player of the year. The runs up the left were superb. If he can get that final cross in, it will be complete.
Earnshaw run his heart out and his chances will come. On to Andy Cole. I must say I was not impressed with the signing. Thought overpaid, just here to bump up the retirement fund and sit on the sidelines. Well, if the Everton first half is anything to go by, he is going to be such a benefit to the team. He popped up everywhere, fantastic first touch and great delivery on passing. I know he won't play every game and probably won't get us 20 goals, but I can see his experience and attitude doing wonders.
I, like most people, got very agitated and thought we were very negative at times last year. I know it is pre-season, but I thought it is so encouraging to see us play like that against premiership sides, both who turned out very high quality teams.
COME ON YOU REDS
Adrian, Kent
So a new season is about to kick off. The side seems to have been intellegently moved a couple of notches upwards with straight -swap changes for the better - Moussi for Clingan, Anderson for common and Earnshaw for Agogo plus Cole to support a doubtful Tyson . Consolidation is the word as we need to collect enough points and performances to ensure saftey as we learn what it takes to become challengers.
Good luck
D.Attard
Reality Check - Just hold your horses fellas.
We have a 3rd division team that has just secured promotion to the 2nd division and we have a few new additions to the squad.
Sunderland are a premiership team, about to encounter their 2nd season in the top flight and have some very good players.
So before we start talking about how deep we played, or what formation we played etc just consider who the opposition were.
Lets look at a few other facts.
1) no long ball.
2) played the ball on the deck from the back
3) We were not over run
4) we played attractive football
5) Sunderland struggled to break us down
6) Guy Moussi was clearly the best player on the pitch for both teams
7) This wasn't our best performance and CC never said it was
8) Cole, Tyson and garner are all injured so we were limited with what we could do upfront.
9) There were times when Sunderland couldn't get the ball from us, we kept the ball well.
10) Smithy looked assured in goal
11) the Defence didn't panic and played solidly
12) Arron Davies looked very lively and loved to have the ball
13) Mcgugan and Moussi look like they could play together in the premiership.
14) Earnie ran his socks off and was demanding the ball - great to see from a striker
15) The academy boys who got on the pitch all wanted the ball, all wanted to be apart and show their worth
It was a really good performance from us, so many positives!
David - exiled in Derby
after the sunderland game i was left with the feeling of deja vu. bright and enthusiastic for the first 10 mins then quickly running out of ideas dropping deep and struggling to create any clear cut chances for the front players.no matter what players we bring in we always play the same this is down to the manager and training staff and my feelingss are there not good enough for the job.if we put our first 11 out week in week out we may be competitive but any injuries and were in trouble as the youngster are either not ready or not good enough for the championship.up front worrys me most sinclair is not good enough cole is 36 and i find it impossible for him to play 90 mins week in week out and tyson going on past seasons will be injured for most of the season leaving earnshaw to play as i see it up front alone for part of the 90mins or starting up front alone.under calderwood i see another season of negative football and bad tactics which we wont get away with in this league.
rotherham red
Watched the game last night against Sunderland and saw potential, however, I was slightly concerned by how deep we were playing. At times we were passing it along the back four only a foot or two from our own box when I'd like to see us defending higher up the pitch. The problem with defending so deep is that the midfield have to drop back to get the ball and will ultimately leave the strikers isolated. On the plus side I thought Earnie looked sharp and well capable of causing problems for there defence, I just hope he sees more of the ball in the coming season. The way we generally tried to retain possession was positive. We've got players who are capable of keeping the ball and running at teams. There were one or two moments when certain individuals ran at Sunderland from deep but lost it and it didn't try it again. Heads went down and I think there is an element of fear still in our game that probably stems from some of the critism they recieved last year. I'm not talking about critism directed at any particular player. I believe that any negative reaction from the fans to a particular line-up, tactic or a decision that the manager has made will effect the players. I would like to see the fans turning a new leaf and giving our players their full support and belief to play positive attacking football. We all reserve our right to criticise, that's why we have this forum.
On another note, I hope they continue to offer cheap tickets for kids because I have two boys, 5 & 6 who have made sounds about wanting to come to a game. We live in London, and while we were in league one I promised myself not to force my own misery upon them. However, things have changed, and having convinced them that it's impossible to tell if Arsenal are any better than Forest because we play and in a different league and don't come into direct competition with them (they brought it), I now feel the need to share the burden that being a Forest supporter is with them before they get any wiser.
