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Summer Fan Talk
Posted on: Sat 07 Aug 2010
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Would like to wish Billy and the boys all the best for the new season. Despite some of the negative posts we are still the same team as we were last season and so should be able to compete with any team in the league. It is nice to have a true left back at long last so should not have to play square pegs in round holes this season. Can not wait for the first home game as a new season ticket holder the family will be there for every home game and some away matches when and where we can. YOU REDS
Garry
Rugby
Finally as fans we have something to cheer, HURRAY!!!!
I was over joyed to hear that we have finally added to our depleted squad with the loan of Ryan Bertrand from Chelsea. From what i have heard about this young man he will be a valuable asset to our team. He has a winning mentality which will be certainly required if we are to put together a serious charge for promotion. The news about Julian Bennett going to Crystal Palace was good to hear also, however i do hope we were clever enough to put a clause in his deal that he won't be able to play against us as we don't want our own players taking points off us now do we.....
The Daily Mirror stated yesterday that the purchases of Peter Whittingham and Darren Pratley were all but done, however we have heard nothing to confirm this. If this is true then i can only see great things for us, not only this season but also next season when WE ARE IN THE PREMIERSHIP!!!!!
NOW IS THE TIME for our support of not only the Players But Also the Chairman And Manager as We all have one thing in common, that being the best for NOTTINGHAM FOREST !!!!!!!
So let us take our VOICES, FLAGS, BANNERS and SCARFS into battle for the forthcoming season and let the footballing world know who we are.....
WE ARE ALL FOREST NOW ALWAYS AND FOREVER !!!!!!!!!!!
CMON U REDS
SLOWEYE
So we sign a young lad on a 6 months loan and everyone thinks that is ok?
We are a selling club and have been for a decade now ,no ambition no drive just high admission charges and if we get to the playoffs this season i will show my bum on top of nottingham castle.
The price on the new home kit is extortionate ,spent a small fortune last season for me and my son to go and watch the games as i have for 30 years now.Its stopping this season cannot afford it just like ND cannot afford to buy any decent players.
Daz
Is it just me or is Forest's new home shirt the most boring we have seen since the mid-70's? How many seconds did it take those imagination-challenged design gurus at Umbro to come up with a plain red shirt and a tactical re-positioning of our two stars? Fans always want the players to play for the shirt so for heaven's sake let's make it a shirt worth playing for - and paying for come to that! I know shirt sales are an important source of revenue for the club but come on, forty quid plus for such a naff piece of polyester is starting to wear a bit thin. Isn't it time to ditch Umbro; they've clearly run out of ideas with England - the home shirt is more appropriate for cricket than football. Why not give Adidas a go again and see if we can inspire the team with a few look-a-like strips from the glory days? Just a thought.
Deva Red
PS. The signing of Bertrand looks encouraging. Looking forward to the first redentions of 'Ca Plane Pour Moi' at the City Ground!
Great news to see Ryan Bertrand in today on a six month loan and Calum Davenport in training with us. Hopefully this might put an end to the frustrations commonly aired on this page in the past few weeks. I do realise that all of us want Forest to succeed, but we have to be realistic. £6million+ last summer is a lot of money for a Championship club, and despite missing out on promotion with such a tepid play off display, no one can deny that last season was a great success. We can't go out and spend that kind of money again, and more to the point, do we really need to? In my opinion the squad is in great shape; Bertrand is a quality player who will fill that left back slot with ease, allowing Cohen to do his best work in his best position. Hopefully Bertrand will do the same as Gunter and sign for us permanently either in January or next summer. Davenport had his problems in the Prem, but surely he's good enough to provide intense competition for Kelvin and Big Wes, thus getting that solid partnership to improve even further. The final piece is Whittingham. I have been told that he isn't too happy with Cardiff, especially Dave Jones who apparently wanted him to come to Fulham if he went. Now Jones is trying to persuade him to stay even though the gaffer wanted out in the first place! Even Whittingham's family have told him to go, its only the lad's belief that we are 'just another Championship club' that is holding him back. Now I wouldn't dare give advice to King Billy, but a word in his and the acquisition's panel's ears might be that if we can offer £1.5-£2mill, get to talk to him, and make him realise that with his 25 goals added to us last season we would have gone up quite comfortably, that might get him to sign up. I love Tyson, but maybe his time is up and if Blackpool offer £800,000 then we should snap that up and put that money towards the Whittingham fund. 25 goals against 2 is no contest. Looking forward to a tough start to the season what with 2 title contenders away from home and Leeds in front of the cameras within the first 3 games. Get more than 4 points from those and we will be in good shape!
UUUUUUUUUUUUUU RRRRRRRRREEEEEEDDDDDDDDSSSSSSSS
Tony Appleton
Essex Red
What a difference a day makes!!!!
Great to see Bertrand arrive after all the negative talk of late. It's just what we needed leading up to Sat and the massive with Mr Law's boys. Bertrand is a class young player no doubt about it and having been schooled at under 21's by Psycho and now claiming his number 3 shirts it must bode well for us! I just hope we keen him for the season! With him and Gunter either side at the back surely we now have two of the best young full backs in the Championship. The signing looks even better for us when you consider it will free Chris Cohen up back into his strongest role in midfield to command and dominate games with McKenna.
Davenport would also be great free signing as will give us some solid cover and an experienced head to work along side some of our rising stars!
I hope this is the nucleus that we need to spark some early form to send us on our way for another great season and to push for the Prem! No Playoffs please this time...my heart cannot handle it every season! Ha Ha
Even a nice looking new away shirt for a change!!!!
Happy Days return to Trent side!
Come on you Reds and sing your ass off for the lads on Sat!!!!
AD in Ilkeston
Judging by the e-mails coming in last week it was all doom and gloom and we hadn't got a prayer of being promoted unless we invested in 2 or 3 new players. Then up steps Nigel Doughty and says it how it is and all of a sudden we know the club's in good hands. Maybe it just goes to show that we have a huge amount of faith in our Chairman who has the club's best interests at heart. He may be worth many millions and get to sit on a padded chair in the Directors' Box but he's as much of a Forest fan as the rest of us. We can all be flippant and expect him to keep digging deep but over the years he's stumped up £40+ million, or whatever it is, so he has been more than generous. I would much rather have him as the top man at our club giving us financial stability and something to be proud of, look at Liverpool, they may have a faceless Chinese investor which is owned by the Chinese government....now that is really really sad isn't it? Let's just think ourselves lucky and that we have a very special set up with a fantastic Manager, albeit a bit of a fiery jock, and a great bunch of young players who get to play at The City Ground every other week.....how lucky are they?!
C'MON FOREST!!
David - Nottingham
After thinking about the situation im now thinking that all this worry is not needed. We have a great young team, obviously we could do with a few fresh faces around the place to give everyone a boost, but if we avoid injuries like last season i dont see any need to worry. We have Cohen who can play left back and yes we all know its not his best position but he did a cracking job for us last year! And i heard portsmouth could go out of business sooner rather than later. Why not make a move on 1 or 2 of there players, the striker Tommy Smith is a cracking player and i rated him highly in his watford days and i would consider him to be a "stella signing" as Billy says. Im just trying to say its not all doom and gloom, we have a great team who would of learnt alot from last year so fingers crossed we dont get any silly injuries. Come on forest do the whole city proud and most of all do yourself proud!
Brad - Bridgford upper
Further to my earlier letter let me take my point one stage further re new signings. We have an acquisition team, presumably led by David Pleat, why Pleat? Well he is a Nottingham lad with good connections. For this new season in the Premiership we have a restriction on foreign players v young English players, this could mean that players eg Jonathan Woodgate will not get picked for Spurs because he may not be fit enough to be picked for the new defined squad, he is one example, other clubs in the Premiership may be looking to off load players on loan to keep them motivated. I think this new move for Premiership clubs is a great opportunity for Championship clubs to pick up some very useful players
David Pleat,,,, over to you
Iain
Forest for ever
Everyday for the last month or so i have clicked on our website with the excitement of seeing new signings etc but what have we got? NOTHING!
Why oh why do we seem to be the only club in England who fail constantly in bringing in new players? What is going so wrong that nobody seem's to want to play for us?
After watching the friendly against Swindon last weekend, i was horrified at just how poor we were & how good & how far ahead Swindon were in terms of all round team work & commitment to winning football games. If we are favourites for automatic promotion, i can only assume that the people who come up with these stats have never seen Forest play, otherwise we would be favourites for relegation & not promotion! Yet again the Chairman insists on backing Billy, if that's the case Mr Doughty, let him manage this great club & give him you're full support as you say you will & get rid of our silly silly acquisition panel who seem to constantly block any potential signings that Billy suggests to them! Mr Doughty do you honestly see this current squad being promoted to the Premier League???? If you can, i think you are some what deluded & need a reality check. You have invested heavily in this current squad & there is not one single fan who would not thank you for that but if 40.000 + fans can also see where things are going wrong, why can't you?
Please give Billy full control atleast for one whole season & if he fails, look elswhere, but please give him that chance, he IS the best manager this club has seen since Brian Clough and he deserves that chance.
Hampshire Red
L Sharp
What a difference a few days make eh.....
Following on from our Chairman's open, honest, sensible and balanced comments during his interview a new wave of optimism and dare I say realism has swept across our loyal fan base just in time for the important stuff that takes place on the pitch on Saturday.
Yes we all want new additions to the squad but at the expense of better quality current members of our current squad or those recently left?
Some have questioned the chairman's commitment and even related Billy's less than usual bluster to the recent lack of signings as a sign that he no longer cares or has given up due to lack of influx, We are talking about the same Billy Davis are we not?
Think of this from the current squads perspective. Ranting and raving from the manager, fans etc etc. about how our lack of signings means we are all doomed will only knock the confidence of the current players confirming that they are not good enough and will drive into their mindset that without fresh blood they will have no chance of making another challenge for promotion.
Last seasons unbeaten run along with some of the most attractive football played on the deck outside the championship especially during our 20+ unbeaten run should be enough to not only give us fans and players great confidence and excitement for the coming season but will also make us a very attractive proposition for the right players to join us.
Just a reminder but to date we have kept hold of our best players and moved on Perch and Smith which does not weaken our squad.
We are still the 'Bookies favourites' to get promoted and trust me they do not like to lose money.
As the Premiership has to cut down squads to 25 then there will soon be plenty of loan opportunities out there that could improve our quality whilst being low risk in the long term which again seems like a very sensible way to run a business.
And of course our greatest advantage over all the other sides in The Championship are us The Fans. Away we are magnificent in number and in voice, At home is there a more exciting and noisy place than The City Ground when the crowd are really up for it?
"City Ground Oh Mist Strolling in from The Trent" give you Goosebumps doesn't it!
Time to get behind the Club once again as we have the best manager, best chairman, best players and undoubtedly best fans in this division to enjoy what is sure to be a rollercoaster of a season but I just get the feeling that it could also be a very special one.
Come on you Reds!
Jon F - A Block Red Dog
Nice to hear from ND, I'm a big fan his and will always respect his decision, he is the chairman but also a lifetime fan of the Club and is listening to the fans. However I'm still not convinced that all is well at the Club, I do not understand why we still have not got a decent left back in at this late stage, I'd love to agree with other fans to give the youth a chance, but being realistic and from the pre-season games they are not up to it. Until the squad was invested in last year we were fighting relegation-fact. If Tyson does not want to sign a new contract let him go, why lose money if he goes out on a free?. BD comments from the press (reports can be wrong) suggest he thinks we need some players in and with the results achieved and talk of Cohen playing left back you have to agree with him?, BD was correct when he asked for players in January for the play offs, he will be correct again. But if we have no funds or do not want to invest this year (unless it's a bargain price player) I will still be a fan and respect the fact I want the Club to be financially secure.
Anthony-Harrow
If I want to know what is going on in a business I don't ask an operational manager I ask the most senior person in that organisation. An operational manager will speak subjectively and emotionally about the moment. The most senior person will speak objectively and rationally about the bigger picture.
Thank you then Mr. Doughty for finally coming out and speaking with such dignity (bearing in mind some of the criticism), intelligence, honesty and good sense. It is important that the fans do hear from a senior source from time to time. You said it yourself; Billy does play games and does push the boundaries. Without hearing the balanced view, it is hard to fully understand the full picture. Having Billy as the club's only mouthpiece is not great policy nor is it entirely fair on him or the fans.
I hope that we hear more from you in the future. You are the most important person at our football club and your views are importnt to us. It's not that you have to come out every two weeks or become a publicity seeking egotist (like some in football) but from time to time your views would be appreciated and I think you and your role at the football club would also be more appreciated.
Mark, Arnold
Good to hear direct from you today Chairman, on the website.
Delighted that your expressed vision for the Club and expectation of the manager and team, is promotion to the Premiership this coming season or the following one. You have outlined a realistic goal for the manager to achieve. However, if this vision is to be realised, it must be jointly shared by yourself, the manager and the team. In addition, it will require the club to provide adequate financial resources to make any necessary player purchases that you and the manager, agree are necessary to achieve your joint mission.
The only necessary missing link to demonstrate to Forest's Faithful Fans, that this goal is the shared by both yourself and the manager, is for him to follow your lead and publicly confirm it to be the case, on the club website.
A public demonstration of a shared ambition between the Chairman and his manager, will probably go a long way to allaying the fears currently held by the majority of Forest supporters who write to the fan's website. Your statement has, at long last, given us a clear benchmark and timeframe, on and within which, the achievement of both yourself, the manager and the team can be judged.
Finally, you may be pleasantly surprised at the effect that the above public demonstration of unity within the management of the club, will possibly have in settling down one or two players who are, allegedly, anxious to leave.
Many thanks Chairman. We now await to hear from our Manager.
FOREST FOR EVER!
RED EYE
Wise words indeed from Iain and from ND. Nice to see the Chairman in print and his underlining of the relationship between him and BD is refreshing to read. We have the same squad as we did 12 months ago, when BD was saying they were "a young team" and a "work in progress." That side finished 3rd so we'll soon see whether they have "progressed." A good indicator will be if they can muster a minimum of 8 points from the first four matches. Last year the leaders Middlesbrough - who will be a real threat this season - and Newcastle had 10. At the same stage last season Forest had just 2. A good start, with the same squad, which should have "progressed," will be a year wiser and more experienced, will point the way to the premiership. Any additions to the squad would be welcomed of course but running a tight ship financially has to be the order of the day.
