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The New Season
Posted on: Wed 01 Sep 2010
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The Norwich match could so easily have been Doncaster over again, can the 31rst of August be the turning point for this season for this great club. Several events on Saturday indicated the problems with the team that the manager faces. Anderson injured and unfortunately Tyson cannot adequately replace him, however Moussi's apprearance changed the game with passes across field and along the ground. Lewis's appearance led to a reasonably exciting final 15 minutes of end to end action with at least this young player prepared to take on the opposition. Betrand is certainly going to be a find for the club and yet seemed to be ignored by Cohen until Anderson switched onto his side on saturday. For some reason Cohen, McKenna, Majewski, and Wilson are not playing to their usual level. My starting 11 for the match against Millwall assuming no new arrivals: Camp, Bertrand, Morgan, Chambers, Maloney, Moussi, Cohen,Mcgugan,Mckenna, Earnshaw and Blackstock. Anyone agree ?
Best Wishes
Martin
To whom ever is listening'
What happened on saturday? Where is the atmosphere? Why was the music so low? Where is the announcer from last season? Why is there no emphisice on the Forest anthem? the anthem needs loud music to drown out the fans and ensure the crowd sing up as load as possible. Is this because of what is going off behind the scenes. Come on Forest get it together. Millwall next the club, the Players and the fans need to stand proud and strong. It would be nice for the Players to acknowledge the crowd every so often. I see one player in the Forest team with the passion required to win. Englands No 1. Come on LEE CAMP get em going. Spread the passion.
Dave from Long Eaton.
Travelled up from Essex, with high expectations, first time up this season.
Heartfelt congratulations go to the groundsman, and his staff, what a fantatstic surface!!!
So to the team;
LEE CAMP, STOP BLOODY HOOFING IT UP IN THE AIR, as i just said we have a fantastic playing surface USE IT
The team looked de motivated to me. There was no hunger no desire no pressure, Norwich had all the time in the world.
Why do we not put pressure on the goalkeeper at corners? Everybody else does, how can we be right?
Nobody chased anything,at 0-0 and again at 1-1, the whole side seemed dis interested.
Maybe it is time for Billy to stop moaning, and start motivating.
We all know we need new and better players, all of us except the board of course!!!!
We are on your side Billy, but your team lack desire and motivation, and that is down to you as the manger, and you alone.
Concentrate on putting the fire back in their bellies, we were awful against Norwich, one shot in 90 minutes NOT GOOD ENOUGH
Last year they played like maniacs for you, something is missing, sort it out,quickly.
Stop moaning and start motivating, the wheels are coming off, find out why and do something about it.
MANAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Adrian and Mrs Warren(Very worried Essex reds)
PS, keep hold of the ball, treasure it, and it will be your friend, SIMPLE REALLY
Me and my son travelled from Northern Ireland and went to our first game of this season against Norwich. I have to say that is probably one of the poorest performances i have seen by a Nottingham Forest team in a long time. Apart from a few players we are lacking a lot of quality in our team. Let me start with the positives from the game. We got a draw and Lee Camp and Robert Earnshaw both had a great game. Robert Earnshaw was definately the star man on the pitch and should have been man of the match. He produced quality and gave 110% for the whole match. Wee Raddy also had a good game. Now for an honest assessment of the rest of the team. Luke
Chambers at right back was shocking. He made so many mistakes and is completely out of his depth. Big Wes also now looks out of his depth and off the pace at this level. Nathan Tyson runs like a sprinter but never gets anywhere or produces anything which is no use for a striker. Although Dexter got a goal he never won any long balls in the air or looked like scoring. ven both our wingers looked really flat and no chances were created. Billy Davies is completely right, we are in dire need of 3-4 new quality players. Looking at the match these are the players i would put on the transfer list right away, Luke Chambers, Big Wes, Nathan Tyson. If i were bringing new players in i would be looking at Mills, Reading centre half, Whittingham from Cardiff, James Beattie striker ex Stoke. I think it is time the board let Billy sign the players he wants or let him move on to another club. He cannot do the job at Forest with his hands tied behind his
back.
Bangor Red
I was not a happy bunny on Saturday watching the 'Inept' performance of our beloved Forest, and for Billy to say the team was 'LEGGY' after 4 games beggars belief. We did not compete, lacked effort, were short of ideas apart for the 'Tom,Dick and Harry Ball' which makes me mad as we are always a better side when keeping the ball on the ground.
2 more injuries taking the squad to 18 and one of those is banned for the Millwall game !!!! what is the board going to do now eh? we got away with a small squad last year as injuries and suspensions did not cause us major problems but 4 games in and we are down to the bare bones, including per season no win in 10 games which is very poor indeed, okay 3 games unbeaten but no clean sheets and 3 very soft goals against us. Norwich were the best side by far on Saturday and if 3pts dont come our way against Millwall then i forsee trouble ahead.
Mick Wagstaff ( Young Timer) Worksop
In response to Karren (P Block)... I disagree about your comment "Totally out sung by away Fans" I am a regular from Block A. Most of the game Block A and B were singing and the rest of the ground were quite. During the game we were singing "Trent end give us a song" every time the Norwich fans sang we shot them down in flames. How many songs did you start off? I suggest you practice what you preach! Its the Main stand Block A & B that make the atmosphere in the City ground, the rest of you just clap. Why is that? Thanks Block A. We were Great AGAIN ! Comments Please!!!!
Allan R
(Sore throat red )
In the first programme of the season the chairman stated that Forest had one of the best squads in the division. Who is he trying to kid? It is quite obvious that beyond our first 11 which is pretty decent, we are severly lacking. We have nowhere enough quantity but more importantly quality. This means the team that goes out on a Saturday know that if they put in a poor performance that there is nobody waiting in the wings to take their place. This is starting to show in certain players. Cohen hasn't been the same player as last season and nor has Wes. Mckenna seems to be guaranteed a starting place despite being shocking so far this season.
With this current squad we are doing no more that treading water so unless the chairman puts his hands in his pockets, promotion is nothing but a pipe dream.
Karen
as a season ticket holder,i know we have trouble going on behind the scene at forest, but we are i think letting it spoil our passion for the game. Today was only the 2nd home game and ist the second time we have in my opinion been totaly outsung by the away fans we would not have stood for this last year when everything was looking rosie would we? How could we let a bunch of canaries sing louder and prouder than us??
I think thats what is happening behind closed doors with the board and billy ect is affecting the atmosphere inside the ground, we should NEVER be outsung by any fans home or away we are nottingham forest, next home game against millwall we need to show the board that we will not downbeat and sing louder and prouder for the club, for the players and for every single person that has shelled out a lot of money to watch the team, for some people nottingham forest football club is our passion, not just a money making hobby ( mr doughty)
So saturday the 11th against millwalll sing your hearts out get behind the lads and lets not be outsung ever again!!!!
karen
p block
right rumours are rife that the chairman has pulled the lpug on getting players in and that he is selling the club, this seems to be gaining momentum and it is obvious things are fundementally not right at the city ground. Only a few weeks ago he came out and said we have money for players, and that we would sign at least tow and add some loans form the prem. Are we as fans having the wool pulled oer our eyes as the paying customer. we need the club nd those at the top to come out and tell us their true intentions and be honest about what is really going on. Fans invest a lot of their hard earned money buying season tickets or match tickets and also shirts and other items for the club shop. Why spend all the money on the club shop and ticket office if we can not afford to support the manager and team with strengthening the squad/team which we can all see is desperately needed. have in spent 1240,oo pounds on tickets and 250.00 in the club shop recently I feel I have some right to the truth, and so do many other forest fans. Further more why would mark arthur not talk to radio nottingham yesterday when asked to do so?
Garry, Rugby
Norwich game.
Sorry Forest players that was dreadful awful inept and dare I say it totally incompetent. Football is a team game but you wouldnt have thought that if you had been at The City Ground on Saturday.The trouble is long suffering fans have seen it all before --many times I`m afraid.
There must be something radically wrong taking place alongside the banks of the river Trent. The manager said after the game he thought his players were "leggy" I can`t accept that Billy. One or two perhaps but not the entire team especially as we were only into the fourth game of the season.
So here`s a reminder of Saturday Billy. Little if any movement off the ball --running into spaces a non entity--players standing around like statues but missplaced passes and big hoofs up in the air a regular feature of the afternoon. I could go on and on about many other inadequacies and I won`t even mention such things as our lack of strikers as this has already been well documented.
Man of the match for me? Robin Hood --the mascot. At least he made a few youngsters smile.
John Rider (Grumpy Old Timer) Worksop
Post Norwich match thoughts!
First the Good News
a. We got a point. b. We played the ball along the ground more often than of late. c. Wilson gave the best defensive display of the season. (no wonder Celtic want him) d. Earnshaw inparticular and too a lesser degree, Blackstock, were battling for a win. e. Earnshaw didnt take the penalty!
Now, the Not So Good News
a. The skipper is getting worse. b. For the second home game on the run, we gave away a 1-0 lead (no longer fortress City Ground) c. No one seems to be able to, accurately, cross a ball.
The Way Forward
a. Part-exchange the skipper for a younger, fitter, more skillfull, midfield general. b. Learn to cross the ball. c. Make sure that two goals are scored for every one the opposition score - Keep it SIIIIMPLE!!!
YOU CAN DO IT RED WARRIORS, WITHOUT ANY NEW SIGNINGS
RED EYE
To all fans who constantly got on Mckenna's back today, Why? Ok he didn't play great but honestly did anyone else? No one jeers when Majewski or Cohen give the ball away, if you actually take note on how many times Mckenna helps out our back 4, how much grass he covers every game and how much he gives to the other midfielders (allowing them to get forward, while he sits) then i don't think you can say a bad word about him, he gives everything, obviously when you make 50+ passes a game not all are going to come off. Ok we've not had the greatest start to the season, compared to last seasons high standards but jeering your own team 4 games in i'm sure that doesn't help at all. We need to get behind Billy and the players and stop going on about transfers, everyone at the city ground would love to see 2 or 3 new quality signing but are they really going to come? I doubt it, so lets stop going on about that and get behind the boys.