By the way, my dad and 2 brothers are Leeds fans and I would be more than happy to pass on messages of thanks or expressions of gratitude!
Davedarkly
After attending the Sunderland game, the players are looking fit and sharp, but the tactics were so negative.
Playing a lone striker who isn't in the 'tall' bracket, meant we spent the whole game huffing and puffing. Calderwood, Forest Fans will always be on your back with such negative tactics, its what caused the boo boys last season to get on your back, and it will this season. As a Man Manager, you are superb and have put a awesome team together, but please for all our sakes, resign the 4-5-1 formation to the bin, it doesn't work and it doesn't suit Forest's attacking skills. We ended up trying to walk the ball into the net.
However, Moussi and Smith were brilliant in the match, but defence, if you carry on backing off attacking players like I've seen in the last three friendlies, we will be punished, so stand your ground!
You Reds!
Jason, Whitwick
Im not about to start moaning like others, however I am slighty concerned about what we are offering going forward. Having watched both the Everton & Sunderland game in the last week, I thought we offered very little in the final third. I know Tyson & Garner didn't feature but Im hoping someone on here is going to tell me Im wrong and that we are going to score bags of goals this season becausese so far, Im not too sure . . .
(A lets not start talking about the premiership Just yet forest fan)
Tom
City Centre
Watched my 1st Forest game on Setanta over here in Canada tonight, the Sunderland friendly. Although a loss there was much that was promising. Notably absent was the constant long searching balls forward that inevitably resulted in turnovers last year. The ball was moved through the midfield quite well. Much of the game was going forward and played in the Black Cat's end with some good setup plays. Lacking was the finish on the final ball. Another plus was that it was uncommon to see the whole team falling behind the ball to defend and giving the opponent tons of space to do whatever they wanted. The team played with more confidence than I noted last year and challenged for the ball with more authority. I did notice players not on the ball tended to stop moving unless play looked to be coming their way. More movement to open the play needs to happen. Overall a good effort boding well for the season to come.
Max Kennedy
Kirkland Lake Ontario Red
now am getting sick and tired of people that call themselves forest fans then sit on here and moan about this and that. like someone moaning about the fact the the season is drawing ever closer and he expected more signing by now, well news flash mate are defence against everton was nothing short of brilliant now to only make one mistake against a premiership side is good but even with that one mistake we were all over everton.
moussi hasnt even been in the door 5 minutes and people are moaning its because of people like you guys that player look on here and they think there not appreciated so they leave, friday mousii was by far one of the best players out there out of all 22 players on the park, robert earnshaw andy cole ok rob missed two crosses but it not his fault he a little short lol but he played outstanding before i end up writing an essay on how some fans annoy me with there moaning am going to cut this short now and just say this we have lost only one preseason game and ok they are non league but we didnt have hardly any first team players out so that we could rest them for sunderland no doubt because we played are hearts out friday against everton and that match to me proves the forest squad as of right now is brillant colin has done a great job since taking over so please stop moaning about him he knows what he is doing good for this season cc and the boys.
from a happy tricky tree fan
aaron marshall
Just wanted to say a massive thank you and well done to Colin Calderwood and everyone at the Club. My son and I drove back to Cleethorpes last night completely blown away by the football we'd just seen. I can honestly say I've not seen a Forest team play like that (especially in the second half when the kids came on) since watching Brian's teams. A special thank you must go to the Chairman who really seems to be going for it and if we can play like that, it's only a matter of time before we are a Premier League Club again. I must comment on the new French lad: what a player he looks, he completely ran the game for us. Finally, just a couple of requests: like the Chairman said, he wants to put 'Nottingham' back into Nottingham Forest, so can we have our full name back on the scoreboard. The second request is can we sign a keeper who can catch a ball: Smithy's limitations were exposed last night and against better teams, they will soon suss out that he can't take crosses and that was the only weak point I could see last night.
Anyway, that's me done: on cloud nine and can't wait for the serious stuff to start. God, Brian must have been smiling if he was watching last night.
Ian Emerson
Lincs
All the way from Miami to the green fields of the Midlands.
I was over visiting family and got the chance to see both the Burton and the Telford games.