Red Ted
Can we not panic just yet please Forest Fans.
I believe we are moving in the right direction. I too am frustrated by the lack of signings, but have to say their aint that much outside the prem to get excited about! Mr Doughty has invested heavily in a club he has spent 45 years at both professionally and supporting - lets not forget the mess we were in and the amount of money that has been invested in the club to make us ostensibly debt free!
Lets not slate what we had last season - it aint that bad!! - we froze against Blackpool but lets face it they are coming straight back to earth (Holloway in the Prem - Little Boy Lost!), it was just two bad games.
This season we need some "fringe" players to step up and let's hope they cease the opportunity to do so.
It can be very negative sometimes at Forest - let's enjoy the season and get behind the lads and see what happens.
PS:- Treatment of Paul Smith by "Forest Fans" right out of order, no memories?
Robert Preston
Another season will kick off next Saturday and so time to send best wishes for an energetic season full of commitment courage style and persistence to all who will be fighting for the cause both on and off the field especially those on the terraces.
We have some great players in all departments. This should make us all hopeful. Not bringing in a recognised left full back remains in my books the only blemish. Who knows, Maloney on the right and Gunter of the left may do a good job.
Putting on a Dan Brown cap, something extraordinary has just occurred to me.
The corporate revolution changed the face of English football.
Forest were at the very heart of this transformation.
The great Brian Clough exited the scene as corporatism took over.
Hillsborough was the catalyst that heralded the all seated stadiums.
And guess what? Forest were also the only club to play at Wembley Stadium, the temple of football, in 89 - the last time we stood at Wembley - and 90, the first time we all sat. We won on both occassions.
So what?
Is Forest destined to be the first club to win the premiership title without spending funny money since corporatism took over ? Is this our Robin Hood destiny?
d.attard - malta
I must say I don't share the panic about lack of signings and certainly if you read ND's interview on todays (tues) NEP website I think the position of the chairman is clear for all to see. Nothing has changed. I agree fully with his stance. We have seen Forest waste money on dross before which silences the moaners for all of about 30 seconds and then leaves the club with a problem and a bigger wage bill. It's also insulting to our current, talented squad to suggest that their only chance of success this season has already slipped away due to lack of signings.
Interesting that ND offers his full support to BD - wouldn't it be nice if this was recipricated. I'm afraid there is only one way Billy's loose tongue and lack of loyalty of is taking us. It's clear that he doesn't like not getting everything his own way and has unrealistic expectations (isn't sometimes putting square pegs in round holes called management?) It's only a matter of time and with exit clauses etc it won't be Billy who suffers. We can play the 'who's fault is it' game if we like (board or manager) but whoever is ultimately to blame we can't have a situation where the manager spends every interview slating the club that employs him and distancing himself from any responsibility for performance. It's simply not sustainable and if ND's as shrewd a business man as I think he is he already knows this.
Garybaldi Red
I must agree with Iain a lifetime Forest fan. I do find it incredible that before the season even starts the fans are moaning about lack of signings. We did do a signing and secured the best player now in the our league in Radoslaw Majewski, we are the only club to have fork out a seven figure sum for a player in the close season. Listen to the football pundits who make us one of the favourites to go up. All our players want promotion so we should be supportive of the Chairman and the manager. Of course I have reservations mainly if we have a few serious injuries. We have a squad of 23 players all being capable of holding down a first team place otherwise Billy wouldn't have put them in the 1st team photoshoot. A couple of good loans from premiership teams would enhance our chances of going up. The chairman has had his fingers burnt in the past and quite rightly only wants players who are going to improve the squad, even more importantly they must want to play for Forest. The most telling comment he made during his interview was the fact that Forest by losing out on a premiership place lost 90 million pounds revenue, so don't tell me he isn't disappointed!! So the season starts let just get behind the team because that is what fans do.
Rod W
I have read all the recent letters and can fully understand the frustration of many fans due to the lack of new signings but I think we have to consider the following points
1) With the exception of Man City the market has been very quiet. Alex Ferguson says it is time to rely on the younger players, we have to do the same
2) There are more and more Clubs close to Administration, we do not need that problem
3) I am sure the Club have tried to sign players but maybe they do not want to come here at the moment
4) N.D has put a lot of money into Forest and I am sure it will continue in the future but
It is time to get the best out of the players we have, I think the urgency is for a left back, McGugan has to step up so has Thornhill and McGoldrick. We need a good season out of Moussi and Ernie and Blackstock scoring on a regular basis. The days are gone when a hatful of new signings could be expected before a new season. Time for B.D to get the boys going!
Lifetime Forest fan
Iain
Will you please confirm, whether or not, the Club Chairman and Manager ever read this Fans Views website? If they do, then please request them to respond, on this site, to the anxieties highlighted by the many fans who have taken the trouble to write in expressing their concerns regarding the apparent dissarray behind the scenes at the club and the lack of new players signed this close season.
Could you please request Nigel Doughty and Billy Davies to kindly inform us (the club's majority shareholders), what reason, if any, do we have to be optimistic about the forthcoming season. How realistic do they think are Forest's chances of promotion to the Premiership this coming season. Many of us would like to see a joint statement from them, ON THIS WEBSITE, so that WE THE FANS can decide how much they are worth backing with OUR hard earned cash.
Over to you Gentleman, we look forward to hearing from you as a matter of urgency.
RED EYE
PS. Chairmen and Managers come and go, but the Fans remain!!
we are all worried about no signings up to yet with good reason, however its the players we have let go thats the problem. james perch was a NOTTINGHAM lad who couldnt get a game, so who could blame him for going and if the manager didnt know about his impending departure as he says then he is being totally undermined in his job as for joe garner being loaned to huddersfield and keeping adebola whose decision was that it seems the blind are leading the blind at the minute
dave shelton castleford
Why oh why havent we got answers? The fans deserve more than what we have got. Always take lots of support werever we go. Always spend out hard earned money to show our support. And yet the board cant even come out and give us honest answers as to why the players we were after havent come. Ive got into the habit of coming on the forest website everyday to see if theres any news on new faces coming in, obviously ive been wasting my time! Come on forest we will all be at the ground in numbers like we are every year, we just want answers and honesty. Please someone stand up and give us reasons for the lack of activity with regards to transfers.
Brad - Disappointed red =(
A lot of disgruntled fans posting messages at the moment, which is a shame straight after our most successful season in 10!
The vast majority of anxiety comes from the lack of signings and is aimed at the acquisitions committee.
But is this right?
I am starting to believe we simply have no funds left.
Look it it, we spent £6m last summer on 9 players coming in, then a fee for the loan of Shorey + big wages, then a fee for Boyd from Peterborough on loan, then another £1-£1.5 on Majewski this summer.
That's probably best part of £9million in the last £12 months. A lot for any championship club - most would agree.
I am sure the chairman's interview straight after the Blackpool 2nd leg said as much, promising only 1 or 2 signings, and that probably included Majewski.
Do I think we need new signings to realistically challenge - Yes of course, 1 or 2 full backs, a centre half, and a goal scoring midfielder in my opinion is a minimum to challenge, but I simply believe we have spent up!!
And - if we do have no funds, then I am glad of an acquisitions committee, holding the purse strings tight, keeping the books balanced, otherwise we'll be in the same position as Platt put us in, spending money we haven't got, and look what happened to then!!!
Whether that'll be enough to keep Billy Davies at the club - I very much doubt it, but to be honest, he's never stayed anywhere long anyway so I've never expected more than 2-3 seasons.
If we finish playoffs again - I'll be delighted, if somewhat surprised to be honest. But at least we'll still be in business.
Andy Walker
I have never read so many postings on Fan Talk expressing the same feelings - distrust at what is perceived to be going on, (or not), and sheer frustration at the lack of communication and respect shown towards the fans. As most of these are from season ticket holders who are the bread and butter of the Club, their complaints should be taken seriously.
No fan expects to be told about on-going detailed negotiations or plans. However, the time has clearly arrived when the Board should clear the air and manage expectations by issuing some statement, perhaps
including:-
Is there a transfer kitty, or has the recession eroded it?
How does the mysterious acquisitions committee work?
Are there realistic prospects of new signings in the near future?
Will our squad be further depleted by more sales?
What are the ambitions of the Board for this season?
Does BD have the full backing of the Board?
On BD's part I believe has the makings of an excellent manager but should spend less time on self-promotion and having digs at the Board in the press, and more time accepting responsibility and communicating with and encouraging his players. (I was amazed that he publicly stated that he hadn't discussed the Celtic rumours with Wilson). I would like to see him stay, but it is time for him to thrash out a final solution to the feud that seems to have been simmering since the January transfer window, and got worse with the rumours that he may move to Celtic.
Whatever the result, until things are sorted out the Club will never achieve its potential. Just look at the results from January onwards.
Neil Taylor
France
If the Board of this club took notice of the fans they would know that their fans have far more passion and desire to win and reach the promised land than the club. How many times do we have to endure the indignaty of defeat to weaker sides that have drive and passion playing for their clubs. BLACKPOOL springs to mind. We had one foot in the Premier League last season, only to be out witted by other teams that strengthened their squads in the January window.
Here we are again selling players that we cannot afford to lose yet not replacing them. This always happens to this club. Remember the promises made to Paul Hart? We were challenging for the position in the Prem again but were out witted by our own board, not releasing funds to strengthen the side at a crucial time.
Does this club ever learn? We stand at the foot of the new season and yet again we are being held back by our own so called Acquisitions commitee ( or should I say by our Selling commitee ) When will someone stand up for the club and say enough is enough? We need to back Billy Davies and he will undoubtedly do his job. But as he has said on numerous occassions, I hav recommended players to the Board, it is up to them now. They would not have stood in the way of BRIAN CLOUGH. Then why Billy Davies?
Give Billy the tools to work with. Buy the players he wants and you will see the Reds chage up the league and into the PROMISED LAND. One week to go .
Dave from Long Eaton
Good bye and good luck to Paul Smith
A real shame he is leaving he was a valuable squad member
Greatest game was in January 2009 when he kept a clean sheet against Manchester City
when Forest won 3-0 in the FA cup third round away at the City of Manchester stadium
under the very successful temporary management of John Pemberton
Happy days post Calderwood
Lets hope Billy can revive that team spirit that can beat premiership teams without the need for expensive signings
Adrian - Trent Ender -
What the hell is going on????
No form in preseason players leaving left right and center and no new additions.
This to me tells a story of very much unrest in the club.
I have followed forest for well over 30 years and last season is the first time i have seen a much improvement for well over a decade.
I blame the board no ambition fans can say all day long about how ND put 30million of his own money into HIS club lets be honest 30 million this day and age is 2 world class players,he needs to give BD all the support he can because i have a feeling BD will not be leading us come christmas i think he will walk and go to a club who will back him.
Its forest all over they will never learn doing things on the cheap will not bring success.
We were lucky last season with the injuries but if we get two or three this season we will be in deep trouble.
I have a feeling we will go from a playoff side to be fighting for our lives this season.
Daz
A very unhappy red.
I keep going onto the Forest site expecting to read all about our new signings. What do I see? Well frustratingly its Earnie still flying upside down! No new faces and it now looks as though we`re going to have to put up with what we`ve got.So we all know what to expect.
Just to remind everyone however including BD--- we are in fact a very consistent team. For example in our friendly games this season our so called strikers were still able to demonstrate the fact they have the uncanny knack of being unable to get the ball in the back of the net. Yes Mcleary got a couple against Swindon but we all know he will never be a prolific scorer. I don`t know about anyone else but I`m fed up of reading the same old stories---We played well in midfield --our passing was good--we worked hard --but in the final quarter we missed golden chances --shot wide--headed over --shot straight at goalie etc etc.etc Oh for another Wally Ardron or Jim Barrett.
Older Timer in dreamland Worksop Notts
well with all the friendlies out of the way and with one win i'm getting slightly concerned, no new signings and no left back and being one of the favorites to go up its not looking to good. why oh why oh why have we not signed anyone, we're happy to sell players and the players seem happy to go, for christs sake we are a huge club with massive potential whats going wrong, whats happening with nicky shorey i'd love to see him back at forest, to me last season went down hill when his loan spell ended, its getting to the point now were the fans want answers and we want them now PLEASE!!!!!!!
Gareth the donny red
Its now becoming frustrating as to the lack of incoming players, 1 week to go before the start of the season and we have injuries galore, unrest in the camp, players not knowing if they are staying or going, a very poor pre season, result wise.
No news forthcoming from the board, chairman or the infamous aquisitions panel, so what do us stalwart Forest Fans feel ?. Well personally if we start the season weaker than last year which it looks like at the moment then how can we expect to improve on 3rd spot this year ? I think the league this year will be closer than ever and it will be crucial to get off to a solid start, yes the youngsters will have gained valuable experience from last year but why oh why havent we addressed the left back problem it was a crucial part of our failure to get promoted not getting a replacement for Shorey last year.
I for one am sick of all the rumours about who may or may not be coming just tell us fans what is going on and if we do get some quality in then all well and good, but its leaving it a bit late eh !!!! I will be at the City Ground 100% behind the lads on the field but we need consistancy this year and a sound solid squad or a mid table finish is what we will get which aint good enough.
Mick Wagstaff ( Worried Young Timer ) Worksop
I look at the various web sites everyday in the anticipation of maybe a new signing or two, however nothing but the usual rumours. I regularly read the fans forum and there is a real concern about the lack of signings and somewhat depleated squad we have for the new season.
It has been apparent since January we have needed a recognised left back but still we have failed to strengthen in an area that cost us promotion.
Does the heirachy at the club ever read the fans forum? after all it is us fans who put our money into the club through the purchase our season tickets year after year....
From my point of view the powers that be ND, MA and DP do not care about the supporters. The air of silence is unearving and it suggests to me that there maybe no money at the club.