Michael RED
I cannot believe what I heard post-match today.
The players are leggy! LEGGY!!! its only August. What a pityful excuse.
The match was poor today and McKenna had a shocker. Moussi should start. Also, since Wes spent the entire match hoofing balls up field I assume that the long ball game is for us this season. Why not start Dele?!
Only 4 games in, and its true the season hasnt started yet, but honestly we need to win soon before fans start getting restless.
Once again, I plead on deaf ears to ND to sign a quality striker, centre half and a mid field play maker. I am sure ND noticed Anderson limping off today.
Adele McGuinness
Out played and out sung at home for the 2nd time this season....what next!
We have to count ourselves lucky to have even scrapped a point for the 2nd consecutive week as we certainly did not deserve a point at home today!
We had one real shot on target all game and that was a dubious penalty call....so BD you cannot even blame it on missed chances this time!
We were lack lustre and second to everything yet again and gave the ball away way to easily all over the park!
Erni seemed to play more at right back today then upfront which says it all....
McKenna and Morgan are a total liability together. For the second game on the trot McKenna was the worst player on the park in my mind....he should never have been MOTM against Leeds and backed it up today with worst performance in a Forest shirt.
Now with Gareth Mc and Ando out potentially for weeks suddenly we are looking more and more frail.
Something has to give between now and Tues or heads should role....as the supporters of this club expect and deserve more!
ND sort it out as this is not good enough....the total lack of atmosphere yet again spoke volumes out there today. Backed up by BD' s demeanour as I have never seem him so quiet and looking so down beat! His body language was there for all to see today...he does not want to be there at the moment!
ND back your manager and give him what he needs and wants of get rid of him and deal with whatever follows....as we are in a negative limbo at the moment which is doing no favours for the club.
AD Ilkeston
Another Draw at home and the away side looked the better team.
It appears that history is somewhat repeating itself. Some years ago Paul Hart got us to the verge of the premiership only for the following season the team was not strengthened to challenge for promotion. League 1 beckoned and we seemed to struggle in the football wilderness.
The same has again happened, and whilst some see Nigel Doughty as the clubs savior I for one see him as a the man who is restricting the club in it's quest for the premiership dream.
He lacks ambition although he said in the close season "Promotion is our aim". Mr. Doughty your talk is very cheap.
Back your so called ambition by backing the judgment of the manager. Get rid of David Pleat off the wage bill (60K a year) and trust Billy Davies judgment.
What I would give for some multi billionaire to buy Forest and show Mr. Doughty what real ambition is all about.
Thank you once again for selling us supporters short.
Phil Parr, Carlton
Hi, In regard to 'Red Russ' comments, I feel the total opposite. If more players had the attitude and commitment of Wes Morgan, we may be struggling as we are.
Liamo
I agree with Red Russ. Wes is a liability and what with Wilson wanting away and Gunter suspended for another 2 games, I am fearful we just aint gonna get started in enough time. McKenna is shocking and Moussi should start ahead of him at the moment.
As for the Martin O'Neil rumours, dont make me laugh! What on earth would he be able to do about it?!!!
God, we are all sick of saying it, but here goes AGAIN...
1 Pleat needs to go.
2 We need a quality centre half, possibly 2, a quality striker to partner Earnie and a mid field genius who can cross/take corners and free kicks.
3 If Billy is prevented from making any signings then ND ahould say why.
4 ND needs to tell the fans if he is skint.
5 ND needs to tell us if he is happy for us to be bottom half of the table/involved in the relegation scrap or does he have ambition.
6 Billy is a good manager and i am absolutely sure will walk in the next 3 weeks if none of the above are resolved.
All around us other championship clubs are making signing after signing. Now it doesnt mean to say they are making good signings but they are at least strengthening. What is it going to take? A defeat to Norwich? Wilson and/or others leaving? Another relegation to League 1? Come on ND, just what will it take for the message to get home?
Adele McGuinness
The omens are not looking good. The rumours are rife in the papers and on the internet and all this can do is unsettle the poor forest players ahead of saturdays game.
Logic tells you that if ND is not prepared to spend money when BD has several players in mind then the endgame is near. It is a sad state of affairs for a club with such a rich history, why do the board not have faith and trust in this manager that they chose.. BD has demonstrated to all that he can get the players to play attractive exciting football which had all of us on the edge of our seats for half of the last season. Again something happened in January that completely changed the players mind sets that culminated in the home display against blackpool, when the chance of playing at Wembley should have inspired everyone. Let us hope that there is no repeat of Doncaster at the weekend
Martin of Wysall
Fans of NFFC have short memories, for those old enough to remember the days of the late great Mr Clough. He didnt exactly have a harmonious relationship with his boards, in fact he was more often open about the inteference of. Now BD is doing the same all of a sudden he's bad for the club? This team is playing some of the best football since PH or even FC! Yes the board are dragging their heals on new siginings, but is it really a surprise? How often has it happened? Every season from what i re-call for some time now, yet the same ppl comment on season ticket prices and how much they've spent on the back of false promises. Then do what I do and dont buy one! That way you're not disapointed or feel let down. Mr Pleast needs to go but would it actually make any difference in reality? I'm not sure.
I suggest fans quit whining and accept that NFFC will constantly fail to bring in players we WANT due to lack of funds or ambition. I suggest the former. If ND cant afford to spend big then why not just admit it, least that way we know where we are. That said Blackpool hardly spent a penny and made us look like amateurs in the play offs. So do big players guarentee success? How many did Mr Clough sign? Where did a lot of a players come from? Let us not forget. Mr O'Neil. Fans calling for him. He just quit Aston Villa for the board selling players from under him. Another relationship down the drain. Now would it really be any differen here? Course not, so why would he come?
The current team needs our support so lets start giving it. I'll be a at few games this season but hey, I havent laid out cash for a season ticket so if as I suspect we finish around 8th this season I wont feel let down just disapinted and sorry for the teeam!!
Come on you REDS!!!!
Lee Hind
Read your post Garybaldi Red and reply as follows, I'm sure when ND made BD manager he was aware of his outspoken style, BD is a winner, we are not all the same. Ask Wayne Rooney to change and he's not the same player. Quick reminder, first BD guided us to safety in the Championship and then followed that up with the playoffs-not bad and exciting for all of us fans.
In January he requested additions and as you suggest was critical of the panel. You and other fans were not moaning and saying he was losing his credibility then. I also read reports that ND was to shake up the acquisitions panel post January, agreeing with BD (according to reports).
Can't see how BD is making himself look foolish when he was correct in January and to date has done a fantastic job, note the increase reported in season tickets and attendance, all extra revenue for the Club or not?. So what if he informs the press he needs signings he's no different to other fans who want to see the same and want Forest back in the Premiership. Sadly I don't think BD can if he has one of the smallest squads in the championship and to date weaker than last year following Perch departure and Bennett/Garner out on loan. Maybe and I hope there is another plan in place.
One thing I will say is that changing managers will not help.
Tony-Harrow
WE WILL COME GREAT - Get real - WHEN?????
You can't honestly see the current squad getting automatic promotion, play-offs possibly but is that anything to be that proud of - not good enough.
Their seems to be an air of its ok to finish third in the league at Forest and we should be proud of that. Clapping them off after a Blackpool thrashing - I don't understand!
Why oh why can't we have the mentality of say Newcastle and just take the league by the balls and GO FOR IT week in week out. Not accepting anything less, not accepting draws. Expecting the very best - always.
Many of u fans have been waiting years and years and years. I feel sorry for the young teenage lads watching, they didn't have the pleasure of watching PEARCE, WALKER, WOAN, BOHENIN, ROY, CLOUGH, COLLYMORE, WEBB, HODGE (I could go on). Sick and tired of the club not being ambitious enough.
We seem to have some great young players in the academy but our leaders seem to think they are too young. Your never too young, if your good enough you're old enough - GET THEM ON! Especially in the middle of the park - McKenna looks knackered!
Get it sorted Forest.
Bored Red
We need to get behind the lads and staff, BD was great last season, and will be this, the poor guys hands are tied.
As for Jason Roberts my friend ,lets think about his age, BD knows his targets let him do his job. Maybe if we got rid of David Pleat of off the wage bill we could afford some players.
WE WILL COME GREAT.
Ryan King
North Wales RED
Just in response to Tony - Harrow. Billy is right in so far as in an ideal world we would be strengthening the squad however the way he chooses to go about getting this and how he represents the club is the real sticking point. I'm sure every football manager would like more money, more choice, more depth etc but having said this back in January (and at every opportunity since - even when he isn't asked about it!) he is losing all credibility and making himself look foolish. Having gaps in the squad doesn't relieve him of his duties as a manager! I'm afraid if I criticised my boss/bosses pubicly with the regularity that Billy does I would find myself out of a job whether I had a valid point or not.
There is only one way this heading I'm afraid - ND isn't going to listen to many more of these post match interviews. Would you if you were him?
Garybaldi Red
All this transfer talk reaches fever pitch as the deadline approaches. Is anyone stopping to consider that new players have to ADD something we don't already have. Remember a certain David Platt? He weakened the team with every signing he made! Who says that Whittingham, Pratley etc are better than what we have already? Now a couple of young lads who cannot get regular places with their clubs might be just what we need, but on a season's loan. In the current market ND is wise not to pay out silly money for anyone who might add nothing. "More" is not always "better."
Red Ted
Blimey lots of rumours today and yesterday about O'Neill and Robbo coming back to City Ground. Could these be the signings we have been waiting for?.