The young side that were out on the field played very well with a few older statesmen there to keep things cool. So I am now back in the sunshine of Miami? (Not really there are thunder storms.) I look forward to watching the Sunderland game on the 30th it is on TV over here. In the pub for an afternoon beer, remember the 5 hours time difference.
Everything is looking so positive for the up coming season.
if I was a CC pessimist then I offer my apologizes.
I think with the smooth passing football we can play and are good at playing we will do very well in the Championship.
Scorpio Miami
We all have our off days and last season we had a few. We won promotion though and that is all we wanted.
What pleases me is that CC states our football will be different this year, more attractive more free flowing.
He recognises that we need a new style to accommodate the new brand of football we'll come across.
Last year at times I just wondered what we were doing, but I want to bring your attention to the Carlisle game, which we lost 1-0 on Sky.
Although we lost, that was a top class game of football, played on a lovely pitch by two teams who wanted to play to the best of their ability. We'll get many more opportunities like that in the Championship.
That day we played well, the football was pretty and the only thing we lacked on the day was a couple of goals, everyone has an off day.
My point is this, some of you are moaning about our football before the season has started and then you refer to how we played last season. Well please remember all the games. We can play good football, we will play good football and we will do well this coming season.
I'm not asking you to have faith, I'm saying look at the facts.
david - exiled in d*rby
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Just to wish the lads the best of luck today against Reading. There have been some excellent signings and I think we all owe Mr D and CC a big thank you, Mr D for the money and CC for persuading good players to come. I wont be at the City Ground today because I now live in Oz, but we have got the match live on Fox Sport so I'll have my shirt on and some cold beers at 10.15 tonight ready for the kick off. All the best for the new season, I hope to be visiting the UK after Christmas so hopefully I'll get to see a few matches live
Cheers
Diddillibah Red
I'm sure there are going to be a few posts like this but what a fantastic result at the (lack of) Pride Park!! It was the perfect result, not because of it being Derby, but because of Commons and being opening day of the season! You can perform surgery on a team but you cant change the disease! Here's hoping for a lot more results like that this season.
Good luck to the lads tomorrow... lets banish the memories of recent performances in front of the TV cameras. (fingers crossed for some miraculous recoveries from injuries for tomorrow)
You Reds....
Mike Wood
cheshire
I hope this is not a sign to come Cole,Anderson,Garner,Tyson,McCleary all injured 3 Long Term as well. We need to get behind the team when things are not going right this season not the 'Boo Tactic' that some did last year.
I think we will take a while to settle this year but feel we will do well, good luck lads will be shouting you on from the Lower Clough with my buddy the Old Timer from Worksop.
Mick Wagstaff ( Young Timer )Worksop
I don't know if anyone was watching England Legends v Germany last night, but the England team had five former Forest players on the pitch at one time: Des Walker (and he still stands out as a great defender), Chris Woods, Harry Hodge, Neil Webb and Viv Anderson.
Boy we've had some good sides. Let's hope it's an omen for this season.
Good luck to everyone at the Club: see you Sunday.
Ian Emerson
Cleethorpes
Good luck to CC, his management team and all of the players for this season. I am really excited about seeing how those who were once classed as 'academy' players develop as 'first team squad' players. They were very successful in an academy team and with the reserves and I see no reason to doubt that they will develop into good first team players. There are enough of them together to keep the team spirit they had when it was only them and they were successful. It will be important that they all maintain individual and team confidence, the fans can help with this by supporting positively. It will also be interesting to see who are the new academy players and how they fair this season.
Michael R Smithson, Ely, Cambs
Although I've been a supporter since the early 70's, and have seen the club acheive some major triumphs, I reckon I'm the most excited now waiting for the start of this new season.
My hope is that by February we are pretty safe from relagation and the lads can just enjoy the run to the last game, rather than all of us sweating on each match. Go on boys, do us proud.
One thing though, and it was the same last season, we already have a handful of players unavailable for the Reading match due to injury. When will we ever be able to start a season with a fit squad?
Phil Jeffs
A big thankyou to all at NFFC for excellent open day,players were friendly as was cc and your "in the community staff" are brilliant. I hope i am not going to be explaining to my 7 yr. old son what all the booing is about this season, get behind the lads when we have difficult games. Been to everton&sunderland games. MOUSSI WILL PLAY IN PREMIER LEAGUE lets hope its with us maybe not next season but who knows?