Us supporters require some honest answers, not rumours. Tell us how it is and why the alleged targets we have been linked with have failed to materialise. The club owes us this much at least.....
Phil Parr Carlton
All this talk about Forest not bringing in new players is perhaps hiding a more important truth being that something has gone wrong with the performance of the team. We all know we produced a top of the table performance when we beat West Brom on January 8th 2010 to continue a run of 20 away games without a defeat. Since then our run of away games against league clubs has been on a downhill trend proved by the fact that we have now gone 15 games without an away win and still counting. I do not think we can just put it down to being unlucky so there has to be some serious fault with the individual skills of the players or perhaps in the way and positions they have to play. Strangely enough we do not suffer with home performances so we have got something right. What I would like to know is what is the manager doing about the severe turn around of away form because I do not think just bringing in new players will do the trick?
Ivor, London
Having seen some fans keeping the faith in the squad we have and others with heads in hands at lack of signings, here is what I think.
I have just returned from my holidays and this is what I find...
Rumours of players on strike because diddums they want to go to a 'bigger' club, the aquisitions panel..no comment, the manager has a list of players he wants, but we dont get them, we put in seemingly deliberately low bids for players the manager wants, and then we are surprised when we dont get the players, we sell a player, we loan out a good player without replacement, we lose all pre-season friendlies, we havent made any signings. Have I missed anything?
I love Nottingham Forest but I am just a bit worried that less than a week away from the new season, things do not look too great.
Adele McGuinness
So pre season has run its course and things are looking increasingly desperate! What a complete shambles it has been both on and off the pitch! Having witnessed the games at Mansfield and last weds game against Lyon first hand, I am finding it impossible to draw any positives from this pre season.
The backroom rift seems to be their for all to see. Yet still we have no official statements coming out of the club. How disrespectful towards all the season ticket holders does the bored want to be?????
If the latest reports in the Nottingham Evening Post are to be trusted... stating re renewed offers for Wilson and Tyson have been made coupled with Smith being put up for sale....is anyone else starting to panic and fear the worst?
Billy and ND if you sell anymore players before bringing in strong fresh new faces... then you will loose all faith of the supports and unleash a huge wave of unrest in the stands! The boo boys will be out in full force mark my words by the end of the Leeds game which will be such a shame. Our players clearly do not deserve that! However the supporters of this club have more ambition then ever after last season and all this stalling will become unacceptable.
The way things are looking with a our mounting injury list, I think Billy had better keep his tracksuit on from the Lyon game, as he may well be stripping off before long to stand in at left back or centre half. God forbid Camp gets injured at any point as clearly we will have no cover in that area either. I have heard it mentioned on numerous occasions over the past 12 months that Forest are light-weight and playing with square pegs in round holes...You are not kidding!!!! We have nothing in reserve that is clear for all to see. Come next week at Burnley, Darlow and the other kids clearly have no place in a Championship side with ambition like Forest.
I am so bored of hearing Billy's complaints quickly followed in the same breath by misplaced thoughts of optimism....surely you are just contradicting yourself? If players like Bennet, Thornhill and Smith have no place in this club then ship them out on loan or sell them on. However surely you have to do this after systems are in place to cover their absence? As it stands, Bennet who has barely kicked a ball in nearly two years now seems to have a huge role to play...what a total joke!
Come on guys we have a week to try and turn things around a bit. So please give us all something to cheer about and to lift everyone's spirits...Let's renew the Red faith!
Come on you reds!!!!
AD from Ilkeston
having missed the last few seasons due to working away i decided to get back down the city ground again and get a season ticket with the hope of a promotion winning season and thought we have got the best chance to get back in the premiership for the 1st time in nearly 15 years. This season looks the weakest championship for years, i am so dissapointed that we dont look to be progressing on a fantastic season we have just had and having made alot of new signings last season and having a rearly strong squad and knowing that maybe 2 or 3 new players would make a difference, with the few injuries weve got and the talk off other players leaving tyson,wilson,cohen & smith our squad looks weak, the optermism i had has slowly driffted away the closer the we get to augest 7th at turf moor, we have tough opening set of fixtures and could be a drift of the leaders by the end of september if i cud ask 4 one thing it would be please bring in a fit left back so we can get our best player back in his main positiom chris cohen. come on you reds billy get it sorted or do 1!
darren newton
I have just had a really off-the-wall idea that just might work... How about the board of directors decide on a transfer budget and wage budget... give it to the manager... and let him negotiate for the players he wants at the club... Crazy huh? After all...he will be the one who shoulders the blame halfway through the season if his team are shown to not be good enough... while the aquisitions panel will still be taking fat paychecks for delivering nothing...again! The majority of new signings should be well into settling into the squad before the last pre-season game... but it is looking like we will have kicked off the season proper before anyone actually signs for us. Someone sort this mess out!!! Good luck to Billy and the lads for the coming season...
Mick Coppard
Tenerife
I have to say that i was really looking forward to the new season with our outstanding performance last year. Where are the new signings??
Don't get me wrong our team are good but fatigue n injuries will happen, we deserve answers.
Simon n.Ireland
Last season I was prepared to loan out my Jack Russell as goalie. Thank goodness we got Lee Camp signed up. Luckily she can play left back, hardworking, ambitious and cheap to run, maybe the odd slurp of Watneys Red Barrel and job done. We are all sitting and waiting for some great news on the signing front, don't let us down.
Alnwick Red and Midge
How frustrating it is to be a Forest fan. A new season dawns we are full of expectation, but there is a deathly hush over the City ground.It is almost contemptuous the way we are treated.
Surely having renewed our tickets once again is it too much to ask that someone speaks to someone about how we intend to conduct next seasons campaign with a depleted squad.
There is clearly discontent in the dressing room, with talk of players happy to leave.
Is there a line of communication from the manager to the chairman? or must everything be in thinly veiled threats via the local press.
Also the most inappropriately named acquisitions panel, seem to operate in secret.
If players do not want to play for Forest, is it not the job of this panel to show them what drive and ambition once achieved at this club,and could do again,with the right players and manager.
The manager I am sure has been frustrated by the apparent lack of support from those he has to rely on to do his job,by that I do not mean those who actually know what feels like to walk on the perfectly prepared turf.
As we know Div. 1 is not a place to gain promotion easily so please not again,
ambition and drive!
Robin Hoodie
I have to agree with the posts from some very concerned people. It's almost August and nobody has been signed yet to strengthen the squad. We all know we need new players to fill the void that ended with us losing in the play offs to the team who finished 6th last season. Being fully exposed as we were then, surely nothing has changed. With one keen eye on the friendlies thus far, it's clear that losing is still the order of the day, which will do well to keep the morale up!
Not too much being said, communication is awful to say the least at the club. The sound of silence is all that's heard at the city ground right now. New shirts, tickets available, but nothing in ways of who's new at the club. Lot's of who has gone on loan though. I'm bored with the stories that have been around for a while, old news that is seemingly just news to keep us quiet. Billy still harping on about Shorey (yawn!) It'll be good to get him but...who knows! Someone somewhere.
I am worried as to the reasons. Baffled as to what's going on. With mind to last season, it should be obvious that Forest need to sign new players, and fast. Fast being not long after the close season with the main focus being on gelling the team and getting them primed and ready. No more collapsing in January after looking like the best team in the league. The boys we have might be able to hold their own for a while, but come the mid season, I will bet that the familiar strains will start showing and we will be left with the same old 'we need to strengthen the squad'. That old saying, no...sherlock, springs to mind.
Come on you secretive lot, open up those safely guarded doors and give the fans something to be happy about, something to give us hope, some promise. It's too corporate and there is not enough information being released to the ones who pay them the money. Modernise and be open. Throw the suit away and be more connected with the fans. I for one am getting increasingly impatient and am currently very uninspired.
Hoping for a good run post January.
Rowen Udell.
So with just under a week to go untill the season starts Nottingham Forest are entering the season without a recognised left back? What is going on at the club? We have known for a year now that we need a left back, but yet the transfer panel feel the need to play hardball with other clubs by putting in derisory offers. This season has the same feel as it did back in 2003 under harty, made the playoffs , just needed two or three more "stellar signings" to push for automatic promotion for the next season and what do forest do? Yes that's right weaken the squad! Come on sort it out Forest. The fans deserve some success this season!!!
Lewis Mann
Southampton
I enjoyed the friendly against Lyon - nice to have quality opposition and nothing to lose. Some howlers on our side but also some good examples of passing football that were encouraging. No names on the shirts - is that because we are not sure who will be wearing them?
Ground was embarrassing though - building site on the outside, PA in the main stand was awful and one of the display boards on the blink - literally.
David, West Bridgford
Living in NewZealand is an ineresting position for a FOREST supporter to be in. I'm Kiwi born and have never had the opportunity to see the mighty Tree's play in the flesh apart from when England came down here for the NZFA 100 year anniversary. Its hard supporting FORESTwhen you can see any games and have to rely on kind supporters that download highlights on to various websites for us foreigners to watch(a week or two later sometimes). I don't get to see FOREST thump Westbrom or nothing like that. Its hard to love your team so much. To love your team when people make comments like "I didn't think FOREST existed anymore ha ha ha ha ha"(very funny from an idiot moneybags united supporter). You walk away because you know our club is so much better in so many ways like cool historical reasons like first time a female refed a match(just happened last year), first club to wear shin pads, helping teams like Arsenal. Liverpool, Brighton set up with Arsenal(and liverpool according to wiki) playing in our Garibaldi Red(I bet their kits nicer this season), greatest football manager in history of the english game, first million pound signing etc etc etc. We as FOREST supporters love things about our club we have our favourite players, games, kits(sorry but not this seasons) etc and we as FOREST supporters are the reason why this club exists.not one chairman, not even the mighty Brian Clough are bigger than the club because its the supporter who have been coming along to watch their team win, lose or draw since 1865. I wonder if we were to stand all of FOREST supporters past and presant how many City Grounds would they fill. The SUPPORTERS put their life, soul and heart into this club, their hard earned maoney, families have been centered through the clubs history with gernerations sitting side by side watching their BELOVED TEAM through good times and bad this club creates bonds between people creating friends that can last a life time. The clubs gives common ground for people to enjoy with each other. Its like a form of national pride without being a nation(or is it) imagine the same feeling the Spain's supporters have after winning their world cup. that feeling has been experienced at FOREST time after time too. The rewards to the country finacially and socially are great when your team wins the world cup(even having New Zealand in the world cup created a buzz that when are still enjoying we didn't even win although we were unbeaten(the only team i might add LOL). they reckon crime decreases when there is something positve for people to be involved in for example.
The opposite happens to peoples lives when they have nothing to put pride in and this brings me to my point.
How dare the fans of this great club be treated in such a way as to be kept in the dark about things surrounding the City Ground. This club is about peoples lives, fans, players etc. Its about pride and 10 seasons in no-mans land when we are on the verge of greatness is all about us fans can take. You can't expect people to buy the shirt, season tickets etc and not want to be informed about whats going on. Our money is an investment in the club. When people wear the garibaldi red they are basically doing the same as buying shares in the Forest brand they buy season tickets creating revenue for the club. Its an investment. We wear our colours with pride but you the management (not billy davis) turn our red to brown and disgrace us making us a laughing stock with the likes of derby county joining in. We had so many hopes about this season and all you've done is destroy the clubs reason for existing hopes. Is this how you have made your millions doing business like this? Hopes were kept alive last season and we were able to enjoy a world cup knowing things were in capable hands/incapable hands. Its unheard of for a manager to roll over like davis has. A manager should buy sell and manage. You've turned billy into a coach. I'm so angry and hope by the time this gets posted you will have given us good news. Think about the people that rely on your website for info and put some on it.
Lots of Forest love to the support from New Zealand
Dwane Nielsen
Billy, what is going on? You need to talk to your team and show some concern. It is crucial that you get involved and find out out what is happening, you are the manager for goodness sakes. Get a grip, if you really want to impress us, the supporters, show some decency and take our advise, we don't care what the new kit looks like, nobody can care to go out and spend unecessary money on something like that. Just get your players in line, and show us the real, dedicated Billy Davies, the one in which we used to have!!
COME ON YE REDS
3 EYE
The new kit looks great online, although different it has the simple class evocotive of our late 70's and early 80's kits. Is it not ridiculous however that the season will have actually started before the kit can be seen in the shop? I realise it is having an extensive revamp but the timing on this seems poor and surely the club (and the new owner of the shop) could have come up with a temporary solution to get the kit out there. Only having it online is pretty poor for the fans.
Adrian
Nottingham
I am one of the many shocked by the lack of communication and activity over the summer. At this stage all we want to know is what is happening behind the scenes at our beloved club. Yes we had huge anticipations and as each hour goes by we are becoming more and more disillusioned. I have faith that ND is doing his best by the club long term, but we want to know what that is ...... I understand confidentialities etc etc, but we want some information so we can deal with what is happening or not happening. Silence is not golden!! At this point I regret buying season tickets for the coming season .......... please please put us into the picture!!
Forest Greg
When are we going to strengthen the squad? Im very worried. We have weakened it already this season with the sale of perch & loaning out Garner? Please... Can you put a concerned and loyal fans mind at rest and give me some hope...
Yours worriedly JN
As always it seems Nottingham Forest are expecting promotion to fall into their laps, teams around us making changes and signing players, showing ambition to their loyal supporters. Surely we should of used this summer to reflect on an outstanding last season and take strides to improve the squad (another striker, goal scoring midfielder). Another 3 or 4 players and we would have one of the best squads in the division.
This seems like the right time for this to happen, for gods sake WHEN WILL WE EVER RETURN TO TOP FLIGHT FOOTBALL FOREST!!!?!?!?!?!?!?
Us loyal fans have handed over £400+ for season tickets, had a crap looking kit thrown at us (where's the white and the European cup stadium names gone!!!).
Blackpool showed us some bite n passion, let's do the same and build on what we have.
Angry Red (but forever loyal)
Rob
IS IT CRISIS TIME AT THE CITY GROUND?
I ask this question, seriously, of Billy D, the Board and the Players.