If you sign these two ND you will be a local legend!!
It's a very exciting thought. You have to say O'Neill has pedigree.
Waiting and hoping.
Wondering Red
The AP is not working, yet again we fail to strengthen the team at a crucial time. The Forest Management team are living in cloud cuckoo land if they don't understand we could go from promotion candidates to relegation fodder in 12 months. The same thing happened after the Sheff U play off a few years ago. The lack of ambition from a team hoping to have a world cup stadium is astonishing to fans of Nottingham Forest. We even learn now that Kelvin Wilson is desperate to jump a sinking ship.
John Nally
GET IT SORTED BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE !
There are two issues here firstly Sky Sports and a national paper have reported that Leicester are tabling a £2.5M bid for Peter Whittingham.
Why are we penny pinching offer £2M from the start and get our man, quickly; but no we are arguing over a few hundred thousand which in football terms is hardly anything nowdays, we will loose our targets and fail to get up to the Premiership,again!
So give Billy his money for the men he wants and tell him it's Premiership or the sack.
Or get Martin O'Neil in place asap, Martin will put us back to the days we all know of playing it to feet, quick counter attacks, and may with his premiership qualities attract players who would want to play for a legend rather than a loud mouth yob.
BD is obviously after the sack and a good pay off and "they didn't give me the money or players" blah blah blah.
ND needs to firstly get rid of the "panel" and leave it to the manger, then decide wether BD is the man for us before MO get's a position elsewhere.
We need a few wins to get up there playing well and drawing keeps us 2 points down each game on the leaders, keep going boys.
J Harvey
I'm reading the views of the Forest fans and I think we can all agree that there is a certain frustration that there has been no new signings this year. Perch has left to a Premiership club and it now it seems Celtic want Wilson. Doesn't it say something when higher rated clubs want the Forest team? Saying that if you let the best players go who is filling their shoes? Surely it makes sense to replace players with better players to build the squad to move for promotion. Forest have 2 points from 9 that is telling you something about the current team. I think the board has a degree of responsibility to strengthen the team by providing the manager with money. The Championship is a very hard league to play in there are teams coming down from the Premiership with parachute payments that are seeing them compete at this level after their higher wage earners have left. A fine example to use is Leeds they are picking up decent signings this year and they have come from the league one, Cardiff have picked up Bellamy and he's found the net already this season. Maybe the board does not want Forest promoted but that is stupid to say or maybe they are just protecting the money, either way Billy Davies is not to blame. Also its stupid to think Martin O'Neill can come to the City Ground and get the team promoted without any players. Didn't Martin leave Villa because he wasn't given money to spend there? Billy Davies is a good manager, Leeds wanted him before Greyson, so give the manager money and get some signings. I fear its too late now and as other years Forest will struggle this year and I would not be suprised we will be in a position where we are fighting for suvival this year. Last year was great for the fans but don't bank on a top 10 finish this season never mind a play off place.
mark greasby
Whitby North Yorkshire
I await the onslaught of criticism I am going to get for stating the following ……
Wes Morgan is a liability and will cost us more points this season than our strikers missing chances!
Burnley away - failed to deal with the cross and win his header when Iwoma scored.
Leeds at home - gave the ball away cheaply playing a 'hospital ball' which led to the cross from which Leeds scored from. He failed to deal with the cross or win his header. 1 - 1 at a stage of the game when Forest was well on top and the Leeds fans were so quiet I thought they had all gone home!
Reading away - Forest well on top. Wes makes a suicidal tackle on the by line when chopping down a Reading player, a player who was going nowhere. From the free kick given, Wes failed again to win his header and the result was Reading take the lead against the run of play.
5 points dropped due to Wes.
Discuss please!
Red Russ
I've kept quiet all summer for fear if embarassing myself by criticising the lack of signings and then a glut of players coming to the club, but there is only so long you can wait. Lots of people have had a rant about Doughty and Arthur and the Anti-aquisitions Pannel and my feelings are the same, so no need to duplicate this as i thought Red Clive (Kirby) was bang on with his assessment. I cannot see, ND or MA deliberately sabbotaging our effort to gain promotion unless there is a hidden agenda that we can't possibly know about in trying to force Billy into resigning (the longer the lack of signings go on, this could be a distinct possibility). I'm not an employment lawyer but I saw ND's interview whereby he said that winning promotion had to be the aim either this season or next, if Billy was looking for a way out surely he could have a case of constructive dismissal on the grounds that he hasn't been supported in aquiring the players he has identified and the squad has been weakened (Perch & Garner) meaning the club hasn't given him the tools to achieve what the Owner is demanding - promotion! ND does harp on about being spending the most on transfers over the past couple of years... i'd be interested to see the NET transfer outlay in this period which i think would tell a different story. Looking back over ND's tenure specifically in terms of transfers and money spent against that recouped.... I dont think we have really spent much at all and in my opinion we are still paying the price for D Pratt's tenure in charge.
Playing devils advocate for a moment... The Premier League clubs have to announce their final squads of 25 in a few days and realistically the only way we are going to improve our first 11 is by signing Premiership players (and Pratly & Whitts), so what if ND and MA have lined up 4-5 of Billy's "stella signings" (that 24,000 people know we need) and have an agreeemnt in place with their respective teams not to announce the loan deals until the close of the Premiership window? This might explain the bizarre lack of communication from the club and lack of signings thus far. I for one would hate for average players to be signed in haste to affect the wage budget for Premiership players on lean.
P.S PLEASE forget about Martin O'Neil, I've supported Forest since i was 4 and am now 33 and i do not want MON at the club as he is not better than Billy Davies. We have the right manager at the club in every sense, the next week or two will tell if we have the right Owner and Chief Exec at the club. Anyway, get real, MON alledgedly left Villa because he couldnt have all of the £24m from the Milner sale to spend on players, despite being backed to the tune of circa £60m by Learner. If he's left as reported for these reasons why oh why would he even contemplate coming here? He'd be lucky if he got £2.4m and there is no way he would put up with the Anti-acquisitions Pannel.
If we dont have the money, please tell us but when MA says we are one of the few clubs with money to spend you can't blame us for all being a little confused!
Still living in hope!
Michael Wood, Cheshire
I wonder what agenda ND and his fellow directors are following. They must surely realise that Forest are rapidly becoming a laughing stock in football circles over their baffling performance (or lack of it) in the transfer market. They must realise that Forest are falling way behind the likes of QPR, Ipswich, Cardiff, Bristol City etc who have all made significant additions to their squads. If promotion was on the agenda, and it should be at the top, then signings would have been made, whatever the obstacles. This hasn't happened, so what are they trying to achieve? They brought in the very best manager available and have since tied his hands firmly behind his back. Now, it appears, they want him out because he isn't happy about that. Almost every Forest fan is frustrated, disillusioned, anxious and angry. The very least we deserve is for someone to come out and tell us what is going on and the real reasons why we have not signed anyone yet.
Red Clive, Kirkby
Well done Forest, you gave your all in Saturday's game for 90 minutes, not just the first 20 minutes. On another day we would have come away with all three points. The difference is we closed down the players much quicker giving them less time to pick a pass-what a difference!!!!!!!. Question when we went on our longest away run un-beaten from home, did we not play with just one striker up front, if so why has BD changed the formation?. The press/media keep asking him BD questions on transfers and he's only giving them his answer, which we all know is the truth, his stance has not changed since he made the same request to the board in January. In my opinion BD should have had two players he wants, its time to keep the faith and back BD, sorry but some fans need to get realistic how can BD be wrong, we have one of the smallest squads in the Championship.
Tony-Harrow
CHAIRMAN,
If MARTIN O'NEILL wants to come to Forest GET HIM!!
PAY BILLY GRUFF OFF - Go get the manager in post with a proven track record at the highest level, who knows the club and it's financial situation. He also knows that you intend to continue to run a financially stable club /business that will be prepared to invest in quality. So let the first golden signing of the new Forest era be Martin O and Robbo as the managemet team.
FOREST - A BRIGHTER FUTURE UNDER M.O'N
RED EYE
I was at the Reading match on Saturday, and the first 15mins we were all over them and carving them open with ease, then they got a flukey goal and the game changed, we seemed to give up and run out of ideas, we lost all momentum and imagination.
That was until McGugan came on later in the game, what a player. I know people say he has put a pound or two on but this lad is creative and imaginative. He has the strength to hold the ball up so much better than Majewski who I think is a good player, but at times too lightweight, maybe he should put a pound or two on then he wouldn't get pushed off the ball so easily! I really hope that Davies gives McGugan a starting place in the next game cos after his performance at Reading he certainly deserves it. Yes he sometimes tries to do too much and sometimes goes down too easily looking for a foul when he should stay on his feet but he is trying and you can see he wants to impress and do well in a Forest shirt. The new lad Bertrand looks a quality left back and I am sure he will get better through the season, but Dexter seems quite lazy and sits deep too often. I like the player but there isn't enough desire to run at players and move the ball around quickly, would like to see a different partner for Earnie….maybe Jason Roberts!?!
But a great match and deserved so much more than the 1 point. Well Done Trickys!
Jon, Oxford
If I were Billy Davies I would be very careful. It's quite clear now that he is simply intent on being divisive at any cost to player/fan/club morale. He is trying to push the board to either give him what he wants or sack him (this is not press speculation - Billy has every post match interview since January slating everyone from ball boy to chairman) Doughty isn't going to put up with his unprofessional attitude with the press for much longer it's just far too disruptive to have this kind of spokesman.
From a career ponit of view Billy needs to be careful though as he was unemployed when we picked him up with a reputation for trouble making and he needs to think carefully about how many of these top flight clubs that he dreams of managing are going to touch a manager who is so openly critical and detached from his club. Billy says this is 'football management these days' but I am not aware of many other managers doing this on a weekly basis. The other consideration is how many clubs are simply going to open the cheque book every time he spits the dummy? Not many I would guess.