A VERY EXCITED RED FROM ALFRETON
Another season. This time in a more suitable league. Not where we want to be but hey, we're heading in the right direction. Good to see most people writing here are optimistic. We have reason to be. The naysayers complain that we are too defensive. Funnily enough I remember a certain Mr. Clough believed in a strong defence. As did every other manager worth his salt. Keep doing what your'e doing Colin. This man will lead us to the premiership. Top six this season.
Marty
Hi to all FOREST fans,
Cant wait for the new season to start. Good luck to everyone involved with the club and most all CC. Coz to be honest mate, your gonna need it again this year, by the messages supposed fans write on here. To all of you why bother turning up at match's and whinge about paying £25 to watch boring football, negative tactics blah blah blah. Here's an idea go watch county on the other side of the trent!!!!!!...It's cheaper and if county go down because of bad support i don't care. But with Forest i do. I read this forum like a newspaper. Everyday and after every match. and nothing seems to change. Poor this, manger this, this player is pants, this player is good. My god get behind the team sing like every match is yeovil last game of the season. And maybe we finish in the top half. But if we whinge and moan every home game i am afraid we will struggle. On a side note like the look of moussi, solid, hard working and box to box. looking forward to seeing him more next season.
Scott.... An upbeat FOREST 4eva Fan. hoping the CG becomes a fortress Good luck and enjoy the season.
At the beginning of the summer I think it is agreed that most Forest fans started off feeling very optimistic over the new signings we initially made.
However, we are now a couple of days away and I think it's become very apparent that our squad is looking very thin and we have fallen short of really putting ourselves in a potentially exciting situation.
At present we only have one fit striker, as it appears Colin as signed 2 crocks up front to add to the one we already had! Our season-long loan signing also appears to be a long-term injury doubt. Add this to the fact that we have no back up players in the left and right back positions (apart from academy players) . Our first choices are also un-proven at this level and who knows how they will cope in the Championship. As for the goal-keeping situation - again we have no proven backup and unfortunately Paul Smith is prone to mistakes.
Hopefully Colin can pull something out of the bag ASAP to remedy some of these short-falls, otherwise I think we could be in for a long season.
Karen
Reading
A quick reply to Wakeyfan, regarding the wages Mr Cole is supposed to be on - according to todays interview with him in the Independent, it's supposed to be £10k a week - a lot of money in the real world I'll grant you, but not out of place in the Championship for a guy who has played at the top
John Mc
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Just like to say good luck to everyone at Forest for the start of the new season.
From players and management team to all the background staff good luck for a season that may be testing but one that we shouldn't fear.This is the managers big chance to shine and I wish him the best of luck.
A good start to the season is important so lets see where we lie around the end of September before we start calling for heads to roll if the first couple of games don't go our way .
Any way cant wait for Sunday and the game with Reading what a test for the lads.
Goals win games so attack all the way.
Londonderry Red
Hi everyone....
It as been a long time since i was watching forest every other week , but now my oldest son is old enough to come with me, we will be returning to the city ground every other week and i cannot wait till sunday.
I have been lucky enough to watch forest when they were good in the old CANNON LEAGUE DIVISION ONE !!!! under mr clough it was the good old days ...
If we as a club can get around 25000+ supporters to every home match we can all take our club to a much higher level this will enable us to buy good players and also improve the city ground.
Lets get behind the team this year instead of booing when we are not getting our own way!!! because it is going to be a lot harder this season and the team needs all the help it can get .
We all as supporters could make the city ground a very hostile place for away teams to come and play their football this season.
When we boo our own team, all it does is make the other team play better and our players get their heads down and we end up losing and most of all we look and sound stupid.
come on everyone lets get behind our team and manager this season win lose or draw!!!!!
and no booing just loads of cheering and praise ...
daz layden
worksop red for 35 years....
I see the Watson deal fell through because we would not break our wage structure. Is this the same one that meant we lost valuable players in the past only for them to be replaced with inferior players on higher wages. Is it also the same structure that pays "Old crock Cole" £20,000 a week! Watson would have been an immense signing, although it was rumoured he wants to go to QPR. The point is i think it is about time that the board came clean on the hairy old chestnut of The Wage Structure so that fans really know weather it is actually a policy or just a management tool.
Hoping Ernie can dispel the sheep sceptics on Sunday.