For Billy to be quoted in the local press regarding the possibility of Chris Cohen, Nathan Tyson and Kelvin Wilson, three members of his first team squad leaving the club, as saying; "I havent spoken to the players, but they know my feelings about them." is in my opinion an absolute disgrace. Surely, if a manager is serious about wanting to retain players that are being unnerved by transfer speculation regarding them, then his first priority should be to talk through the issues with them, as a matter of urgency.
In my submissions to Fan Talk in the past, I have always supported Billy D. However, in view of developments and comments this close season, I now seriously doubt his ability and willingness to fully commit himself to Forest, in the manner the club should rightly expect of it's Manager. Get a Grip now Billy, or Go, for Nottingham Forest's and your own sake.
Forever Red
RED EYE
Is this is lowest key launch of a new kit ever? It's dribbled out a few days before the new season, one day to buy before being withdrawn from sale until a few days before the first home match! It's the third new kit in three seasons, breaking the (decent) Forest tradition of a two-season kit. And there's a new away kit of the way as well, one year after the last one! Gone is the traditional white markings, in comes a sort-of training top / pyjama effect kit. And, of course, added promotion of our venerable and noble sponsor's gambling advertising thrust down our throats. Surely if we have the choice again people will stick to a clean red kit rather than add the sponsorship logo? It all seems to add to the lack-lustre close season gloom. [I am struggling to see how the manager endlessly publicising that we are 3/4/5/6 players short of a decent team gees up those that are sticking around. It's one thing to make people fight for places, but another to have it made clear you are not up to it to begin with.] I predict 0-0 v Burnley and Leeds with BD delighted after each match.
Adam Wilson
Colchester Red
So it seems that our great club has its priorities right. Sell top players, buy noone and design a nice new red kit to sell to the fans. Is it me or is someone taking the pee? OK, so noone wants us to spend silly money and get into problems again, but come off it. WAKE up Forest! We have 2 weeks to the start of another very tricky and difficult season and all we are seeing is a total lack of ambition. I cannot understand why a club of our stature cannot attract a few decent players and why players seem to want out? What is going on Billy? You don't even need to ask for our support, you have that in bucket loads. So why do we have to ask for information? Our away form already seems to mirror that of the second half of last season...no suprise as we still don't have enough balance in the side. I know i sound like a negative git and should be continuing my positive attitude, but it aint half hard at the moment! Will always be supporting the lads though, good luck boys its not your fault! We are all and forever will be right behind you!
Cornish Red
This is a sad day when its reported Kelvin Wilson is going on strike because he wants to join Celtic-reminds me of a certain former Forest player Pierre Van Hooidonk, I will never forget him for all the wrong reasons, as it made me take up golf and put me off football for a good number of years!. What is wrong with the players today, where is the loyalty to the Club and us the fans who have supported them through the good and bad times?. When Billy held talks with the Club at the end of last season it was reported it was a case of building the team-was that report wrong, where are the quality signings and the ambition. We are fast approaching the start of the season and if what I read is correct it appears we are in a mess and just to add salt into our wounds it would be George Boyd who scored against us and was man of the match. On the plus side I played golf and got four birdies.
Tony-Harrow Red
Will someone at Forest please come out and give the fans some official comment on what is happening, is the board not aware that if this continues games against Lyon and early Championship fixtutres are going to be marred by supporter protests and do not for one second think that the fans are not behind Billy Davies we all want this sorting out if there is no money and we can not sign anyone do the people who put thier hard earned money into this club not deserve to know and if it is the fault of the AP and David Pleat who has spent most of the summer in South Africa then sort it ND sort it now.
Brendon Birch
Nottingham
I have bit my tongue until now over the summer, I can't take much more of this shambles that seems to be happening at Nottingham Forest this summer. I look on the internet today and see that Wilson is on strike, Tyson linked with a move away, yet we are still to bring nobody in.
Last season we were a couple players short of winning the league, 3-4 additions this summer and we would be flying. It is not hard neither rocket science. Why oh why are we struggling to get players in once again.
It is about time the club came out and said what on earth is going on, do we have money or not, do we have money problems?
You are quick enough to take our money off us each season yet I am seeing know strengthening in the squad.
To quote Mr Doughty at the end of the Blackpool game, we have plenty of Money to spend and will be bringing in 4-5 players in the summer to take us to the next level.
Well we are a week and a half away from the season and nothing, the squad is looking thin and I keep reading about unrest in the club.
Will someone please come out and tell us fans what is going on and stop treating us like mugs. We deserve better.
Please pass this email onto the head of communications whoever that might be.
Very annoyed Red.
Mr B, Notts
Given that no statement of intent for the coming season has been forthcoming from the club, it is clear that the owner has not the slightest intention of seeking promotion to the Premier League as evidenced by last January's fiasco. Promotion would undoubtedly cost a fortune but then the Premier league would give the club a shedfull of money, but the owner is happy for us to continue as a mid table (if we're lucky !) championship club. Forest make half hearted attempts and silly offers to sign players without any success as it is clear
they just will not pay the going rate for a quality player. There's no way we are going to get Whitingham from Cardiff or any other player at a knock down price. There are loads of quality players out there ready for a move but Forest just will not pay the money. Before much longer players will have signed up for the new season and the reds will have to manage with what they have got. The season ticket holders have been had for mugs again, we've parted with our cash in good faith in early June and what have we got now NOTHING and not a peep out of the club. A word of advice for Billy - KEEP AWAY FROM THE EVENING POST cos the way it's going they'll get you SACKED !
Roger Storey
It seems as though the pre season panic has well and truly set in on the fans forum of late. I have tried to remain open minded and optimistic until now but am rapidly loosing faith and getting that January feeling all over again! We clearly missed the boat last January and just look at what happened! Did we learn nothing from all the heartache of last season?
I have found myself with an unhealthy habit of late, logging onto to the Forest and Sky websites daily waiting to see the news of us signing some new talent. Yet nothing seems to emerge other then more stories of what seems like an ongoing backroom feud between Billy and the board. After Billy had his crisis talks and pledged his future to the club, why oh why do the powers that be not see fit to support him now and release some much needed funds for signings? If we get off to a bad start this season I for one would not be surprised to see Billy walk which would serve the board right leave us in tatters.
We cannot hold out each transfer window for bargain basement signings like Camp and Ando as they will not come around each year. At some point we need to recognise how competitive the market is and to see how deep we can dig to make the best signings for the club. How can we not have signed at least a left back is beyond me, as we have been exposed in this area for so long now? Set your sights high by all means with the likes of Shorey but given the lack of interest so clearly expressed by him, lets get some back up plans in place and not pin all our hopes on pipe dreams that may never come off. Bennet is miles off holding down this position in Billy's own words, so why is nobody been put in place to cover? Seeing how teams like Borough are strengthening their squads, anyone who believes we are favourites to go up need their heads read.
It seems to me that there was a load of chat about new signings and how strong we were looking a few weeks ago, just in time to coincide with the new deadlines for season tickets. Yet now that all the regular supports who are the life blood of our club have once again dug deep despite tough economic times to by our tickets now everything goes silent. Is this just coincidence or me being a boring old git? All the silence and ambiguity surrounding the accusation panel at our club just seems so disrespectful to the supporters. Say it as it is for once! We did not even hear how much Perch was sold for? It suggests they sold one of the clubs brightest young guns for way less then what they felt he was worth. So to save the embarrassment of yet another poor business transaction they just choose to cover it up with the old undisclosed figure tag line. Who can blame Perchy for walking after all these years, as he clearly wanted to play in the Prem and knew what was going on behind the scenes and he felt it did not bode well. So yet again it seems we are turning out to be a weakening selling club and not the financially stable and table topping force we are led to believe we are.
This pre season seems to have been a total waste of time from what I have seen and read. We may as well have just continued the training camp in the sun as the teams put out this far against the likes of Mansfield and Peterborough have just been a joke. Lets see what Weds game brings in front of the home fans. Against a first class team I just hope that we do not get a pre season spanking to follow on from Blackpool, otherwise we will be in a great headspace to start the season come the Burnley game.
Something has to give before long... as we will not be as lucky injury wise again this season. So please back Billy and the boys as we know they will give 110 percent. Let us all get on the case of the board and try and make our feelings know and felt on Weds. Come on the board give us the backing we need to be able to have another great season and go all the way this time!
You Reds!!!!
Andy David
I see Billy our savior is at it again, stirring trouble in the Evening Post.
I say that slightly tongue in cheek because while Billy has yet another one of his now familiar rants at the board, it's us fans who are left wondering what the hell is happening at trentside. Why oh why can't Billy and the board work in tandem. Do they not see that the constant bickering between them is making our club a laughing stock. Of course as a fan I am as flabbergasted as the rest at our current predicament, but does it really help anyone, fans included when we see this constant in-fighting that exists between Billy and the board.
Message for Billy and the board-
Billy: If you don't like the situation, get out, go somewhere that has got the endless millions you crave for. Because we clearly haven't. If you are to stay, and I hope you do, keep your opinions to yourself and do what you do best on the training ground.
The board: Tell us the truth. Communicate with us. Tell us what is happening, even if its just keeping us abreast of the situation because of top secret contract negotiations (wishful thinking) etc…Communicate with Billy and if you are and he is just stirring trouble AGAIN, sack him and get someone in who is not going to continually cause the in-fighting that exists.
Rob
T9 Trent End
It doesn't half feel like the fans, Billy Davies and the club board are on entirely different pages of the book this summer.
If Kelvin Wilson is sold to Celtic, our promotion credentials will be fatally undermined. Good centre halves are a rarity in this division and solid central defensive partnerships take time to establish. Wilson and Morgan have played together for a few years now, and it showed last season, when all the hard work they'd put in over the last few years aided by th arrival of Paul Mckenna suddenly clicked into place. There is no doubt that Morgan and Wilson deserve a lot of credit for making the step up in class. For the best part of the season we looked solid at the back, but this solidatity doesn't happed over night. There is no doubt that we suffer without a recognised. settled left back - but we would have bigger problems trying to replace Kelvin at this late stage of preseason. In fact, I'd go as far to say that we'd struggle. The knock on effect of selling to Celtic would also undermine our attempts to bring in players of the calibre needed to take us to the next level. We are already struggling to attract the likes of Prately & Whittingham that Forest is a club going places without selling our best defender. What's changed at Forest? This time last year, even while the fans were growing restless waiting for news on transfers, we had the swagger of a club with ambition. Something has changed. Has Nigel Dougherty tightened up the purse strings? Are Forest facing financial problems?
Billy certainly brought into the vision that we were a club on the front foot. He laid out in an articulate manner what would be required at every level of the club in order to push on; however, it became visibly clear as the season drew to a close that the Forest board did not see eye to eye with the manager. Billy called out the Forest board in January to put their money where their mouth was and it back-fired. His call for a statement of intent was met with a disapproving glare. Since then, something about Billy has changed. His mood has been tempered and the buzz that he initially brought to the club has fizzled out and growing optimism has been replaced with uncertainty. The problem is that Billy's position as the voice-piece, or the go between the club and the fans/media has been severely damaged. In calling the Forest board out in January, he not only showed up the inability of the Forest AP to act decisively, he unwittingly isolated himself. It is as clear as the day that Davies has very little sway with regards to transfer activity. He tells us that we're looking to bring in 3/4 players in January and we fail to sign anyone. He tells the media that he's not interested in bringing in loan signings in March because it's too late to integrate them into the team, and the board end up spending a reported £400,000 bringing in George Boyd for two months. He tells us that we need 3/4 players this summer, but we end up selling 3/4 before we've even lined up replacements. He tells us that we're not looking to release any more of our first team squad after allowing Perch to move to Newcastle, but a day later Jo Garner is released and now Tyson and Wilsons future at the club is suddenly very much up in the air. We are now in a position where we need 3/4 quality signings just to make up the numbers. For the best part of a year it has become increasingly evident that his ambitions and the clubs aren't entwined. Billy Davies can't speak out publically, because every time he does he risks being made to look a fool by a board who have obviously got an alterior agenda. The fans aren't stupid. While the actions of the board continue to contradict the wishes of the manager it's only going to end one way.
David Painter
Everything was looking fantastic up until January of last year. I can understand that Shorey wanted to stay in the Premiership but there must surely have been a specialised left back out there who could have done us a job? Forest have proven before that they are willing to damage promise on the pitch with poor football decisions off it. The decision to not strengthen last January was catastophic; it clearly knocked eveyone sideways with its self-harming nature. Now we are entering a period where we find ourselves with the opportunity to top up a very good side. And yet still in July we don't have a left back and the only activity is taking place around the exit door. I am worried because I remember the last time we had a very good team on the verge of the Premiership. The Forest heirarchy has proven that it is willing to allow a good team to be broken up before and that is why I and many others are now worried. It makes no sense to invest to build one summer/season and get close to something special and then follow it up with with a polar opposite strategy the following summer/season. I sincerely hope that a bit of sense prevails. Surely anyone who understands anything about football will see that we are very close to automatic promotion and the promised land. But having seen a similar approach before and to have been duped by false promises and false dawns and seen the damaging outfall I must admit that my confidence in the Forest heirarchy is being brought into question once again. Let's hope that the lack of activity in terms of signing players is not matched by the lack of effort going on behind the scenes to make those signings.
Mark, Arnold
I do realise that friend lies are a way to test our new signings and to see how we as a team gel.
As at today 25th August two weeks away from our first 2010/2011 opening game against Burnley all we have achieved is to say goodbye to players and credited to our team a fat zero.
I ask all the fans do not blame BD after five or six games when we are sitting in a relegation position come end of October.
It is impossible to run a car without fuel and as it looks today we don't even have fumes on this very dry empty tank even for this engine to start.
Please Mr Chairman and the board part with some funds so we can build a team of solid players which under BD and the backroom staff we can finally go back to the premiership a place this big and wonderful club belongs
Michael Rose
Well, Billy and Boys, it appears that your "cunning plan" of not peaking too soon is working extremely well, as we lose another away pre season game,this time to Peterborough. Mr Boyd at least will be pleased to have regained his goal scoring form against his former temporary team-mates. If we have got to travel abroad to secure our only away wins, this might prove to be a bit of an expensive option. However, if you Red Warriors can get all those "away blues" finally out of the system before visiting Burnley, then congratulations to you all, for this will indeed have been a very "cunning plan". We Red fans hope it is!!