Billy Davies is about coming in and shaking things up which he certainly has done. Now it's time for someone who can do a Blackpool and get these talented players playing as a unit as we all know they are more than capabale of. O'Neill would obviously be a dream come true (although this probably is press speculation) but I would be happy with anyone who had a genuine commitment to the club.
Garybaldi Red
So with only a few days of the transfer window left we are still no nearer to getting anyone in to strengthen the team, which we desperately need. Did we nit hear a while ago all championship clubs are get an extra 2.5 million form the football league, if so surely we can up our bids for the two players we are supposed to be after. I realise that the economic times are not good but, surely we do not want to go back down to the dizzy heights of League one. With other clubs around us getting players in there has to be a couple of good buys or loans out there that would add the quality we need, take a good look at Blackpool and what they did last season with all the loanees they had. so come on forest give the fans something to cheer about and a return on the outlay we have made by purchasing season tickets to the tune of £1240 .00 for a family of four.
Garry, Rugby
Went to the Reading game yesterday , despite ever rising prices in the football league another 2k+ turn out from Reds supporters.
It's obvious for all to see that we need more depth.
Whilst this accusation board is in place it will never happen.
Davis will eventually walk , Forest will end up with another Calderwood "yes man" and the 5 year plan will raise its ugly head again.
Well done Billy and the lads for a good performance yesterday - I hope you continue to get the support you deserve unfortunately I think we will start declining like other clubs , Preston 9k , cov 13k , QPR12k and Middlesbrough 12k our first home game against Leeds proved that ,even though it was on the telly I can't remember a first home game with such a poor attendance.
Give Davis what he needs soon before has gone .
Phil
Berkshire red.
Should have got three there boys, deserverd it at the least! Let's face it, people- this is the squad we got- we'll make do! Good road point, the schedule will eventually work into our favor. Come on you Reds!
Brian Place Red in America
No matter what you think about Cardiff credit to them for the way they have lifted the whole club in the past few weeks. They have brought players in and obviously the coup de grace is the signing of Bellamy. Cardiff recognise the importance of building a squad of quality and depth and have shown their intent. The momentum is with them and what a great strategy; they are not going to let the progress they made last season slip through their fingers. It must be great to be part of a football club that is generating such a magnificent feel good factor and showing such public togetherness from owner, board, manager and players. Should think that any player at Cardiff who has a contract up for re-negotiation will now be smashing down Dave Jones' door. Why on earth would they want to play anywhere else?
Mark, Arnold
I feel that there is a touch of realism required by a number of the contributors to this forum. I have just returned from the Reading game and the team played some fantastic football and on another day could have won comfortably. 3/4 quality players would undoubtedly improve both the team and the morale around the club, but to suggest that purchasing season tickets and merchandise deserves success is misplaced.
We all want the team to do well and to get promoted, but we don't have a divine right. We could all spend £15million of the Chairman's money in a flash but it's not our gift to give. We can sometimes fault the board for a lack of communication, transparency and for the seemingly amateurish relationship with the manager but not the Chairman's support for our club.
I had a great afternoon out, shouted myself stupid and applauded the team off today; that's why I go to watch Forest and pay the money out I do each season. I for one feel frustrated at the lack of transfers, but let's keep things in perspective and not forget the real reasons why we travel the country every weekend.
Kind regards,
Rob,Ashford, Kent.
A great away point at Reading - dont worry about two points lost.
Good to see a full strength attacking line-up.
Our new, on loan, left back seems to be a Star in the making.
Starting to get out of the long ball habit - thank goodness - and it brought the rewards.
Billy, suggest you give our club captain plus cash in part exchange for a younger, fitter and more talented midfield general?
Well done ye Red Warriors - Lets maintain the progress and bring Norwich down to earth with a three goal thumping on Saturday.
REDS FOREVER
REDEYE
Right. We are 1 point better off than this time last season.
The only way is up and we had better open our winning account next saturday because I am coming.
Adele McGuinness
Yet again us Forest supporters have been sold short by the hierarchy at the club. The usual speculation around new signings with the club publicly coming out with their interest in players (Whittingham, Pratley) just around the time when season tickets have to be purchased to entice us supporters that the club are ambitious enough to build on last season.
The club are selling us short. The club lacks ambition and is happy to sit on its laurels in the hope that it can win promotion with a squad that hasn't been strengthened sufficiently to even challenge a top six position yet alone automatic promotion.
The facts are forget Whittingham and Pratley, they will not be signing for the club, it's just the usual propaganda from the men who run this club. We are going nowhere this season with the best we can hope for is mid-table obscurity.
Ryan Tompson, Gedling
I am already fed up with this season - 1 point, 2 defeats, less players in our squad than last season.... and now a ban for Gunter who was booked on Saturday and the referee dealt with the situation (double standard for Premier League clubs) - why did the club not appeal against this and show some determination to fight?
If the transfer window goes by and our squad is the same or even still, weaker, then for me, the season is all but over and I will be saving my stress and money for something else. Last season was a big push, tons of hard work all for nothing (3rd in league but robbed by SKY TV's spin off) and this season, look's so far like the chief's at the club feel the same as me - down hearted and fed up.
Should I spend £23 admission plus petrol to watch Reading away tomorrow?? NO!! I'd be mas to (When was our last away win/decent away performace..... West Brom??)
What's going on with this great club?
Steve, Nottingham.
What return will I get Forest on spending well over £500 to watch you yet another season (25 and counting). Promotion, play-offs, mid table mediocrity?
Please can we speculate to accumulate - the current squad so so clearly does not carry enough depth of quality. First 20 mins were fantastic to watch on Saturday, but we then Leeds boss us out of the game.
We need a powerhouse midfielder who can weigh in with some goals and a top class goal scorer to partner Robbie/Dexter.
Surely we must want automatic promotion. We need to spend to get this. Current squad good but not good enough to win the title.
Anxious Red
Looking at the comments now being made, I think we all feel like the players and Billy, frustrated. When Perch was sold to Newcastle, Garner, Bennett went out on loan, I expected Forest to have had replacements in straight away. Instead we now face being 3 weeks without Gunter-thank you Leeds. Ok we can still pick players from our squad (so small), maybe Earnie or Blackstock can have a go at right back to fill the void. All the hard work of last year has been cast to one side and I can't see a plan B, surely if you let players go you bring someone in to replace them?. By the way I'm not buying the Nottingham Forest kit, I think it's the worst I've seen-home and away, why change the colour of the away shirt?. Not going to any matches voting with my pocket until there is some good news and the players press and chase the team for 90 minutes not just 20 minutes, there are to many good pub teams to watch that give there all for 90 minutes and pay for the privilege. I will always be a red, just don't understand what the plan is anymore and want to see investment or improvement-simple.
Tony-Harrow
I recently posted fairly positive comments on this page. However I am one of thousands of season ticket holders who are getting frustrated with the lack of new faces at the City Ground.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE MAKE REASONABLE BIDS FOR PLAYERS WHO WANT TO PLAY FOR FOREST! I obviously don't know the intricacies that goes into signings but surely if we offer the market value and the players have agreed terms and have made it clear they want to come, it can't be that difficult. I am a big fan of Nigel Doughty. However he did promise us that he would continue to invest but we have had only one loan signing (very glad to have Ryan Bertrand though)
The buzz would be amazing if Pratley, Whittingham and McCormack were all wearing Garibaldi Red against Norwich (Reading would be nice!) The atmosphere would be electric and send a message to the competition! We sit in B Block very close to A Block and the lack of noise against one of our traditional adversaries would have been deafening to the directors box on Sunday. Just ask Psycho what the noise used to be like against Leeds.
In January I emailed Forest thanking them for the wonderful season and inviting them to our street party when we got promoted. I would now hold a street party if we sign any players before the transfer window shuts! We will be gutted if our targets go elsewhere.
Just one more negative comment. Surely Forest could have negotiated the 10% discount for season ticket holders when selling the franchise to the shop. It feels that Forest are forgetting their loyal fans.
I do think we have a great squad in the main and we see some wonderful football at times. We also have a great manager. Please keep the faith Billy.
Please show your intent and ambition to take us forward and sign Pratley and Whttingham before the next home match!
Forest forever.
Lisa, Nottingham
COME ON THEN FOREST, what are we going to do??
So Craig bellamy going to cardiff, where does that leave Whittingham??.
Bellamy, chopra and bothroyd in a 3 man attack.
GO and get WHITTINGHAM, and while your down that way grab PRATLEY aswell.
I can only asume that the hold up is the boards of both swansea and cardiff (not ours), because neither player wants to sign a new contract.
Tell me what doesn't make sense about a high percentage return in business. By this i mean paying out £3-4 million for 2 excellent championship players that have the quality to help us achieve automatic promotion thus earning the club around £40 million.
I plus thousands of others would be fuming should other clubs come in and steel both players from under our noses because of dithering.
Over to you ND.
Less chit chat, more action.
13 days and counting!!
Chris, Surrey
Does the board actually realise how unbelievably lucky we were with injuries last year? If we can't get in the top brass we're targeting we need a few more bodies + experienced heads in before deadline day or the season could come tumbling down like a house of cards at any minute.
By all means hold out for the top players at the right price, just have plan B ready with a few easily affordable backups should we miss out, coz our squad is thinner than Steve McClaren's hair.