Wakeyfan
Expectations of Forest fans are undoubtedly high following a nail biting but successful finish to last season. The arrival of several new players has added weight to the belief the team is at long last heading back to the dizzy heights of the premiership. Can that possibly the case i wonder?
My big concern relates to the attitude of some of our players. We all know in the past a few of our so-called "stars" simply did not perform on the pitch with some being no more than elusive pimpernels often going absent without leave instead of giving one hundred per cent all the time. As a result there was very little chance if any of playing the game as it should be i.e as a team!
Of course some players have gone to pastures new. Lets hope those who now wear our red and white shirt do so with pride and give one hundred per cent all the time. If some of them are still in doubt what I am getting at --- may I suggest they take a look at Messrs Bennett and Morgan. If we had nine more with their drive, determination and honest endeavour we could possibly be knocking on the premiership door at the end of the season. Wishful thinking?
John Rider Old Timer Worksop
Hi all you super reds fans.
Its nice to see a bit more optimism from you all as we are getting a little closer to the new season.I know a few of the fellow fans were very critical of my last email on the site but hey, who cares when the boys are doing so well pre season and holding their own against premiership sides. The only thing that does concern me myself is our defence which I think is also a concern to others reading the website but how do we know till we give the boys a go.and as we have all seen if pre season is anything to go by why should we be worried about the defence. again julian psycho pearce what a guy and hopefully can improve even more as a player during our 1st season back in the championship and we can again have another left back running down that wing frightening opponents to death as a certain left back used to do a few years back. come on guys lets get to that city ground on sunday and sing and make some loud noise infront of those sky viewers and not be sat at home watching it on that tv saying i wish i was their.I know i will be singing in the A block.come on lets fill that ground for a change and make it so these away teams dread coming to the city ground.
see you all sunday then at the city ground.
Colin.
A BLOCK.
I went to the Sunderland game, and was very optimistic with the performance, nice to see Smith playing the ball to defenders instead of kicking it far as possible, Guy Moussi impressed always available from defense, well done to the scouting team. my only concern is the lack of attacking midfielders and defenders, there doesn't seem to be much cover in this area for injuries, We have taken on a young France striker for a year, so I assuming he is in CC thoughts for this season, the fans that have seen him play, is he a player that would be good enough? I hope we are not going rely on the younger players to bails us out if needed, this will be a very challenging season, and a lot of clubs are buying well, the championship is really starting to attract quality players, CC there was some occasions when Bennet and Chambers were available in a lot of space on the flanks and were not spotted, I think we would have punished Sunderland, they did leave this quite open. I'm looking forward to the new season and I am optimistic that we are going to figure well in this campaign.
Mark Reece
I'd like to express my heartfelt thanks to all involved with this year's open day. It was an immensely entertaining day and the kids had a wonderful time. It was a shame there wasn't time to join both queues to meet all of the players but those we did meet were all very pleasant and I have some wonderful photos of a great day out.
Many thanks again and keep up the good work.
Bob Allen
Nottingham
Well, went to both the Everton and Sunderland games. I must say I was very impressed.
Moussi is a star in the making. I thought he was the best player in both games...for both sides.
Julian Bennett, well, now you can see why he was player of the year. The runs up the left were superb. If he can get that final cross in, it will be complete.
Earnshaw run his heart out and his chances will come. On to Andy Cole. I must say I was not impressed with the signing. Thought overpaid, just here to bump up the retirement fund and sit on the sidelines. Well, if the Everton first half is anything to go by, he is going to be such a benefit to the team. He popped up everywhere, fantastic first touch and great delivery on passing. I know he won't play every game and probably won't get us 20 goals, but I can see his experience and attitude doing wonders.
I, like most people, got very agitated and thought we were very negative at times last year. I know it is pre-season, but I thought it is so encouraging to see us play like that against premiership sides, both who turned out very high quality teams.
COME ON YOU REDS
Adrian, Kent
So a new season is about to kick off. The side seems to have been intellegently moved a couple of notches upwards with straight -swap changes for the better - Moussi for Clingan, Anderson for common and Earnshaw for Agogo plus Cole to support a doubtful Tyson . Consolidation is the word as we need to collect enough points and performances to ensure saftey as we learn what it takes to become challengers.
Good luck
D.Attard
Reality Check - Just hold your horses fellas.
We have a 3rd division team that has just secured promotion to the 2nd division and we have a few new additions to the squad.