Come On U REDS
RED EYE
Frustration already seems to be the hallmark of the coming season amongst reds fans, and somewhat understandily so. Garner out on loan is a strange one as he was mostly played out of position when selected.
He has just laid on both goals in the friendly in Portugal and has never let the team down especially when selected in his prefered striking position. It is good to see Thornhill back in contention as I believe he has a lot to offer, certainly from a back up situation.
Not sure what is happening on the transfer front but something has to be done as we need to strengthen.
We do have a strong squad of players when speaking of talent but it is the quantity that is alarming.
Newcastle and West Brom were no better than the Reds in quality last season but both had the squad numbers to keep players fresh.Middlesborough are already building a huge squad and will be a threat due to sheer numbers of players. On the positive side certain players at Forest can only get better Gunter, Cohen,Blackstock, Majewski, Anderson etc are all young players who are improving all the time Wes bless him will just gets better and better, Wilson is a jewel in the crown and Campie will die for you.
Another 17 from Earnie and 14 from Dexter plus a lot more from from the rest will give us another good season. If Derby want to let Rob Hulse go then please grab him as he will always get you goals.
Pratley and Whittingham would be suberb signings as we all know. Can I suggest Carl Dickinson of Stoke City as a great left back signing, he has had loan spells at Blackpool, Leeds and Barnsley and has performed well for them all.A lot of his admirers feel that he should actually be in the Stoke team. This lad is Nottinghamshire born and would walk from Stoke to sign for the Reds.
Hastings pensioner red.
Danny Welbeck, Tom Cleverly, Darius Vassell, Jack Wilshire (although I can't see him coming to the Champ.) Should of bought Ross Wallace and what about Vladimir Weiss of Man City and Slovakia. I thought he was awesome in the world cup and I reckon could be an awesome addition to our squad. Of course lets not forget a full back, don't know anything about the lad at chelsea but I'll take him so we don't have to play Lynch. If I was a betting man I would not expect Tyson to be with us next season. I reckon he is only missing the next few frendlies so he can move to another club in one piece, I mean tyson get injured noooo surely not. Adebola can do one + we also need a centre half as we currently have no fit centre backs and the season hasn't even started. Anyway here's hoping we start to get busy in the transfer market and begin to strengthen our small squad. All the best for next season boys, c'mon you Reddddssss!!!
(Prawn Sarnie Fan)
I still think Billy will get a few players in before the season starts, I also believe McGoldrick to come good this season (like he was at Southampton). My worry is the size of our squad, with no cover at all for defenders, and with no left back.
Maybe.... Forest will be happy to scrape into the play offs like season, like Baclkpool did last season... let's be honest, it was a joke, why bother to be up there all season long and finish miles ahead in 3rd place? You get no reward for it. In fact you are on a hiding to nothing. In the league, you don't need to win every other game to go up!
Teams like Middlesbrough have bought in even more players, again, but what real quality have they bought? And is Gordon Strachan as good a manager at this level as Billy is?? I don't think so at all. QPR... lost some key players who were on loan in Simposon and Tarbaat and got in Shaun Derry and a few others from Crystal Palace, who let's be honest, were poor last season.
Let's not panic too much about lack of singings so far... we still have quality players and I'm sure Billy has his eye on someone.
The player I'd have bid for and I feel Forest would have got, is Billy Sharp - he is a poacher and scored a ton for Donnie last season. Plus living not too far up the road, he'd have come with the right offer.
Also Nosworthy who we were apparantly after last season, went to Sheff Utd - he's not a bad defender for
Steve, Forest fan, St Anns.
Greetings to all. It does feel very uncomfortable that we are still without a recogised left full back. One would fully understand ditching Shorey given his apparent lack of enthusiasm and hefty financial demands. Yet the lack of alterative names is a cause for concern. The Wilson/Cohen situation adds to this concern. Can we count on a change of strategy as we may perhaps, this time round, do a Blackpool and go for players on a loan basis? This can be more effective than having to splash out a handful of millions for players who will not be up to scratch at premiership level. Am I just clutching at straws?
d.attard
I dont want to start off negative so i would like to say that i have faith in Billy and the lads to carry on where they left off last season, we are a young/ambitious squad with plenty of talent and a good work ethic. Having said that i am concerned about the size of the squad,it showed in the second half of last season that it is a problem. There has been plenty of talk about potential signings with some good players being linked, i would love to see Whittingham at the City Ground as were in need of a left winger (which would also allow tyson to play in postion) but i think our offer of £1.5million is considerabley low! With the unfortunate injury to McGoldrick we should look to acquire another striker,Jay Simpson would be fantastic,if not Danny Welbeck would be perfect as Alex Ferguson has today come out and said that he's looking to loan him out!! Why not!? Also i think its obvious that a left back is NEEDED! Whether we make any signings or not i carnt wait for the new season to start and sing my heart for the lads.COME ON YOU REDS!!
S.Bourne
Rugby
A good point made by Red Ted about transfers. I would imagine that announcements could well be delayed for commercial reasons. i.e. it can't be very good business for the other clubs to announce the departure of a 'fans favourite' when they are trying to sell season tickets. Billy would have us believe that spending is the only route to success. This of course is nonsense. Yes - if it is the right player but as ND has said many times it is no good throwing the club's money away on players of a similar level and ability who may or may not deliver. Look at Adebola and McGoldrick - I'm not sure many of us would say we have had much of a return on our investment yet. I would be happy for maybe one or two players to come in at the right price but I don't think it's as critical as not selling existing players. Have we all forgotten the capable players we've got already? 20 games unbeaten speaks for itself really. In my opinion the tinkering and changes in tactics away from home were as much to blame as anything else after January. Leaving a fit Earnshaw on the bench was naive given the form he was in. I don't think we are any different from anyone else at this level in terms of transfers - the fans/Billy's expectations could never be satisfied. Look at last season, we spent more than any other club last summer and it was only a matter of months before everyone was complaining that we needed to strengthen again! Perhaps if a left back is such a desperate priority we shouldn't have been so eager to send Bennett out on loan. I'm sure this has been done to add weight to Billy's argument for spending. Having chosen to send players out on loan I am fully expecting Billy to start complaining about how small his squad is. The big question is (as happened after January and also when he dropped Majewski to make a point) how many points will we have to drop while he proves his point to the acquisitions panel?
Garybaldi Red
Heard from a good source that forest on the verge of signing 3 players, 1 the dutch left back from chelsea the other is whittingham and not sure about the 3rd, be patient guys also seen the new forest top and its very simple and plain looks more like a training top, but nice none the less can see mckenna in it lifting the championship title
Nick
The Big Dog
Firstly I'm gonna start with the replica kit business, Since when did we need a brand new Home and Away kit every season??? And when popular sporting distributers can afford to sell them cheaper than the club shop says it all to me!!! I no longer believe that the fans intrests are at heart with this so called Football CLUB as it is now just a business that makes a few people lots of money hence the investment in the club shop.Iv just renewed my season ticket with my Hard Earned money and am already regreting it especially with the lack of money spent on players this summer, after the over-acheivments of last year I truly feel the board were not expecting us to reach the playoffs and that's why there's no investment. This season is probably the best chance to bounce back to the prem but with the current squad depth they will all be burnt out by Xmas. I suppose that's it from me other than BUY A LEFT BACK!!! For gods sake
Steve Hyland
Stapleford
Is anything going to happen on the Transfer front before the season starts? Forget what the papers say, as Forest are always good at cheap talk with a track record of failure to produce, I will always remember the "We're serious about promotion are you" debacle, not to mention the various yearly plans etc! The manager is renowned for wanting players to have the full pre-season with the club, which is not going to happen now. There seems to be no plan B if we cannot get players in and at the same time, we are reducing the squad side, by letting players go out on loan, besides Perch's transfer to Newcastle.
The Chairman and Chief Executive and conspicuous as usual by their silence and Doughty's promise to strengthen after the defeat at Blackpool, seems to have been a similar sort of gaffe, that David Cameron made the other day. Lets say anything that sounds as if it will placate the fans!
Give the fans something to cheer about, we have already seen the comment in the Post, on how the Liverpool team and fans have been lifted, just by the signing of Joe Cole, everyone has forgotten they have just sacked their manager! So give us some good cheer please
C. Macdonald
Derbyshire
Ummmmm there's been a number of posts over the summer which basically said we had this or that in the bag....never believed them and the way things are shaping up nothing could be further from the truth.
Pratley - probably not (didn't offer enough I think)
Whittingham - probably not (definitely taking the micky with a £1.5 bid)
Shorey - probably not (don't want to pay his wages on a long contract, and cant demonstrate to him sufficient ambition for premiership)
Simpson - probably not (Prem clubs would be his preference)
Van Aanholt -probably not (as above with Newcastle being touted)
Either they don't want to come or we are being way over cautious in what we are offering in terms of fees and wages - not a bad thing to keep an eye on the cost of ambition, but if the wallet don't stretch, don't expect.
All I know is
Perch (gone)
Garner (out for 6 mths to Huddersfield)
Maloney (out for a number of months with County)
Bennett (they want to send him out on loan)
Wilson (Celtic will be a big pull for him....)
Cohen (Still Premier talk re Bolton)
Bottom line is a weaker and smaller squad. I wouldn't mind so much if we had been prepared for this - but we were definitely given the impression as fans that the club were going to build and strengthen, the reverse seems to be happening. Especially in defence at left back and no cover for right back or really good enough cover for central defence - we look far far to thin; left midfield/wing is also a big gap. BD had ambitions I recall of having competition for all places, I'd be very happy if we could at least just get 11 men covering their natural positions - it would be a start - but I don't have very high hopes for it now given what's gone on so far this summer.
The Board should be much more realistic in managing fans expectations all the stuff about lists of targets etc acquisitions panel etc....really we don't want to hear it if we consistently cant attract those which we want to - it wasn't that we were trying to sign proper prem players, far from it - oh well - we should be happy, very happy, with a mid table finish this year and keeping the group together and stopping players exiting.
Dulwich Red
The annual transfer speculation, press comment, etc, being in full-on mode at the moment, it is perhaps worth noting that it has been the same every year for some time. At some point something "gives" with a signing or two somewhere in the league which sets off a chain reaction amongst the clubs as a kind of musical chairs gets underway. I expect it to be no different this year although the reality check brought about by the struggling national economy could well have a part to play. It would be nice to freshen up the squad in time for the Lyon game, though.
Red Ted
Just want to say I'm disappointed to see Joe Garner go out on loan, when played in position he scored goals, with a decent run I think he would have been great. In my opinion he looked much better than McGoldrick last season, but was not given a decent run in the team playing as a striker.
So it continues, Boyd sent back, the injury list with no quality cover-defence in particular, loaning out of our team and last but by no means least no signings. I thought Billy had talks with the board and he would get what he needed, not long to go and with other teams like Middlesbrough, QPR (my tip to do well this season) making signings, I can't help but feel a little nervous about the future or the building on from last seasons performance-I hope things change and I hope to see Garner back in the side.
Tony- Red from Harrow
I was going to add to the growing list of concerns about transfers, but then i got to thinking that we do tend to panic at times! We have a very talented, commited and young team who will have gained massive experinece from last season. We have a fantastic crop of young lads coming through and a vey good manager and coaching team. Yes, i agree, we really do need a left back (experience essential)but perhaps it's time to move on from NS? If he wanted us he'd have come by now.Also another 20 goal a season striker who isn't prone to injuries and a quality midfielder who can keep the young lads clam under pressure and play the ball on the ground... i'm panicking! Patience is required i reckon. Billy, we trust you! (Hopefully the board do to!) Forever Forest!
Cornish Red
So another player goes out only on loan but we have depleated a threadbear suad even more and also thnik we have got rid of the wrong striker as he has golas galore in him compared to one or two others. well does this mean we are going to get new players in or are we doing what wed id under Paul Hart ensuring that we will not challenge for Promotion this season. as a paying fan as with others it is about time someone came out and said what the plans are for this new season ARE WE SERIOUS ABOUT PROMOTION as they said they were a couple of seasons ago. so come on Forest give the fans some news about what your intentions are.
Garry, Rugby
There seems a lot said on the 'What the papers say' page about 3 players maybe coming to Forest, yet all 3 of them seem to be uninterested in joining.
Shorey would rather hold out for an offer from Fulham (who still don't have a manager so this wont be sorted in the near future)
Wittingham would rather just bide his time to see if the financial constraints on Cardiff ease (which shows he wants to stay there)
Pratley will only be leaving Swansea for a decent amount of cash and the club is now offering him a new contract (they have a new manager so my guess is he will stay and see how it works out)
We were told that there was a wanted list of potential signings of about 10 players, im guessing some of these were back up options for the players mentioned above so are we trying to sign these players?
Shorey, Whittingham and Pratley are very good players and would undoubtedly improve our squad but if they don't have the desire to sign for Forest then move on before its to late to sign the alternative options.
Billy has said himself that we have a weaker squad than last season and that the team over performed. I just hope that this season the weaker squad doesn't under perform as the stands and this page will once again be full of moans, groans and boo's.
Lee Fletcher
Apparently we arent going to get Pratley. No News on Peter Whittingham. No more news on Shorey!! Whats going on?! After the play offs i remember ND saying clearly that we will invest "sensibly and consistently". What a joke this is turning out to be and its going to be a tough tough league next season. Having just spent a fair amount of money on a season ticket i dont feel like its going to be worth it to be honest. So much for building a team for the premier league. More like building a team a team for mid table. Im sure im not the only one moaning about tha lack of transers at the city ground but no doubt we will all turn out in numbers to support the reds. A few new faces wouldnt do any harm though.
Bradley Banford
Irrespective of what anyone on this forum feels about our chairman, one thing is crystal clear. Mr Doughty is not stupid. Just the opposite. Therefore he is hardly likely to allow us to enter to new season with, as is currently the case, a weaker squad than last seasons. We have to make sure that we attract the right players to improve the situation, not just keep it ticking over. I know it's frustrating but that's the way it is and we just have to trust to the manager and the chairman getting things in place for the start of the season.