Red Jester
Firstly, I would like to apologise for my e-mail last month where I heard from a good source that Whittingham and Pratley were done deals. I have obviously questioned the same source only to be told that the players concerned were happy with the terms offerred by Forest but for some stupid reason the club has not offered the clubs concerned the true worth of these players and in fact has only upset both clubs with the derisory offers. This appears to be backed up by the National Press last week and by all accounts Forest have been arrogant in assuming the clubs would sell at a low price because the clubs were in financial difficulty. I can not understand our stance. We sell Perch for £1.5M and offer less for a more quality player in Pratley who has already this season scored one more goal than Perch did all last year. We reject a £1M bid for Tyson who only scored twice last year and so far has been woeful in front of goal and yet won't pay a realistic price for Whittingham who scored over 20. £2.5M for Pratley and £3M for Whittingham would be realistic offers. It looks like now either club won't sell to us because of our behaviour and insinuating we have been bullies. It is early days to worry about our form and the players are talking a good game that this will soon turn around. We have players in Midfield to cover injuries but I do not feel we have quality replacement defenders if Camp, Gunter, Morgan or Wilson get injured or quality strikers if Earnshaw or Blackstock get injured. Like many other supporters I have spent over £700 to renew season tickets and kit my son out with the new shirt. Apart from last summer when we made quite a few signings I am becoming disappointed with the promises that have been branded about by the Club over the years like, "We are serious about Promotion, Are you?" and "Renew your tickets at a higher cost and we promise Sexy Signings". After the Play-Offs last year "We will strengthen the squad to progress on what has been achieved this year". The old saying of "You can fool some of the people some of the time but not all of the people all of the time" springs to mind. If the Forest Board don't deliver soon i doubt they ever will as the players we have can't remain potentially good for ever and most of them have to stand up to the mark like now if they are really going to make it. To make the promised land you have to mix experience with youth to achieve your goals. Peter Withe, Frank Clark, John McGovern, John O'Hare and Larry Lloyd spring to mind.
Tom O'Dea
I have supported Forest all my life and travel over on a regular basis to the city ground. Everything connected with this club is excellent. But it is time that this old excuse of players 'learning' was thrown out the window. That attitude is what cost us promotion last year. Also, what was the problem with lack of vocal support last Saturday V Leeds? The Leeds fans, quiet rightly let us know we were not supporting our team properly. Was there a reason fro this ?
Liamo.
How much longer do our red professionals "need to learn" Billy? Maybe you need to change the way you teach?
We had five of the squad away a week ago on International duty and of the remaining regular first teamers, the majority, have been seasoned professional footballers for a good number of years!
How much longer Billy do YOU need to learn, that this team who, not for the first time in the Championship, has squandered a lead achieved through a successful spell of passing the ball along the ground, should know not change the winning formula, simply because the oppostion score. Our team appear to lose their heads /focus, start to panic and then revert to type, aimlessly punting the ball up field, sometimes in the general direction of one of the smallest players in the League, i.e. Rob Earnshaw. Both Earnshaw and Blackstock are at their most dangerous and effective when receiving the ball along the ground and running at defences. THIS IS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE BILLY!!
Our Red Warriors are either:-
1. Less intelligent than their fellow professionals.
2. Being given mixed messages by the management, regarding the game plan to be adopted.
If this is the case, then the players are not to blame - the management is.
3. If they are being given a clear game plan before each match, then the majority of the team are not capable of understanding it. Maybe the plan needs to be spelt out MORE CLEARLY to them, before kick off and re-iterated again at half time.
4. If on the otherhand, the team understand what is being asked of them and do not carry out their instructions, then you should get rid of the main culprits, as we will never have any hope of promotion if this sorry state of affairs continues.
The above comments may seem negative to some readers. However, unless Billy and the exisiting players deal with these basic issues, then the lack of real success, will continue.
Yes, Billy and our Forest team worked wonders two seasons ago, escaping relegation. Last season was of course even better, getting into the play-offs. Now, to be achievers this season, the exisiting squad needs to be able to play basic football well - as the Meercats say "SIIIMLPE"!!
Keep it simple BILLY and maybe our RED WARRIORS will understand AND START TO ACHIEVE!!
GOOD LUCK YE REDS
RED EYE
lets get things into perspective here weve not signed anyone ( as such) so pretty much the same squad as last season who couldnt win away from home for just about half a season. After the first 2 away games looks like nothing is going to change for a while there, maybe we will go to reading and put 2 or 3 by them lets hope so but i doubt it. if we are to be considered serious challenges for promotion everything player wise should have been sorted out weeks ago, looking to bring the added quality in january to push for promotion not to get players in to save us from mid tabe obscurity which i fear will be the case, dont want to be a gloom merchant but just seeing it the way it is, football wise the first 30 minutes against leeds was excellent the last 60 were completely the opposite, when leeds changed there formation why didnt we to combat them ? no plan b ? lets hope weve got a plan c and d otherwise its a long season coming up.
dave shelton castleford
Well there you go, Simon Grayson gets what he wants, a probable suspension for Gunter. Is there any point in appealing? I doubt it, let us assume Gunter is suspended for 3 matches. This means that not only do we need a quality striker and a centre half thats not half-asleep but now we will be short of a right back!! Hate to say it but this is what happens when you dont have a decent squad and adequate back up for injuries/suspensions. Pointless BD mentioning this to AP either. Guess its time for Moloney or perhaps chambers at right back. Oh well.
What is of immediate concern is how we are rapidly getting associated with this sort of trouble. Its not the fans, its the players and the FA will not fail to notice that this is the 3rd time in 12 months we have been charged with failure to control players. This is before we even play Derby this season. This is not the thing we associate with Nottingham Forest and this I am afraid is down to BD and indeed has got worse under his management. He needs to make sure the players know what self-discipline is before the FA decide we will play home matches behind closed doors.
I know its only 2 weeks into the season but this is NOT a good start and I am starting to get worried about many things happening on and off the pitch.
Adele McGuinness
So ANOTHER stuttering start to the season, and so far ANOTHER window of inactivity.
The supporters seem to be doing their bit, although the ground remains far from full, the players the manager and the board however, all seem to be miles apart from one another.
Billy cuts a frustrated figure these days, the fire seems to have dimmed somewhat.
Mr Doughty appears unwilling or more likely, unable to invest the sums required to build on last seasons momentum.
Sadly we may just have to accept that if we want Forest to remain in business, we are now at the level we deserve to be at, and the level we can afford to operate at.
Football has moved on, money is key now, and if we do not have enough, we cannot expect to compete.
A good, competitive Championship side, with the occasional cup run, might just be all we can hope for.
We will always love our club; we may now have to accept that the only way forward is to continue on this path of austerity, after all, that is THE buzz word these days.
Adrian and Mrs Warren (looking forward to coming up for the Swansea visit, Essex Reds)
I have to say I feel very sorry for the season ticket holders who have splashed the cash, it's a shame the chairman has not done the same. You won't be getting my cash until we see yours. I am going to run my finances as you run yours, with extreme low key caution. Let me way up the situation, a team low on moral, the same team slightly weaker that didn't have the umpf last season. Several chances but no end product, Middlesbrough going to buy Whittingham all say to me go on holiday instead and listen to them on the radio. We have seen it all before a lack luster push followed by failure followed by a team sale. I'll wait another ten years to part with my cash when hopefully we will have a war chest from a foreign owner. U don't care where the money comes from just splash it, after all if you cant afford to compete get out, I am sick of us nearly making it. This is not good enough for Nottingham forest
Lee Aplin
I feel something is wrong bigtime in our club....First 20mins on sunday we looked like a decent side but after leeds changed their midfield formation we looked like we ran out of ideas.
How can Cardiff sign Bellamy from Mans City? They have took the gamble in buying a top player and getting promotion not like us. The Board is happy with us staying in this division not showing any ambition whats so ever in investing in good players to get back to the big time.They keep charging top money to watch Forest but my question is ..Where as the 1.5million gone for sale of Pearch??
No investment in players means no improvement on last season this will result in failure.
I wish somone would come in and buy are club sack this stupid commitee and take us forward.I feel we are taking a step back from lack of investment.
Daz
According to the press Middlesbrough are after Whittingham and want to sign him from under our noses. Come on The Board and acquisitions panel get you finger out and sign him now. he could be all we need to make the difference and just one player could be the making of forest. If they let him go elsewhere then they want shooting and deserve what happens this season
Garry, Rugby
I am hoping that what I saw against Leeds and what has been a trend with forest from last season will not carry on throughout this season. It was evident that Forest have a block of sorts in getting games finished off. We should have finished Leeds off with ease if the early play was anything to go by. But, it seems that the team becomes a little complacent and as seen before, allows the other team in.
Being quick out the blocks is fine but if you can't finish the race off then you have to question your stamina. That goes for the season as well.
Rowen Udell
Whilst all Red's fans have concern about the poor display again on Sunday and the inevitable and predictable excuses BD (probably scripted) will make, we should not forget other areas where the fans which are part of this great club are equally disgruntled.
After seeing all the press about the new 'state of the art' store and the opening to be made by forest legends accompanied by Trent FM the enthusiasm was high, but that like the expectations on the pitch soon died come match day, what a farce, burley security men at the doors making people queue like they were entering a late night drinking den where trouble is expected, come on Forest this is our club!, lets not get into the lame excuses of health and safety issues, other seasons fans have managed to manoeuvre themselves around the shop and the banter creates an atmosphere, now we must be herded like cattle if we want to purchase from our shop, I queued for 20 minutes then gave up as did many hundreds of other fans, my real disappointment was the families who are not fortunate to attend every game wanting to take their children in only to be refused with the same message 'we don't want your business' totally unacceptable and you should have seen the disappointment on so many faces.
Again lets not get into the new shop, lots of people wanting to see, only holds so many ect ect, this should be well know hence why you get 25,000 loyal fans turn up so at least allow them to be treated with a bit of respect and purchase the items they have saved so hard to buy.
Graham, Grantham
Whilst I think its way to early to get on the backs of our players for the poor start to the season.
And I do appreciate we started badly last season and had our best year in 10.
But I have to be worried about our performance Saturday, as I think that the side we put out is our best 11.