Sunderland are a premiership team, about to encounter their 2nd season in the top flight and have some very good players.
So before we start talking about how deep we played, or what formation we played etc just consider who the opposition were.
Lets look at a few other facts.
1) no long ball.
2) played the ball on the deck from the back
3) We were not over run
4) we played attractive football
5) Sunderland struggled to break us down
6) Guy Moussi was clearly the best player on the pitch for both teams
7) This wasn't our best performance and CC never said it was
8) Cole, Tyson and garner are all injured so we were limited with what we could do upfront.
9) There were times when Sunderland couldn't get the ball from us, we kept the ball well.
10) Smithy looked assured in goal
11) the Defence didn't panic and played solidly
12) Arron Davies looked very lively and loved to have the ball
13) Mcgugan and Moussi look like they could play together in the premiership.
14) Earnie ran his socks off and was demanding the ball - great to see from a striker
15) The academy boys who got on the pitch all wanted the ball, all wanted to be apart and show their worth
It was a really good performance from us, so many positives!
David - exiled in Derby
after the sunderland game i was left with the feeling of deja vu. bright and enthusiastic for the first 10 mins then quickly running out of ideas dropping deep and struggling to create any clear cut chances for the front players.no matter what players we bring in we always play the same this is down to the manager and training staff and my feelingss are there not good enough for the job.if we put our first 11 out week in week out we may be competitive but any injuries and were in trouble as the youngster are either not ready or not good enough for the championship.up front worrys me most sinclair is not good enough cole is 36 and i find it impossible for him to play 90 mins week in week out and tyson going on past seasons will be injured for most of the season leaving earnshaw to play as i see it up front alone for part of the 90mins or starting up front alone.under calderwood i see another season of negative football and bad tactics which we wont get away with in this league.
rotherham red
Watched the game last night against Sunderland and saw potential, however, I was slightly concerned by how deep we were playing. At times we were passing it along the back four only a foot or two from our own box when I'd like to see us defending higher up the pitch. The problem with defending so deep is that the midfield have to drop back to get the ball and will ultimately leave the strikers isolated. On the plus side I thought Earnie looked sharp and well capable of causing problems for there defence, I just hope he sees more of the ball in the coming season. The way we generally tried to retain possession was positive. We've got players who are capable of keeping the ball and running at teams. There were one or two moments when certain individuals ran at Sunderland from deep but lost it and it didn't try it again. Heads went down and I think there is an element of fear still in our game that probably stems from some of the critism they recieved last year. I'm not talking about critism directed at any particular player. I believe that any negative reaction from the fans to a particular line-up, tactic or a decision that the manager has made will effect the players. I would like to see the fans turning a new leaf and giving our players their full support and belief to play positive attacking football. We all reserve our right to criticise, that's why we have this forum.
On another note, I hope they continue to offer cheap tickets for kids because I have two boys, 5 & 6 who have made sounds about wanting to come to a game. We live in London, and while we were in league one I promised myself not to force my own misery upon them. However, things have changed, and having convinced them that it's impossible to tell if Arsenal are any better than Forest because we play and in a different league and don't come into direct competition with them (they brought it), I now feel the need to share the burden that being a Forest supporter is with them before they get any wiser.
By the way, my dad and 2 brothers are Leeds fans and I would be more than happy to pass on messages of thanks or expressions of gratitude!
Davedarkly
After attending the Sunderland game, the players are looking fit and sharp, but the tactics were so negative.
Playing a lone striker who isn't in the 'tall' bracket, meant we spent the whole game huffing and puffing. Calderwood, Forest Fans will always be on your back with such negative tactics, its what caused the boo boys last season to get on your back, and it will this season. As a Man Manager, you are superb and have put a awesome team together, but please for all our sakes, resign the 4-5-1 formation to the bin, it doesn't work and it doesn't suit Forest's attacking skills. We ended up trying to walk the ball into the net.
However, Moussi and Smith were brilliant in the match, but defence, if you carry on backing off attacking players like I've seen in the last three friendlies, we will be punished, so stand your ground!
You Reds!
Jason, Whitwick
Im not about to start moaning like others, however I am slighty concerned about what we are offering going forward. Having watched both the Everton & Sunderland game in the last week, I thought we offered very little in the final third. I know Tyson & Garner didn't feature but Im hoping someone on here is going to tell me Im wrong and that we are going to score bags of goals this season becausese so far, Im not too sure . . .