Richard Grummitt, Yorkshire.
This is the most exciting squad we've had since the collymore/roy days, and with an average age of what 24 they should only get better. Last season there was impatience with lack of preseason transfer activity and then we went and signed half a dozen players, keep the faith. With a bit of luck with injuries i reckon we only need a left back and another midfielder and we'll be set for another decent season.
Tom
PS glad to read Billy isnt loking to sell anyone - the "fringe" players (Mcgugan, Garner, Tyson etc) can do the business given a chance this season.
Is it me or does anyway else feel things are not rosey on the Forest Management front ? Boy George ( Sorry George Boyd ) has signed a 3 year contract at Peterbrough, who brought him in last season ? Billy ? Mr Pleat recommendation ? I feel the latter refers and what a waste of money that was as it was clear Billy didnt really want him !!!! If Mr Doughty respects his input then surely he must take on board Billy's concerns and a lot of what us the true supporter feels about the so called ' Aquistions Panel'. I feel things wont change much but surely its in the clubs interest to listen he is the Manager for gods sake, if Mr Doughty doesnt agree with what he suggests then thrash it out together like adults !!! ( But I assume we will never know exactly what goes on !!! )
Dont get me wrong, Mr Doughty puts the cash in and the buck stops with him but us fans just get left with rumour after rumour and get more and more frustrated with the way things go on, do we want promotion or not because if we dont strenghten soon the season will be up and running and once again we will be on the back foot.
I will never support any other club but Forest, but a little more information would be welcome for us fans who fork out hard earned money up front for our beloved team. End of rant but I am sure a lot of fans feel like me, lets hope we start the season positive and we challenge some good teams that are now in this league and compete 100% every game, U REDSSSSSS.
Mick Wagstaff ( Young Timer ) Worksop
Hi my name is daley ash im 24 iv been a big forest fan all my life and get to as many games as possible but i am becomeing increaseingly dissapointed and frustrated by the aquisition panel we have in place here at forest and want to know why it is proveing so hard to buy players whilst everyone around us in the league are bringing in new faces and strengthening it isnt long now until the season starts and all we have is speculation and rumours of players comeing in which is just not good enough. James perch has left for newcastle which i dont think is a bad bit of buisiness and it looks like cohen will be off to bolton who i consider to be the best box to box midfielder in the championship, also it is looking like kelvin wilson is off to celtic who was one of the best centre backs in the championship last season. So we need to act fast in replaceing theese players and adding abit more to the squad. To me it just seems like the board are going to do what they did to Paul Hart and sell our best players like they did with Andy Ried, Jermaine Jenas, and Michael Dawson we have a real chance again of reaching the premiership if we strengthen like Billy Davies wants they are just tieing his hands again like they did in january which i believe cost us promotion. How can we expect to better last season without strengthening.
Daley Ash
Not wanting to do any knee jerking but I am getting nervous about the lack of players in and too many reports about who might go and who is attracting interest from other clubs. The fresh stories of Cohen for Bolton/Blackpool and Wilson for Celtic are other examples of the one way street trend that we are experiencing at the moment.
I'd like to say it's still early but the lads are starting their pre season friendly games in earnest now and time will run out in way of gelling a team in time for the big kick off.
With only one name being touted (Shorey) in recent days, who else is being lined up? I am getting fed up with hearing who is leaving, going on loan or attracting interest from other clubs.
I take it we are still building? The signs are not good in that respect.
Trying to stay calm.
Rowen Udell.
Don't agree with Brian Place the left back position is ok. From what I have read, Billy wants Julian Bennett on loan, to find his fitness and as you think Lynch is not good enough to play in this division, I can't see it be ok. If Shorey does not want to come get someone else in-simple. I'm in favour of the reserves but the playoffs proved we need more experience in our side which is too young to handle the pressure throughout the season.
Marcus-Stamford Red I can't see the club informing us about transfers when you read Billy does not know about the sale of Perch. Hope to see some decent transfers, as well as bringing on some home grown talent, but in my opinion we need a decent mix and some quality, if we are to move forward.
January's lack of activity cost us, hope this window is better and we get the players being linked with us.
Tony-Harrow
I think that some of the players that have come in for a bit of stick on from the fans have been unlucky. David McGoldrick, is still young and will grow in confidence and stature with experience. The ability is there, it's merely a case of developing the right mentality in David and some of the others young players in the squad so that they can show this on a match day. It is inevitable that some fans will become impatient if this does not happen over night, but unfortunately there is no quick fix. ND and BD are trying to out a squad together that might not only get to the Premier league, but will have aspirations of staying there as well. There will be ruthless decisions to be made. Unfortunately, the academy is not reproducing the talent we saw coming through when Paul Hart was at the helm. We have fewer prospects to speak of. Part of the reason for this is that Forest are missing out on the best young players because many Premier league clubs are widening the net and investing more into their academies. Don't forget, we are only just recovering from the most miserable period in our footballing history. Literally, we have never languished in the lower divisions for so long.
We have to rediscover the big club mentality we once had, which means raising the bar with regards to the quality of players we bring in. Our team is a different beast to the one that crawled over the finish line in our promotion season from league 1. Expectations have risen and I can't see Julian Bennett, however popular with the fans, possessing the quality to take us to the next level. Billy Davies has released him to join a league 1 club on loan, and I think that this will prove his level. It's as clear as the day that we require a new left back, and that we desire premiership quality, but can't pay premiership wages. That is basically why we are unable to complete negotiations quickly. Realistically there are only a few players in the championship who might challenge for a first team place at Forest and we are targeting them. Among them, Peter Whittingham is a class act. Nathan Tyson is not a winger. He can't cross the ball, but we know that he has the pace to get on the end of it. From the bench I could see him still being used as an impact player - as a centre forward. Finally, we have midfield with a lot of talent, but noone with the tough tackling box to box ability of Darren Pratley. He can do what Cohen and Mckenna does. He pulls the strings at Swansea, and will give Majewski more freedom to develop into the player we've only seen glimpses of as yet. If we could attain the service of these three, we would have an extremely healthy, well balanced side and I would put a decent bet on us achieving automatic promotion. There is little money in football at the moment and if our AP is confident that they can secure the players that we want at the price we want then I think that it will prove worth the wait. While that wait is proving to be frustrating, it's surely better than settling for second best.
Davedarkly
OK, post number two: I'm glad to see so many well-thought posts appearing lately- This is the life-blood of Forest and what I expected when I committed myself to the 2-times European Champions! Down to business... Well said, J Harvey- some of Forest's best past players ( Reid, Jenas, Harewood) could well be available! Can we at least take a flyer? Good to see Billy likes D-Mac enough to be patient, maybe Joe Garner can step into the void after a year in the wilderness? We paid a bit of cash to get him-certainly he has quality? I've seen a lot of comments about entering the reserve league next season- This should be standard!!!! Forest's Youth system is well-regarded, and these boys must be given a chance to progress, plus we need regular action for the fringe players and (gasp!) trialists (you never know!). If we're serious here, then players who have a real future at this club like Maloney, Thronhill, McGugan, Byrne should stay at the club, get regular run-outs in the reserve side instead of being loaned out to lesser sides where the facilities and the coaching are NOT high-Championship-near Prem caliber. As for transfers, I se a lot about Shorey- remember Julian Bennett is coming back (Yes?) so left back will not be the trouble spot it was last season. Joel Lynch is League One at best.( Jeez, where's Andy Dawson?) I have high hopes for the coming year- but, being a Forest fan, I desperately hope that the manager can get what he needs to make it happen!
Brian Place (Red in America)
I hope that Tom Daly's alleged informants are reliable. If so, his assesment of the current situation re players coming and going will provide a good positive start to the season. I agree that Shorey at Premiership wages would not be a sound investment. Championship players need to keep their feet on the ground, (and the ball when passing) when negotiating salaries. After all, our overpaid, English Premiership All Stars, didnt exactly earn their corn in South Africa. We dont want any over opinionated, overpaid individuals of our Forest side. We do want committed players whose first loyalty is to the Reds and not to their wallet.
Lets see some serious warm up sessions before each match and during half time this season. Last season many of our warriors seemed more interested in seeing whether they could spot their friends in the stands than focussing on the job in hand. Get out there with them sometimes Billy, just to keep them on their toes. It sometimes appears like a cosy chit chat session rather than a serious warm up.
Let our Forest Red Warriors show those lilly livered English Internationals what true professional commitment and spirit are.
Looking forward to a successful season of full commitment, fewer excuses and greater professionalism from all concerned.
U REDDDDSSS
RED EYE
A few years ago this club said it would strengthen from a posistion of strength. Well here we are but the 'Aquisistion panel' have not produced so far.
After the sale of the inconsistent and overated James Perch we have the perfect opportunity to get players into the club that can push us that extra level. The fans have backed the club with season tickets- now its the clubs turn to stick to that promise they made a few years ago and get some good players here.
Its nice to see billy backing David McGoldrick who will hopefully turn out to be a good player despite the lack of support for him from certain sections of the crowd. He shows signs of being a really good player and if the other strikers can link off him we might be on to a winner.
But Billy- just a couple of things- you knew what you were coming into here in terms of player aquisistion as you keep reminding us- nothing has changed since. You can't use the press to pressure the panel into signings players because it doesn't work and there will only be one winner
Also let's be more positve away from home- we are favourites for this league, let's show everyone why and play with more freedom away from home- failure to do so cost us a top 2 finish last season as well as leaving lots of reds wondering why they had spent hundreds of pounds and hours watching another lacklusture away performance.
Failure to strengthen would be a backward step, we wouldn't get another goals, wouldn't get enough clean sheets (especially with the possible impending departure of wilson) and wouldn't win enough games.
The balls in the panel's court- if they want to risk mediocrity again like the last time we failed to strengthen after a play off capitulation then its dissapointing to say the least.
James Stringer
Concerned red
After last season all fans want to see our club kick on. We have a small and young squad which ran out of steam last season. With BD we have a manager that can gain us promotion. With the sale of Perch, and Wilson not being in Portugal, is this 6 years ago all over again? We (the club n fans) need to see the manager identify and get the targets required for promotion. Hopefully this will happen soon. I look forward to a response from the club!
Ryan Farmer
Hi Ryan - just to let you know that Kelvin Wilson is definitely in Porugal - ed
OH we were sooo close to signing Thierry Henry - get real guys, America or Trentside - hmmm?
Rob Preston
A brief but to the point e-mail, would it not be in the best interest of the club to make a statement regarding potential signings. If Forest are working
behind the scenes to bring in players fans are happy to wait and understand the this process may take it's time. But as in the case with Forest there
is such a lack of communication with the fans regarding any signings at all. We do not ask to be told players names but generally it might be helpful to the
loyal following to give them some idea as to whether players are coming into the club, it may seem unimportant to the people running the club but people
want to see progression as Billy has said let's get this club back to where it should be, with maybe more interaction with the fans might help get Nottingham Forest football club back to the big time.
Many Thanks
Marcus
Stamford Red
With Chris Eagles poised to join Glasgow Rangers & Burnley already reportdly having an offer of 1.75mill rejected would'nt now be a good time to submit an offer before Burnley up the ante for a player who plays in the same position come on ACT NOW AQUISITION PANEL BEFORE ITS TOO LATE its hardley rocket science otherwise we will yet again miss out like matt mills last summer who also was on Billy's TO GET LIST FOR SEVERAL WEEKS
Then PRATLEY followed by MR SHOREY job done!!! give Billy the tools or sell up Mr Doughty
Claire & Chris Ogborn
To buy or not to buy?
Pratley, Whittingham, Shorey, Simpson are forever mentioned on these pages and they will be excellent signings.
But I would like to throw a few more into the transfer pot.....
The return of JJ (Jenas to the younger ones) from Spurs as I believe he will be surplus to requirements as Joe Cole may be going to Spurs and they have plenty infront of JJ.
Thierry Henry, before you all start moaning and groaning he's in dreamland, he is being shown the door at Barca, a bit off the pace for the Premiership, he is being touted for the MSL so why not the Championship? Don't ask won't get.
Are our illustrious acquisition panel looking at Premiership fringe players, the squad players that get a handful of games all season, Arsenal and Chelsea have a few along with Man U so why not dip into them for season long loans with an option to buy.
Ask Mr Pearce about his U21 players nothing like a bit of insider info on who is coming through and showing bags of promise.
Nice to see the boys going to Portugal for a bit of pre season, we should get premiership teams for pre season games to set a bit of a bench mark for the season, if you play against good teams we will learn more about themselves and the game than playing Mansfield for instance, (no offence).
We are being tipped for glory, a bit early, but nice to have a bit of backing before the season starts, I just hope Billy and the Boys start off against Burnley all guns blazing and get a nice gap built before Autumn.
Go on boys get us up to the promised land!
Dreaming Red
J Harvey
Tom
Could your sources give me the numbers for the lottery on Saturday please!! Hope this is the case we do need a few signings.