And if our best 11 cant beat a newly promoted league one side that stumbled to promotion, and then lost there best player, and then Derby well beat and should have battered last week, and played long ball and dirty, then its a concern.
BD said we have a lot to learn, and he isn't wrong, but I'd have hoped that the naivety he is talking about would have been sorted in his 18 Months with these players.
I suppose I am just concerned he is still blaming naivety 18 months after he blamed naivety. Could he not have fixed that?
Rant over, its early days, and we still have plenty of time!
NB. McKenna Man Of Match - were the sponsor watching the same game as me?? Don't get me wrong its not easy to pick out an outstanding player from a poor game, but McKenna gave the ball away nearly every time he touched it, and was atrocious in the second half. First half I can appreciate he positionally was good and broke things up, but the second half was as bad as ive seen him and to give him man of the match seems a bit ridiculous.
Andrew Walker
Well first 20 mins my son and I thought here we go we are going to have a goal feast, slaughter Leeds 4 - 0 at least !
But then we seemed to run out of steam and ideas and in the end lucky to get 1 point !
I have seen better play with the local pub team, at least they can pass and not give the ball away for example.
Can we please firm up the defence and get out there and buy at least one striker with the killer instinct.
I feel sorry for BD he is doing his best, but the players have to do better and step up to the mark.
There is no way that we are even close to surviving in the big boys league at the moment !
COME ON
Clive
Red since the 60s
Another frustrating game, this time at home. We played well for twenty minutes of the first half against Leeds and looked really dangerous, but then we decided to sit back, stop closing down the opposition, giving them too much time on the ball and allowed the Leeds players time to think/make a decent pass, Why?, why?, why?!, YOU GET LESS TIME PLAYING SUNDAY FOOTBALL !!!!!!, press the other team, pressure them into errors for 90 minutes not just for the first TWENTY minutes!. I felt BD would address this at half time, sadly this was not the case, instead we got worse, don't know what BD said, but it was as obvious as the nose on your face it simply did not work.
Don't agree with BD taking a striker off and replacing them with a midfielder-not at home, sends out a message we are scared and glad to hold onto a draw. Come on Forest work harder if you want to be a red, it's a game of 90 minutes. Are we going backwards this season?, time will tell, but the signs don't look good.
Tony-Harrow
Just read Nigel Doughty's message in the Forest programme. I thought after seeing his recent interview, things would be happening to lift the fans. Doesn't seem to be the case though...
Losing to Blackpool was a cruel divident from the season... Yes it was but it didn't have to be. Newcastle and West Bom knew that investment was required to push on in January. Forest dithered; it's still astonishing to think we let that opportunity go
We are one of the strongest squads in the divisions...We have one of the strongest first eleven's but no doubt one of the weakest squads in terms of depth. What happens if Bertrand gets injured?
We remain in pursuit of one or two quality seasoned players... Right, we assume that is Pratley and Whittingham. Pratley looks like he'll see out his contract and Whittingham will probably stay now that he sees the squad strengthening going on at Cardiff. These are quality players and if there is any chance of signing them we will have to pay the money they are worth and not put in pathetic offers and pretend that we are serious about signing them to appease the fans
Vitually all clubs are now trading hand to mouth.. Does that read that we must sell to buy? If so, does that mean we will have to sell our best centre half to pay for a midfielder and spend the season a centre half short? S ounds ridiculous but we were prapared to do it with a left back.
Conjecture is the lifeblood of a football fan... How we feel is how we feel. The club was on the up last season and that excitement has been derailed through public rows, lack of activity in the transfer market (other than out-goings) and indifferent performances on the pitch
Billy Davies and his team have improved the attractiveness of the club... A club that always seems to be at odds internally and a manager who publicly criticises the way the club is run and was talking about leaving in the summer. Mmmm, attractive.
Thank you for your support... Season tickets for me and my son, hundreds spent in the club shop, expensive trips away. No holiday this year.
Mark, Arnold
The negativity of the comments posted on this forum is depressing. We have the best Chairman and Manager in the Championship and I am positive we will get promoted this season. We are playing the best football we have played for years. However I do think we need to add more depth and believe Pratley and Whittingham could easily be Forest players if we offered their genuine worth. I hope we are not holding out for loan signings. Signing permanent Reds would be a message of intent which the fans and players would love. I still believe Billy is the best manager for us by far and a couple of quality additions will get us promoted without the lottery of the playoffs. Come on you Reds!
Lisa, Nottingham
Well,well, a new season, higher season ticket prices,players sold, no one brought in except a loanee, season ticket holders were not told prior to purchasing their tickets that they would not have any discount on club products,a totally unattractive new kit, would rather have the training kit with no ridiculous logo on front, last years kit was just about acceptable , but why the need for betting casino on front ? And those awful yellow money shop adverts glaring at you from the bridgeford end! Enough said. We have the same team as last year except Ryan bertrand, yet Billy says we need time to gel, I thought that's what pre-season was all about, other teams manage it why not ours. Except for the first 30 minutes we were absolutely dreadful, Simon changed his formation for the good, what did Billy do ? Where was his passion, why didn't he appeal to the crowd ? Has he lost his passion , or is he just downhearted with this penny pinching board that has no ambition for this club.
Baz/Trent end
Oh my god, that was awful apart from 15 minutes!
What on earth were we doing just dithering in mid-field, giving away cheap possession and dont go there with Wes' casual giving away of the ball leading to their goal!!! It was humiliating.
Sorry but no one came away from this one with any credit. Apart from when we eventually brought Moussi on and he was doing what McKenna is paid to do, ie win the ball in midfield, be prepared for and wanting the ball etc etc.
Are the players fit enough for 90 minutes at the moment? If not, then what on earth have they been doing in pre-season!
I went to the Bradford game and although we were trying, some players look unfit, well fat actually.
We are lucky to have got a point today, because if we had played like this against better opposition, then we would have been buried.
Its 2 league games down, plenty more to go, but as Colin used to say, we simply have to improve.
And while I am at it, once again I request we sign a quality striker before the window is shut and i am now starting to think a quaility centre half wouldnt go amiss either!
Come on Forest, this was not really good enough today and you can do better.
Adele McGuinness
Very disappointing game after such a good start we fizzled out yet again. We seem to have made little progress in our play since the end of last season and seem to lack confidence once we concede a goal or to be "up for it" when teams fight back against us and up their tempo. Billy just drags out the same old tired excuses; " a young team, missed chances, on a learning curve, etc. etc" What is worrying is that he seems to have no plan B or to be able to influence the players to change tactics or fight tooth and nail to get back in ascendancy. How many inept second half performances have we had in the last dozen games? Billy's half time team talks are just not working. We were abject in the second half and that is very worrying. The front two had no service whatsoever and I don't think we strung two passes together in the second half until extra time! The midfield completely overrun yet again. McKenna looks past it to me. He is not holding the ball and linking up play. He just kicks it anywhere forward and it comes straight back. He was hopeless. Raddy hasn't had a decent game since away at West Brom and he has lost his way and lacks confidence. Add to this that Cohen hasn't started playing yet this season ( Is he fed up, does he want away?) and it is not surprising that we cannot control games when even mediocre opposition like an under strength Leeds start to battle for the ball.
Billy doesn't seem to have any fire in his belly and he seems resigned to us underperforming and it is definitely affecting the players confidence. Did he settle for a draw in the second half. Bringing on Moussi for Blackstock?! We definitely need to freshen up the team with new faces or it could be that we are clamouring for a new manager or he may even walk if this continues much longer. It is now 8 games since we won.? Winning is a habit and we have lost it. Worrying times.
Wakeyfan
How can ND say he is fully behind B, if he was fully behind him then he would make sure BD got the players he wanted, DP should just spend the right amount to get the players we need cause if we don't then we might as well look at being in league one, there are also rumours that leicester has had a bid of £2.2 million accepted for wittingham we need the new players and ND & DP know this so why don't they do something about and also why don't they listen to the fans,
Mark from colsterworth
After watching the Leeds game today, it doesn't look as if we are good enough to mount a serious promotion challenge with the squad that we currently have. The 11 that started I think are probably good enough but looking at the bench, I'm not so sure that they are good enough to rotate the first 11. After all, half of who were on the bench today played against Bradford in the Carling cup in midweek and got beaten. With Bennett and Garner on loan, Smith now apparently out of the equation and McGoldrick out for a while, we look thin on quality.
Looking at our defence today, only Gunter looked comfortable, with Wilson, Morgan and Bertrand all giving the ball away too easily too often by trying to play square balls and just playing the team into trouble, hence how we lost the goal. Looking at the midfield, McKenna was poor trying too many times to play the Hollywood pass, and can someone please tell him that he can take more than one touch! He gave the ball away too often. Majewski didn't look up to it, and he has to learn how to find the final pass around the opposition box rather than shooting ambitiously from 35 yards and not even getting close. Why is Anderson (all pace and right foot), playing down the left, and Cohen (all left foot) playing down the right which means that every time they beat the full back they have to cut back in onto their stronger foot, which then allows the opposition defence to regroup and snuff out any danger.
Up front, luck is not on Earnshaws side at the moment as he has now hit the post twice in 2 games which is the difference between the 1 point we have, and the 4 points we would have had if they had both gone in. He is still our most dangerous threat but he got nothing to feed off in the 2nd half today. Dexter will be a threat also, and will score 15-20 goals if he stays fit, but I cannot see either Tyson or Adebola stepping in and doing a good job if either he or Earnie get injured. Why loan out Garner when he is probably the next most natural scorer we have, and McGoldrick a long term injury?
In Billy'sinterviews he keeps saying that confidence is high, that they are positive and looking for a strong season, and so he is saying all the right things, but to me he doesn't seemed convinced of it himself, as he and everyone else knows that without at least 3 new faces coming in, we will probably not even make the play-offs this season.