(A lets not start talking about the premiership Just yet forest fan)
Tom
City Centre
Watched my 1st Forest game on Setanta over here in Canada tonight, the Sunderland friendly. Although a loss there was much that was promising. Notably absent was the constant long searching balls forward that inevitably resulted in turnovers last year. The ball was moved through the midfield quite well. Much of the game was going forward and played in the Black Cat's end with some good setup plays. Lacking was the finish on the final ball. Another plus was that it was uncommon to see the whole team falling behind the ball to defend and giving the opponent tons of space to do whatever they wanted. The team played with more confidence than I noted last year and challenged for the ball with more authority. I did notice players not on the ball tended to stop moving unless play looked to be coming their way. More movement to open the play needs to happen. Overall a good effort boding well for the season to come.
Max Kennedy
Kirkland Lake Ontario Red
now am getting sick and tired of people that call themselves forest fans then sit on here and moan about this and that. like someone moaning about the fact the the season is drawing ever closer and he expected more signing by now, well news flash mate are defence against everton was nothing short of brilliant now to only make one mistake against a premiership side is good but even with that one mistake we were all over everton.
moussi hasnt even been in the door 5 minutes and people are moaning its because of people like you guys that player look on here and they think there not appreciated so they leave, friday mousii was by far one of the best players out there out of all 22 players on the park, robert earnshaw andy cole ok rob missed two crosses but it not his fault he a little short lol but he played outstanding before i end up writing an essay on how some fans annoy me with there moaning am going to cut this short now and just say this we have lost only one preseason game and ok they are non league but we didnt have hardly any first team players out so that we could rest them for sunderland no doubt because we played are hearts out friday against everton and that match to me proves the forest squad as of right now is brillant colin has done a great job since taking over so please stop moaning about him he knows what he is doing good for this season cc and the boys.
from a happy tricky tree fan
aaron marshall
Just wanted to say a massive thank you and well done to Colin Calderwood and everyone at the Club. My son and I drove back to Cleethorpes last night completely blown away by the football we'd just seen. I can honestly say I've not seen a Forest team play like that (especially in the second half when the kids came on) since watching Brian's teams. A special thank you must go to the Chairman who really seems to be going for it and if we can play like that, it's only a matter of time before we are a Premier League Club again. I must comment on the new French lad: what a player he looks, he completely ran the game for us. Finally, just a couple of requests: like the Chairman said, he wants to put 'Nottingham' back into Nottingham Forest, so can we have our full name back on the scoreboard. The second request is can we sign a keeper who can catch a ball: Smithy's limitations were exposed last night and against better teams, they will soon suss out that he can't take crosses and that was the only weak point I could see last night.
Anyway, that's me done: on cloud nine and can't wait for the serious stuff to start. God, Brian must have been smiling if he was watching last night.
Ian Emerson
Lincs
All the way from Miami to the green fields of the Midlands.
I was over visiting family and got the chance to see both the Burton and the Telford games.
The young side that were out on the field played very well with a few older statesmen there to keep things cool. So I am now back in the sunshine of Miami? (Not really there are thunder storms.) I look forward to watching the Sunderland game on the 30th it is on TV over here. In the pub for an afternoon beer, remember the 5 hours time difference.
Everything is looking so positive for the up coming season.
if I was a CC pessimist then I offer my apologizes.
I think with the smooth passing football we can play and are good at playing we will do very well in the Championship.
Scorpio Miami
We all have our off days and last season we had a few. We won promotion though and that is all we wanted.
What pleases me is that CC states our football will be different this year, more attractive more free flowing.
He recognises that we need a new style to accommodate the new brand of football we'll come across.
Last year at times I just wondered what we were doing, but I want to bring your attention to the Carlisle game, which we lost 1-0 on Sky.
Although we lost, that was a top class game of football, played on a lovely pitch by two teams who wanted to play to the best of their ability. We'll get many more opportunities like that in the Championship.
That day we played well, the football was pretty and the only thing we lacked on the day was a couple of goals, everyone has an off day.
My point is this, some of you are moaning about our football before the season has started and then you refer to how we played last season. Well please remember all the games. We can play good football, we will play good football and we will do well this coming season.
I'm not asking you to have faith, I'm saying look at the facts.
david - exiled in d*rby