Alnwick (sunny for a change) Red
Last year we had the same worries about who were we going to sign before the season starts. We then announced 9 signings within 2 weeks. Forget the Press talk because they hear snippets and enlarge these for mis-chief making to try and draw the club out to name their transfer targets. I understand from very good sources that Pratley and Whittingham are done deals and can not be confirmed yet because of Season Ticket sales for the selling clubs. People should take heart that if we are selling certain players then the reason is we have better quality players lined up because the Chairman has demanded promotion this year and was very dis-appointed with James Perch's perfprmances in the two play-off matches against Blackpool and also Nathan Tyson's. This is the reason one has been sold and the other refused an extension on his current contract. Shorey is hanging out for the best deal and if one does not come along from a Premiership club then he will join us. Whilst I personally feel that Shorey would be a good Championship signing I do not like the idea of giving him a 3 year deal at over inflated wages. He is not Premiership quality if we should get there, mainly because Aston Villa do not rate him and Fulham don't rate him either. Yes, he is comfortable on the ball but defensively he was not tested enough to make a judgement. When someone ran at him against Reading he made a mistake and was sent off. He should have been sent off for handballing on the line at Watford. If he had been we would have only seen him for 5 games. 2 possible sending offs in 7 games? We were very fortunate that Camp, Gunter, Morgan and Wilson were injury and suspension free for much of the season because I feel injuries to these players would have highlighted defensive problems similar to the left back situation. We do need to sign another quality central defender. It is water under the bridge now but I feel Billy Davies is not exempt from any criticism for us failing to make the Premiership in the end. His tactics and use of certain players in both matches against Blackpool were poor. I generally feel our away record was poor because he drew most matches because of his resting players syndrome. Notably, at home he picked strong sides and therefore the supporters had no reason to gripe with the excellent home record. Had he selecected to play the players he played away from home at home, especially up front, I think there would have been a different reaction from the City Ground faithfull. Notably he has reinstated the reserve team fixtures so academy, fringe and injured players get much needed match practice. This had been a real bone of contention with many of the Academy and fringe players and thank goodness common sense has prevailed. What other manager in the Championship Play-offs would not have started with Robert Earnshaw away at Blackpool. When quality was required in two very big matches only he was up to it. Paul Anderson was superb in the first match and was dropped for the second game whilst the ineffective Tyson played most of the match. Mckenna was not fit for either game and Cohen's reaction to his mumps affected his legs for the second game. Lewis should have played. However, lessons have been learnt and positives are slowly coming together. In 2 weeks time there will not be many cautious e-mails but ones full of optimism when they see our new signings. THIS IS THE YEAR, WE MUST NOT AND WILL NOT FAIL. AS BILLY SAYS COME DOWN TO TRAINING AND SEE THE ENERGY, THE ENTHUIASM AND THE PASSION. TO FOREST PASSIONATE FANS THIS IS THE TIME TO WITNESS NOTTINGHAM FOREST AS CHAMPIONS ONCE AGAIN.
Tom O'Dea
So we are going to have a reserve team next season. Is that some sort of clue to the future as we hardly have enough players to field two teams. Just maybe we are going to have an influx of new players and all the fringe players will then have a chance to compete and prove themselves in regular reserve games. It is a good way of keeping competition for places without disrupting the team.
Ivor from London
Nice to see we are going to have a reserve team again next season. I seriously believe that it enhances the opportunities for the younger players and players coming back from injury, because there will always be an element of competition and a desire to get a good result.
Mind you would be nice to see some signings soon??
C. Macdonald
Derbyshire
Hi reds fans 1st time on. I agree with all the comments on the lack of signings so far. We all know what we need to give us the best chance of reacing the promised land. Here are my suggestions. Left back Shorey but will he come? A back up center half Williams of Swansea i think he can play left back as well and would be good compition for Wes and Kelvin. Midfield could do with a left sided player Wittingham would be great dont know why we havnt gone to Cardiff and said 2mil plus Tyson for him. Pratley would also be a good addition. With the injuires to Dave mc and Dele perhaps a loan signing. I did hear Jay Simpson was mentioned a few weeks ago but i think that was for a permenant signing. On a plus side im glad to see we are entering a reserve team in the league this season. It showed we needed it when we had to call on Garner McGoldrick dele and the rest of them they were not match fit and lacked confidence the reserve team will help. Good luck to Billy and the boys this season.
Red army.
Kev. T.
I am concerned over the lack of transfer activity at the present time, it would have been reasonable to have expected players to come in by the time the team go to the training camp in Portugal. having just laid out a considerable amount of money for season tickets i am getting worried about the lack of activity and the rumours going around about some of our best players being sold. Is the club short of funds, do they have the ambition and drive to get back into the Premiership. If not why are they spending money on reconstructing the club shop and ticket office surely they should be buying players to strengthen the team. So come on Forest lets have some news for the fans and someone tell us the paying customers what the clubs ambition is for this season.
Garry Rugby
Well well well, STILL no sign of transers checking in at the city ground! Anybody remember the play-offs against sheffiled united? Instead of building on that team we dismantled it and sold pretty much all of our top players! Im not saying this is going to happen now and were going to see the likes of Majewski and Cohen leaving, im just trying to say that we need to improve on the squad. Im confident that a left back i.e Shorey and a midfielder or 2 i.e Whittingham and/or Pratley and we will be up there fighting for the title. I know we left it till the middle of july last year to sign anyone but then went on to sign 9 players, but im just worried that it will be left too late and other teams will come in with offers they cant refuse. Come on forest in Billy Davies we trust!!
Brad-Mapperly red
I was going to put our point of view re the future but having read the fans letters they are reiterating what i might have said.
It does appear to us ( 2 oaps on the trent end)that as a club we are being unadventurous and not forward thinking. We feel sure that billy Davies has a list of players he would like to have in the team but the Board appear ( as there is a deathly silence from that quarter) are not willing to consider any or very few and we hope that we are not going to get bargain basement signings at the very end of pre -season . It also seems that we are not desperate to get into the premier league .!!
And although we have a team which was strong we can hardly only have the same number as last season - if we have a run of injuries we will be struggling - McGoldrick and Adebola already sidelined !
Delighted that Billy Davies is prepared to stay and has the determination to do well by us and for us but the board continue to prevaricate what then? will Billy become disgruntled and disheartened.?
Season tickets already bought but next season will we feel the same if we do not maintain the progress made this year and hopefully get in to premier league by being top of the division and not not be involved in playoffs where we seem to struggle.!
Dorothy and Peter Bell
Methinks Forest fans better start getting ready to say "Goodbye" to Billy Davies! When a club starts doing business over the manager's head then there can be only one outcome. Just what is going on at my beloved Forest? Just how much more disrespectful can they get? Whilst being really grateful for Doughty's millions for saving the club, the way it's being run leaves a lot to be desired. The club has at last got a very good manager yet seem to be intent on stopping in the Championship forever. Statements from the club only seem to appear when they are forced to give one. Well I'd like a statement now giving an explanation as to why they thought it deemed necessary to go behind the managers back!
Nick Moseley (Kegworth Red)
Perch being sold (as I've already said, good business for Forest), now David McGoldrick and Dele Adebola out (in my opinion both are not my first choices), both will come back needing match fitness and off the pace, Bennett soon to be on loan, talk of Tyson back to Reading, Garner being linked with a few clubs, David Pleat out in South Africa on 5 live, this has to be crazy, why on earth is he not at City ground, this important part of the transfer window-the mind wonders. As there is no good news posted on our web page, like lots of other Forest fans I thought I would have a moan as well-if you can't beat them join them, after all its boiling hot at the moment. I'd just to like to add, I do hope Garner is given a chance to play as a striker, don't want to see him leave, In my opinion he looks much better than McGoldrick. Come on Forest give us some good news to cheer us up.
Tony-Harrow
Things at Forest never seem to change, in 1963 there were a number of players leaving the club and it looked like they wouldn't be replaced, this prompted this song from the (real) Trent end:
Calvin Palmer's gone to Stoke
Baird and Cobb to Devon
Week by week we lose a man
From the first eleven
Hockey's gone to Geordieland so the papers taught us
Soon there will be no one left
Only the supporters.
We survived then and no doubt we will again!
Mike Higgins in the North-East
I am quite pleased to see Perchy moved on, but as usual, no one's going to know what the club received, if anything ! ?
I felt he was one of the chief under achievers in the play offs and was largely responsible for at least a couple of goals in either games. I accept BD played him out of position but in my eyes he never recovered, fully, from such a long lay off last season.
Perhaps he can achieve solace in the arms of CC.
Mansfield Micky
Surely the problem last season was the small squad and fringe players not stepping up to the mark. We desperately missed Shorey when he left and our away form from the moment Derby beat us - was well crap!
It is disappointing that all us fans who rushed to get our season tickets (1,500 more this season) our not rewarded with any influx of quality players (goal scoring midfielders in my opinion). We won't get automatic with the same team/squad as last season - we need additions!
Maybe it's all going on behind the scenes and we will soon be pleasantly surprised with the some arrivals. PS Lee from Hucknall, spot on fella!!
Up the Reds!
Rob P
Trent End
Time for a pre-season post I think.........
Firstly, James Perch. I note a few of you saying he is not premiership class and personally would have to agree. I do rate Perchy and think what may have helped him make his mind up is not having a settled spell in the side last season and being asked to play all over the park. I wish him well and thank him for ten plus years at the City Ground. Curiosity wonders just how much we got for him????
Someone commented about David Pleat not being around coz he's in South Africa talking rubbish on 5 Live. Genius!!!! LOL!! He's obviously still lurking in the background and got all phone lines tapped and emails bugged, coz we still aint bought anybody!! CLOWN! Surely the point of an acquisitions panel by definition is to acquire? They clearly are not doing their job properly therefore should be sacked. In the same way a builder would for not building anything or a painter for leaving his brushes and rollers in his van!! MUPPETS!!!!!
Rumour has it Tyson is going back to Reading??? Would be a pity in my view as he too is being played out of position and came under a lot of flack towards the end of the season.
Good to see Jules on the road to fitness. I see a few frustrations be aired with him going out on loan, but he has to gain match fitness which during the pre-season isn't enough time when you've been out as long as he has, and in fairness if he's below par due to fitness then better he's playing for someone else than being a liability for us. We've got go out and get Nicky back - no brainer as BD has said.
Here's a thought to get us out the current left back situation. 3-5-2 anyone??? Camp, Morgan, Chambers, Wilson, Gunter, Majewski, McKenna, Mousi, Anderson, Earnshaw and either Blackstock or Tyson up top............ Just a thought but I'd be happy with that and would give us more going forward without compromising at the back. Let's face it, Gunter and Anderson go box to box all day long anyway. Skipper holding the midfield letting Majewski and the Moose do their thing. Obviously BD would have to run it past Statler & Waldorf, Kermit, Fozzy, Gonzo and the Swedish Chef for their expert footballing brains to analyse the formation. But for plain old me it seems OK.
Looking forward to seeing you all soon (although in reality I probably won't or at least if I do I won't realise it's you as I've never met any of you before - but you know what I mean)
Boamy
I do not know why everyone is so worried about getting new players when we already have a very strong team. That is why we are favourites to win the Championship this season. Yes we seem to be losing some fringe players but only 11 players plus subs can play in any one game and we only have one team. If we bought 3 or 4 top players who automatically were picked for the team who would have to drop out? My view is keep a small squad so that most players will play regular football and everyone will be happy. If you have too many players it breeds dissent because every good footballer wants to play and the club ends up with adopting some sort of rota system which has shown to weaken teams rather than strengthen them.
Ivor from London
Interesting to read Mick Wagstaff's comments about Perch not being of 'Premiership Quality'. Now forgive me for harping on but what would you call that lot that went to South Africa? Prem Quality? Judging by their performances (or lack of) I really dont think Perch will do to bad. After all, all he needs is 7 or 8 talented cheap foreign players around him and he'll look outstanding!!!
Have faith in BD we'll be fine.
Come on you Reds
Lee Lincoln Red
I have to say how frustrated I am at the lack of transfer activity. Forest fans are the most reasonable in the world. The board is very slow at building a team yet amazingly fast at dismantling One. Remember when we sold collymore, keane, sheringham, Dawson, jenas, Reid and the like. I am sorry but football is not about balancing books it's about entertainment. If I wanted to see fine accounting I'd go and buy tickets to a bill gates meeting. Stop kicking your feet forest and start showing we mean business and buy some quality players. For gods sake if we're stalling on players like pratley we might as well not go up. I remember the days we buy a player for pitance and just know they would come good, what has happened to our scouting system? Come on forest you carnt keep exploiting the fans to line your pockets, bows the time to pit your money where your mouth is and smash in to the premier league, after all don't we belong there? This board keeps being hailed as good, all I see is a total lack of ambition!!!
Lee from hucknall
I'm getting more worried by the day. Pregnant silence from the City Ground on transfers in. Perch gone (he's a lucky lad 4 year premiership contract but not premier class) Good luck to him. Either no one wants to come to Forest OR Forest wont pay the right price to ensure they get the right player. What is the point of sending Bennett out on loan to get match fitness ? What is pre season for ? Maloney should never have been allowed to go back on loan to Notts FOR THE SEASON. He's very good prospect and would give us the option (if Bennett is not fit) to have slotted in at right back and Gunter move to left back.
Roger Storey
I think selling Perch was good business for Forest, well done to the board.
However when I read some of the comments from other fans about the board not wanting to waste money, can anyone explain why the board allowed George Boyd to join Forest for a (reported) fee of £500,000 at the end last season, he did not take part in the play offs and only played 6 games for us?, that to me is was not good such good business, if the figures are correct.
Tony-Harrow
Hope Billy has got important positions sorted as I am finding the news about our players quite disturbing and no news on our website of new signings!!!
Perch'y gone to Newcastle well it was hinted in January and CC likes him so the pull of the premiership has took hold, good luck to the lad hope things work out for him but dont think he is 'Premiership' quality.
Jules Bennett BD wants to send him on loan to get fitness level up !!! the only left back we have apart from Mr Lynch!!.
Nicky Shorey deal was I believe sorted but he refused a move as he wants premiership football.
So that dont leave us in a very good position does it!!!! lets hope the men in charge have a plan A, B, C etc or we will be going backwards not forwards, we must believe and trust the men in charge but not for the first time it aint an easy thing to do!!!
Mick Wagstaff ( Young Timer ) even greyer !! Worksop
Nervous times indeed......
Perch gone, rumours of Wilson and Celtic continue ? still Cohen and Bolton rumours ? Shorey unlikely to come ? Whittingham heading for Scotland ? Dorman to Palace, Bennett to be loaned, Maloney already loaned..... there's nothing in any of that to reassure that we will have a stronger (or even bigger) squad when the big kick off comes.
Failure to bring in the guys we need/want is also unlikely to make Billy a happy bunny......come on guys I just hope you have been working extra hard and are on the brink of announcing there's 3 or 4 good guys to coming in..... ...ohh and importantly and that NO ONE else is sold.