I hope I am wrong, but unless we can sign a striker who will get 15 goals to compliment the 15-20 that Dexter and Earnie will each get, (Whittingham)we will struggle. We also need a strong bossy midfield player to compete with Mckenna, Moussi, McGugan and Majewski (Pratley). At the back I think we will be Ok wilth Gunter, Morgan, Wilson, Bertrand, Maloney and Chambers, but they must cut out the silly passes across the back line. Lynch is not good enough and I'm sure will soon be shipped out.
Still mildly optimistic that we will get players in before th end of August, but not sure we will get as close to promotion as last season. Hope that i am proved wrong.
Adrian
Jersey Red
So can we presume from the chairmans notes in todays programme that there will be no new signings before the end of the window? What happened about wanting to get promoted this season or next?
What a joke. We are going backwards with this squad and I can see us struggling to finish mid-table.
How can the chairman also say there is no transfer market because nobody is buying and selling players?! How does he explain the fact that every other club in the Championship has signed players then?
It just seems he needs to give us an excuse for the fact that he obviously hasn't got the money to pay the money for the likes of Pratley and Whittingham and is only prepared to pay peanuts for decent players.
Another long hard season awaits I fear!
Karen
Just witnessed the Game against Leeds utd and have mixed views.
First twenty minutes or so we looked like a team that could beat anyone, however as the game went on we lost our shape and the game went from us with leeds looking the most likely to win it.
I know it has been said already but we need fresh faces in the side. My concern is that we have failed to strengthen since last season and there are many teams in this league who have strengthened sufficiently to be play off contenders. If ND and his aquisition panel think we can be promotion contenders on a shoe string budget then think again. I am not asking for the club to pay over inflated prices far from it, but you have to sometimes pay a fair price for a proven player at this level.
If Forest dont strengthen then they will be a mid table team and the boo boys will be calling for BD head.
It's time ND listened to the fans and back BD otherwise he will leave this club and go somewhere where he is valued and Forest will loose the best manager theey have had for a long time.
Phil Parr, Carlton
Thought we were very poor Sunday, again looking like we get bullied to easy by big strong teams. Not really a big fan of BD but wish all at NFFC the best of luck (I think we will really need it this season to finish in the top ten). Couple of points to raise: I often think BD moans about squads & quality of players etc but if you looked at the bench Sunday he has a point, bar Chambers & Adebola (who is a waste of space) Tyson lots of running but hardly any end product - really no quality experience on the bench which you need at this level. Can't understand why BD sent Bennet TO Palace for games, does he not know they are in our league so he won't gain anything down their to being at NFFC - to me it means BD doesn't rate Bennet - if thats the case then say so. To send him out of loan then get a player from Chelski (who has never played for Chelski first team) very strange from BD.
Personally i think BD will be gone by christmas - not sacked but will quit, moans too much & thinks he is better than he really is. That said if we dont win soon I think the supporters will turn on BD.
Derby Red
Hi is that John from Boston posting on here, if it is looking forward to seeing you again on Sunday before the game. I agree with everything you have said this is a really frustrating time for forest fans at the moment. Have read Pratley's press release so you can forget that one unless we stump up the money and even then would they accept the offer now. Anyway lest get behind Billy and the lads onsunday and spur them on to our first win of the season.
Garry.,Debbie and boys.
Rugby
I know I have emailed once or twice already this summer and Nigel has assured me that we will get the quality players we are after despite the difficult transfer market. I do feel that this is absolutely essential if we are to even match last years achievements. I cant help but feel that the transfers are getting so drawn out that we might end up in a Matt Mills situation where somebody jumps in and beats us at the last minute and that would be a huge PR embarrassment after Mark so publicly declared our interest. I can understand not wanting to pay above the odds for players in the final years of their contracts, but surely the importance of getting them in outweighs saving a few pounds? (I know its easy for me to say as I've only paid £900 in season tickets as a contribution). Huw Jenkins has clearly fired the ball back into our court by basically inferring that if we had offered somewhere near 1.5m up front then Pratley would be wearing a Forest shirt this weekend.
Surely we cant expect to shop for Harrods quality and pay Tesco prices?
Would it not be prudent to speak to Huw and find exactly what he would accept for Darren and get somewhere near to it? I see Darren has now released a statement saying he wont be staying at Swansea next summer, yet I'm sure if we made him feel wanted at Forest and the terms are clearly favourable, he would move now and we could all enjoy an excellent season. He alone could be the key to our away day hoodoo as he dominates the midfield.. I just think if this now fails to go through then Forest are the only people to blame as he basically has a "For Sale" sign on his head. Hopefully a similar situation can be resolved with Whittingham and Cardiff. I notice neither club has actually reported Forest to the FA for "tapping up" so there must again be a deal to be done. We are never going to be in a better position to cement a top two finish. We have the foundations of a very good squad and just need that quality in depth. We have a net loss of 2 players this summer, surely the saved wages and us somehow getting a fee for James Perch can be used towards the transfers? Plus extra Premier League revenue this season and the possibility of more TV money if we can stay near the top of the table. I'm sure you are as frustrated as the rest of us but its absolutely vital we don't now fail to get these deals done and have a repeat of Paul Harts final season when we failed to build on a play off place. Its in your hands gentleman, maybe this year we might actually get that 90million jackpot if we spend a couple of million now.
Jon Watson
I have to be totally honest, but, I am starting to feel really disenchanted with the way things are going at Nottingham Forest. I know what I am about to say is going to raise a few comments etc. But, I honestly think it is time for the Chairman to move onto to pastures new and sell the club. I realise he has invested money in the club, but, if he his a genuine fan, how can he not be affected by the lack of enthusiasm that is being generated at this moment in time. All that the majority of the fans can see is a tough time, lots of spin, lots of rubbish offers that will never be accepted and then the team limping on into the new season. Two matches and two losses, good football, but, no one that can hit a barn door with a beachball, never mind the net with a football. The lack of investment must play on the minds of the current players, because it plays on mine, unless they are quite happy to take the money and put the rest of the world out of their minds, whereas me, I pay some of that money and I want to see a return. Over a thousand pounds up fron in the middle of a recession is a lot for me for my two season tickets, plus the travel etc. to watch the games. So yes I want to see my investment and enthusiasm matched by the club and as I have stated, if the current stewards of the club, cannot provide me with that, then either sell or seek investment from someone that is willing to push the club forward. I am not sure under what the terms are that the Chairman underwrites Forests debts and investment, but, as the shrewd businessman he his, I am sure if he did move away, there wouldn't be that big of a hole in his pocket. I realise its important to run the club as a business, but, sometimes you need to run it with your heart as well, because that is what fans provide, the fans are the heart of the club and sometimes they need to get the kiss of life and make them excited, build up hopes, not to crush them and sadly the lack of investment so far this season is choking. It only takes a couple of quality signings to lift things, so take a gamble, use your heart and lets give this season the kiss of life, before it dies before it even starts.
C. Macdonald
Hey Jon G
With your wifes lucky knickers and my Jack Russell we would wing our way to the top.Hurry up Mr Pleat, Dogdyke Athletic have been on the phone and offered Veuve Clicqot rather than Watneys Red.She is sorely tempted!!
Faithful,optimistic
Alnwick Red
OK so David Jones said "put up or shut up" to Forest with respect to Whittingham and Huw Jenkins has said that the offer made by Forest for Pratley is well below the £1.5M reported. Neither player has signed a new contract for their clubs. As far as I can see both clubs are now awaiting a sensible offer from Forest. Therefore the ball is now in Forest's court and we shall see how serious we are about bringing these two quality players in. Mr. Doughty and Mr. Arthur have both recently publicly postured and promised but now their true ambition and integrity is about to be revealed. No excuses.
Mark, Arnold
It's still simple !! Buy a proven goal scorer. We need a 20 goal a season man and perhaps
Earnie might manage 12 or 13 as well.
BD still gets my vote, forget O'Neil there always seems a dark side to him, too introverted, too moody, and he's tasted Premiership money as well.
Mansfield Micky
Determination, stylish approach work, but no end product. Bit like BD really; "work in progress, young team, not ready yet" etc. We've witnessed "nearly men" many times before and not much changes at Forest. Those long enough in the tooth will remember times when we sold just at the very moment we should have bought: Storey Moore, Campbell, Keane, Birtles, Collymore, Roy, Dawson, and Jenas, for example. I'm sure others can come up with many more. Perhaps things will move soon, but probably not in time for the Leeds game this Sunday. By the way a friend who saw Lincoln being turned over by 4-0 by Leeds did say that the Leeds full backs looked vulnerable against proper wingers. I wonder if BD will select both Anderson and Tyson together from the start in order to prove my friend right.
Red Ted
Why mention Martin O'Neil?
Billy is finding it hard with the lack of support from the acquisitions panel.
I can not see any decent manager (including Billy) putting up with the constant barriers for long.
Billy is the best thing that has happened here for a long time. Give him the money and budget and let him sort the players. Get rid of the B*$$£Y acquisitions panel.
Judge Billy by what he has shown he can do.
If the panel remains in place does anyone really think that Billy will stay for long? If the panel stays in place no other decent manager will want to work under those constraints.
Should things not go as we want this season, do not blame Billy or the players. The fault lies directly with the acquisitions panel. Does anyone believe for one minute that the lack of transfers is due to Billy? Do you really think that if the offer is good for all parties we would not have got the new faces we need? In January when our form started to slip Billy along with 20,000 odd fans could see why. My wife who although knows little about the game but does have those lucky knickers could see what had changed. The acquisitions panel could see nothing wrong as they did exactly that in January as they have done now. NOTHING!!!!
Who was responsible for Boyd? Did Billy really want him? If the acquisitions panel was set up to stop another Platt they must take the blame if it is true that they spent ½ a million on that loan without the full support of Billy.
Thats my rant over now.
See you all on Sunday.