Dulwich Red
The sale of James Perch sounds like good business to me as it is suggested that we received in excess of £1.5m. Perch in my opinion is an honest workmanlike player but lacks any real quality, he isn't a great full back and we have far more quality in midfield than Perch can offer. Over the last couple of years we have always been buying and never really gained any income from our squad, glad to see some money coming the other way. BD has obviously stated his targets and this could cost the club £10m, in these tough times is this wise?
Blackpool, Cardiff, Swansea & Leicester didn't get near our spend but look what they did last season.
Don't get me wrong I think BD has done a good job but demanding big money for players isn't the way to go about it. Other clubs seem to get bargain bucket players from lower leagues and train them on, why cant we?
Martin Southern Red
Sorry to see James Perch go to Newcastle United. We should thank him for his support and wish him well in the Premier League. We must realise that he might not be the only player to leave the club, there are other players that will go if they are given the opportunity to play in the Premier League. The club in turn must try and persuade the remaining players that they will get to the Premier League this season. I am sure there are a lot of irons in the fire for new players to join this club but as others have said before we do have a wage structure and other clubs selling their players want as much money for them as possible and perhaps sometimes the club has to walk away from a deal. Evidence of this is Chelsea not renewing Joe Cole contract. Have trust in our chairman as he is the one that is bank rolling this club. We will win some but will also lose some.
Rod W
This is my first post here- I have been a fan of Forest for several years now and I feel it is time to make my voice heard- I look at the roster assembled by CC and BD and all I see are Championship players- No transfer targets- and this ridiculous David Pleat calling all the shots on player movement. I thought it was the manager's job to aquire players! OK- Sell Perchie if you must, but only to upgrade! Pratley would be good, sign Majewski, get a good Premiership youngster on loan to help in the midfield. Take a hard look at your backline- are Wilson & Morgan really good enough? And Tyson should not play left wing- he is a striker- How about Matthew Etherington or DaMarcus Beasley? I sincerely hope that upper management has been paying attention in South Africa- We can get these players if we show ambition.Come on, Forest- You can make it happen!
Signed, Red in America
You would think that now David Pleat has hit 65 he would have the decency to retire.Ciao Pleaty or should I say 'Au revoir'.
Alnwick Red
I agree with much of Garybaldi Red's comments. We must develop our young talent, but we must strengthen in some areas such as left back, a replacement/cover for the ageing McKenna, and another goalscoring forward or wide player. But not at any price. It's not just transfer fees, wages demanded can disrupt a team with the knock on effect of a high earner such as the excellent Nicky Shorey. I have confidence in the leadership of Nigel Doughty. I hope for a few new players but I'd rather stay with last year's very good squad than get ourselves into the financial problems experienced by so many clubs.
Howard S
Clubs around us making progression with signings and rumours if Sousa goes to Leicester he will take Pratley with him!!
Do we really have to wait until Mr Pleat gives billy permission to spend. Look what happened in the window last season, a prime opportunity to strengthen the side, we didn't and paid the price with the resulting play-off failure. We have great squad but do need to strengthen.
Us fans have digged deep in these hard financial times to loyally follow you reds, its about time we hear and more importantly see some ambition with QUALITY players (midfielders!!!!) coming in - when WILL we return to top flight football?
Standing still and hoping for the best Forest. Roll on August and another good season.
Rob Preston
Trent Ender for ever
Listening to Radio 5 over the weekend I think David Pleat said he was on his way home. Has he arrived and his first bit of transfer activity is to sell James Perch !!!
Charles Wheeler
Newark
I like many other fans according to the official website have dug very deep into their ever decreasing funds to purchase another season ticket, I believe the manager is back at the helm !!!! Mr Pleat will still be swanning around in South Africa talking rubbish on Five Live!!!! are we still paying him whilst he is out there? Hope not, but end of rant for now, I hope BD is combing the clubs and sorting out a quality left back, influential hard man for centre of defence, an attacking midfielder and a 20 goal a year striker, or as we all know now the expectation will be high for this coming season so its essential we compete from the outset and lay a marker down for the other clubs that FOREST mean business this year, U REDSSSSSSS
Mick Wagstaff ( Older and greyer Young Timer ) Worksop
I`ve not been able to get onto the fansite for some time so I expected to see some startling, invigorating and spell binding news. But what did I see? Well Earnie again --up to his ballerina antics!
I have to admit along with many other supporters I would have expected to have seen a few new faces at The City Ground by now. Surely it`s not a case of waiting yet again for Mr Pleat to give his ok?
Quite a few of us have already dug deep into our pockets and bought season tickets for 2010-11 so its more than a disappointment to us that nothing appears to have changed.
Oh --Back to Earnie. I just wonder what BC would have said to him performing all those poses particularly when he`s regularly out injured with a pulled muscle, calf injury or a dodgy hamstring?
John Rider (Older Timer) Worksop
I for one are not worried about the lack of transfers at this moment in time. compared to previous years the market has been quite slow and it is always known to be slow during the month of the world cup. I think derby have made the most editions at this time and like last season, they've added a bunch or players ive never heard of. if I remember right it wasn't till mid July last season when most of our new players arrived. I think 9 players in total came in last season, ill be surprised if more than 2 players come in this season and the one name in everyone's mind is Nicky shorey. the impact he made was emence, the main questions to answer are, can we afford his wages and more important does he want to play for forest? last season he choose the prem club and could well do the same if a mid table prem club goes in for him. the 3 players we've been linked with most are shorey, pratley and wittingham, if we got 2 of them ill be happy, but if pratley comes in I cant see were Cohen will fit in? unless if Cohen goes to left back? well I don't no, lots of question, we'll have to wait for the answers.
red west
I am getting a bit concerned with the lack of transfer activity at the City Ground, all clubs around us are again signing players. Just hope the committee are not going to let the manager and fans down again as they did in January. There is a time when you have to pay that little bit more for the quality players we are after, if we want to strengthen the squad and go for a serious promotion push this season.
Garry Gibbard
Fair point Tony. I just think at some point clubs are going to have to make a stand against this relentless, impatient spending carousel. 3 or 4 defeats and the fans are demanding either new players or a new manager.(or in our case our manager starts throwing tantrums) Even if we are only looking at it in terms of commerce these short term fixes are not the answer. Had we maintained our run last season and finished 2nd the 'young and inexperienced' squad would have suddenly been described as 'rising stars' or 'bright young things'. Nobody should forget that we were a good side last season, a force to be reckoned with. We played some of the best attacking football we have seen for years at the City Ground. The young squad certainly won't get any more experience if we shunt them out and replace them with a expensive has beens.
Garybaldi Red
Garybaldi Red,
Whilst there is nothing like home grown talent, we all love the romance of it, but the reality is the team we have are young and need some experienced quality players around them. I think you will agree what ND invested Last year was justified and he was rewarded with the play off's (none of us moaned), had we not lost Shorey or replaced him, in my opinion we might have gone up. West Brom, Newcastle invested heavily and were rewarded. I agree its sad that football is like that, but it appears football in particular the premiership is driven by how much you spend, for example Chelsea. I did not like to read Billy was interested in the Rangers job, I was hoping after doing so well last season he'd feel like us and would not entertain another club, but maybe we are just to Loyal, something that is lacking in football.
Tony-Harrow Loyal Red
WATCH OUT BILLY!! Another ex England manager could be on his way to Nottingham in search of the City Ground and your job.
Word has it on the street, that Senor Capello has been informed by Sven about what a lovely city Nottingham is and that you have been a little unsettled of late. I would therefore suggest that if you want to retain your honoured position as Forest Manager, you settle down, focus on the necessary team building, both on and off the pitch and working deliver the goods (Promotion) this coming season!!
The Maestro, Senor Capello, is rumoured to be casting his eye around for an up and coming English team of footballing warriors to manage, in place of the national team of failing, gutless, overpaid, publicity seeking, has beens. The sunshine and the banks of the Trent in the hot summer sunshine could be just the haven a displaced continental manager would enjoy during his period recuperation, with his large F.A. failure compensation payment. After all, what better place to start again, than with the former double European Cup winners!!
Capello maybe top of the Transfer Committee's Hit List Billy - Check it out with Mr Pleat!!
Looking forward to a highly successful new season Yooooooooooooouuu Reds.
RED EYE
There seems to be a feeling that spending is the only way to resolve anything in football now. What happened to management? Trying different ideas or giving young/fringe players a chance to prove themselves? We put together a 20 game unbeaten run last season with a set of players that played their hearts out. I don't personally believe we need to spend a great deal now. Hanging on to the players we've got is more of a priority and working on their mindset. The England (& French) team are living proof of this. No matter how good/expensive you are - if the mindset isn't right you will not achieve. Billy needs to be doing some work to rectify his unprofessional attitude at the end of last season. It's not about spending everytime we get an injury and ND knows this. He's not a mug with his chequebook.
Very funny that Billy went quiet about his desire to find work elsewhere at around about the time that Celtic decided on Lennon and the queue of other clubs wanting him didn't seem to materialise! I hope for the clubs sake that ND made it very clear to him that his habit of airing all his personal grievances at every opportunity is not acceptable. How many of us would expect to keep our jobs if we did this? No more please this season Billy. We want to watch the Rob Earnshaw Show next season not more Billy Davies repeats!
Up the Reduns
Garybaldi Red
Hello to all,
Dutch Red, that is a fantastic looking team, keeping my fingers crossed about all the rumours and would love to see this team on the field, as would all the Forest faithful. Can't wait for the start of the season I'm expecting some tough matches Ahead, so hope the signings do come off.
Anthony-Harrow
Dear fellow Reds
Its been perhaps too quiet on the rumour mill front recently with more speculation about some of the guys we are interested in linked to other clubs. Hope its not our own turgid bureaucracy to blame and I hope we dont a) act too late, or b) offer too little for those we really want. If we are serious about promotion we have to try and span the gulf in class between the two divisions, subject of course to Mr Ds wallet. That said I really like the look of this line up - imagine if we had it on the opening day of the season!
Camp
Gunter Wilson Morgan Shorey
Pratley Cohen
Anderson Whittingham
Blackstock Earnshaw
Subs: Smith, McKenna, new centre back, Tyson, Majewski
Here's hoping as ever... you Reds
Dulwich Red
We enter another year of championship football. Forest certainly have the capability to go on and win the league this season with the following ingredients.
Billy Davies as our manager and at least five new signings.
1.Shorey 2.Wittingham 3.Eagles 4.Pratley 5.Austin
I believe having been a supporter of Forest for over forty years that we are ready to return to the premiership, we were not ready last season as BD had said all along.
Forest are very priveledged to have him as our manager and the board must let him steer the ship.all they must do is give him the finances to build, a winning combination which he will do as he is the best manager we have had since Cloughie.
Looking at our first six fixtures for the new season we have a hard start but I have all the confidence we will run away with the Championship this season.
I would like to wish the Chairman and the board together with Billy Davies and his training team and lets not forget all the Forest players a great and brilliant season full of health happiness and success.
Lets do it Nottingham Forest
Michael Rose.
All quiet on the Summer Fan Talk front!!!! Just like to say rumours are rife on various sites about who is coming and who aint.
I believe we have got some players already committed to sign and after the 1st of July names will be published, my season ticket is purchased as is my mate The Old Timer, we will be in our same seats in the Lower Clough supporting the lads 100% throughout the season, my boss has been given all the Saturday home fixture dates so I hope I can be around to see the lads progress this coming season.
Mick Wagstaff ( Young Timer ) Worksop
The New Season is Almost Here And I Carnt Wait. The 1st Month Should Be Easy For Us Since We Have Leeds, Norwich and Millwall In The Space Of A Month.
Ive Been Hearing Rumors That We Have Already Got Shorey and Pratley Fingers Crossed This Is True.
I Hope We Get The Right Players One Of Which Is Peter Whittingham
CARNT WAIT 4 THE NEW SEASON !! U REDS !!!
Michael Cleaver, Rugeley
Dear Mr Chairman
As David Pleat is currently in South Africa please can you give Billy a nice big fat cheque and let him go out and buy who ever he needs.
Hopefully all the deals can be done before Pleats return and he presto no aquisitions commitee. Just a quick word of warning you might need to do it before Wednesday afternoon as I feel he could be on his way back home along with a lot of very dissapointed England fans.
Worcester Reds
I have been a fan of BD since he took charge and indeed was pleased to see the progress made with the club this year. BD is a great motivator and inspiring coach, his tactics are also based on a sound simple formula. However the end of the season has left a bitter taste in my mouth. His behavior was not fitting of a manager at this club or any other. No one is bigger than the club. Then I did a bit of research into his past.
From his Motherwell days 2002;
"We were "unlucky" to miss out on Europe, "at Christmas we were ten or twelve points clear of Hearts. They were struggling and spent £1.4m on players which gave them a lift. It would have been nice for us to bring in a couple of new faces but that would have been unfair to the players who had done so well to get us into that position." A bit of a contradiction to his comments this year. But then that's what BD does - he fits situations to his own liking.
"Even straight after Derby's Wembley victory there were signs that trouble lay ahead. Speaking in an on-pitch interview whilst the celebrations went on all around him, Davies refused to commit his future to the Rams and tainted a great day for the club with anxiety over its immediate future."
Another quote reveals the man;
'Davies once remarked, admiringly, that Sir Alex Ferguson organised the defence at Old Trafford and let the forwards get on with it. This comment was an indication of the high regard in which Davies holds himself'
Then he almost invariably picks a fight with the chairman on a topic that is so emotional it divides the fans. This is often the start of the end.
He must be scared stiff of entering the premiership without a firm squad behind him. The Derby days must haunt him, but then he always places the blame somewhere else! But he cannot expect to go into the premiership armed up to the hilt Montgomery style. He has to prove himself there before he can get the top job he obviously craves.
For next season don't be surprised if we start off very badly - this has happened at Preston and Derby. Also ND must have a contingency plan already in place for such a volatile manager who is likely to display characteristics that he thinks is fitting for him but others may certainly may not agree with this assessment. Good luck BD with Nottingham Forest as a vehicle to move on to the promised land. Forest will remains here and have a good side even when you have gone. I have just read all that through and it sounds really quite pessimistic. Certainly the road with BD will be rocky...but also a lot of fun!
Dutch Red
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