Jon G
Main Stand D Block
Please buy James Beattie, im sure he must be surplus to requirements and would be a cert for 20 goals!
Andy (Guernsey)
In reference to Billy's latest claim in the NEP that Ernie will now be playing more away games. Great about time but it's not rocket science hay!
However as for your reasons given for this change of approach... come on do you think all Forest fans where dropped on their heads at birth and so are that stupid they cannot see past your ridiculous claims? Have some respect for the supporters and stop with all the stupid Poker style verbal antics! Do you not realise that you are there to do a job and to facilitate change at the club and so should be judged in the same way as the players that you keep publicly slating? I don't think your own actions are without blame for the position we find ourselves in at the moment are they!
Let's be honest... It is nothing to do with Ernie's approach changing is it? It is 110 percent down to the fact that he is the only decent forward we have in the club who is capable of scoring regularly! Our latest dismal showing at Bradford illustrated that in very clear terms.
BD you brought Dele, McGoldrick and Dex to the club, you also shipped out Garner on loan and you also killed off our reserve team last year yet now have brought it straight back! So now if you now are feeling a bit exposed for your decision making, then man up and say so and do something positive to resolve the situation. You are the manger so manage and do you own job correctly rather then looking to lay blame at the feet of others or by dreaming up some other scape goat story about players attitude.
You better hope that Ernie remains fit and finds form and bangs in 30 goals this season home and away. Otherwise your decision making will certainly be questioned by all the supporters at the club who clearly have way more intelligence then you and the rest of the board seem to give them credit for.
ad Ilkeston
Sending our only GENUINE striker on loan to Huddersfield shows a complete lack of appreciation of the lads ability - who made the decision?
If anything should happen to Earnie, who will score our goals. Tyson Adebola and McGoldrick? I THINK NOT. The problem was clear last season -why could the AP/ND not see it?
I see Jason Scoltland is going to Ipswich, another rival strengthening their team. Unless we land Whittingham to score and provide chances from his crosses PLUS at least two out and out strikers (preferably bought but loan might be our best option) we are in for another season of bemoaning tales of missed chances from BD after every game.
Will Garner definitely come back after his loan or have Huddersfield the right to purchase him if they wish.
Come on you reds - get it sorted before its too late. Our season depends on this!!!!
Exiled Red
Well looks like the dismantling of our team has begun, this board is lack luster, and has been in charge of our most unsuccessful period. It's time to put your money where your mouth is. Otherwise get out!!! Stop making money out if our team. This boards main objective was to lower the expectations of the fans. After watching the Brian clough program I can not believe the depths this club had sunk. Any other fans would be demanding a new board. All our fans do is say, thank you for putting money in. Money in? Can't you see they have drained this once great club of money and more importantly ambition. This should not be commended!!!!
Lee from Broxtowe
What is the game coming to? 2 games in and a dejected manager is interviewed who is totally miserable because he doesn't get a new signing every five minutes (what budget do you expect Billy?) and suddenly all the players, the majority of which he has selected personally, aren't good enough. I'm sorry Billy but this isn't the press making things up or creating a persona. This is not speculation. The disruption is caused by what you say and Forest fans have had enough. Maybe Ned should do interviews?
You are right to say that we pay good money to watch Forest so please consider how a Forest fan who has just spent £500 on a season ticket might feel about the manager chucking the towel in before the season has even started! I don't share your criticism of the players. As mentioned so many times last season was the best football we have seen here in years. The squad we have is exactly what anybody would expect at this level, given our resources and look what we achieved with it last season. They are no younger as a squad than West Brom were last year (also have Billy not just brought in another youngster on loan?) The buzz is back at the City Ground - let's enjoy it and stop being so negative.
Billy has a habit of sounding like he has just walked in the door and taken over somebody else's team. This won't wash anymore I'm afraid. People on this page will already know my opinion on Billy's lack of professionalism but surely enough's enough of a manger who only seems to want to say 'I told you so' at every opportunity rather than rally the troops for a new season. Your team Billy - your responsibility. New faces or not.
Garybaldi Red
Martin O'Neil will never come to manage a club where the frustrations of our current manager will be passed on to him.
How long do you think Martin O'Neil will put up with the football leagues one and only AP???
He may well whip our current players into shape and and turn them into a respectable and feared team but while the AP
exists we can safely forget about Mr. O'Neil.
Nice thought though....
Rick Chadwick
The more discerning Forest fans have been saying it for years. Quite simply we haven`t had a prolific goal scorer playing in our team for years--and that includes our top goal scorer (pens included) last season. I may be unpopular saying this but very often the truth hurts. It`s all very well playing good quality football in the middle of the park but its goals that count in the end.
I must admit I`m at a loss to understand why teams with very little revenue coming through the turnstiles (such as Scunthorpe for example) still have the uncanny knack of producing youngsters whose names regularly appear in the goal scorers column. Regrettably our problem has been going on for years and unless something radical is done without delay we will go absolutely nowhere--or should I say back to Division One.
J Rider Old Timer Worksop
Watched the game on Saturday and thought we were a bit unlucky not to come away with a point. Am confident that with Skip, Gunter, Earnie, Majewski, Bertrand and hopefully Wilson back in the fold for Sunday we will be ok and give Leeds a proper championsip welcome!
What really disappointed me once again - (like Doncaster away last season) was last night when a number of players e.g. Mcgugan, McCleary, Chambers, Adebola are given their chance to press a claim for a first team place and show the manager they deserve to be in the side on merit.
Once again they prove the manager right, by showing him and the fans that they just are not up to it. We need quality to come in and I totally agree with the manager 3 to 5 decent stellar signings are what is needed to push this club on and lift any playoff hangovers which might still be lingering.
Finally, we are also struggling to score goals especially when Earnie does not play. I rate Blackstock and Garner - why was he let go? if no-one is coming in especially with McGoldrick (jury still out) injured. Unfortunately, I think Tyson has shown in the last 2 games why he is deployed as a left winger as when he gets a chance up front he is severely lacking especially when it comes to finishing. Dele thanks for last year (should have only been given 1 year contract and not 2 in my opinion) but I think age has caught up with you and it is time to move on - we need someone younger and more mobile to push Dexter for his place.
All in all, more than happy with our first 11 - they are as good as anything in this league, but have to agree with the manager we need quality and depth adding as quickly as possible. Over to Mr D and the panel....
Dean
Ruddington Red
Hmmm, I may have been at a different match to some of you last night (Bradford City)
We played ok and created plenty of chances, Chris Cohen gave 100% effort and Thornhill looked lively. The problem is and I will say this quietly so as to not upset anyone...we need a quality striker..shhhhh dont say it too loud.
I think Bradford wanted the win more than we did. We kept trying to the end and Tyson was wasteful. we should have sewn the tie up before extra time. One or 2 players did not look interested but the majority of the team played fine for me. Good luck to Bradford, I am sure we were never going to win the league cup this season and guess they wont do either. Lets get over it.
A tenner of my hard earned cash was good value, did expect a penalty shoot out at least though..mind you, who would put one away!
I too think we have a phobia against teams beginning with B!!
If we dont beat Leeds on Sunday I WILL get angry!!
Adele McGuinness
A message for Mark Arthur, the AP and ND!!! You better get 1, or both of Pratley and Whittingham!!
Our best league position for 12 years and the club does not progress, just like in 2003! I have paid for another season ticket, just like many thousands of others. I want Premier League Football! Do you?!!!!! It doesnt seem like it
SORT IT!!!!!!!!!
Bobby
What happened to getting off to a flyer Forest? I really can't see us pushing for promotion this season, how can we realistically think we will when we have not built on our success last season. We were playing teams off the park right up until the Derby away game then nosedived! We have played Burnley n Barnsley we should be whipping these teams!
Billy is right we need Quality, quantity and depth. We won't do anything with one of smallest squads in the division.
Tyson needs to sort himself out - flashes of quality but no consistency, Lewis looks overweight!!!!! Adebola - clueless and slow, its torture watching him with the ball at his feet, too slow, too clumsy, not a footballer.
Bring in some new blood as promised. We have a great academy (allegedly) so why not ease them in. Their must be a young lad to put upfront with Earnie. Blackstock ok but hardly 25+ material.
Leeds will be tough so I guess it see what happens. Lets get it sorted with some new blood, be it academy lads or fresh signings, shake things up Billy!
Fed up Red
Rob (Trent End)
I outline below, a SERIOUS SUGGESTION to Chairman Doughty, Billy and the management team, in their current Hour of Desperation. (If recent results and interviews are anything to go by)
Between now and the weekend, bring in a team of RECOGNISED sports psychologists, to provide a minimum of two half day sessions with the first team squad, both collectively and individually. This should be immediately followed by further sessions over a minimum period of a month, irrespective of the results from the following games against Leeds etc. This will probably have a far more dramatic and long-term affect than the training sessions it replaces. (As you said last night Billy the players have been having extra daily shooting practice, but they still are not scoring goals)
The club will not have to go too far afield to find the right people to undertake the above task. It is likely to bring about the desired, increased awareness of collective and individual responsibility and potential ability. It will help individuals overcome the confused state / lack of individual confidence in their ability, that a number of the squad are currently demonstrating. It will help open pathways out of the psychological cul de sac into which, the majority of the squad and possibly some of the management team, have apparently driven themselves.
Chairman D, Billy and the Board, YOU do not have too much time to think - Take ACTION NOW - BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE and while the situation is RETRIEVABLE!!
If you dont and things get much worse, players of any calibre will not wish to come to Forest, even if you are prepared to spend the money to buy them. There is also a RISK that a number of regular match goers, will become SKY armchair supporters.
Good luck Men - Get the Job Done NOW!!
FOREST FOREVER - WE DESERVE BETTER
COME ON YE REDS
RED EYE
Not sure about Martin O'Neil becoming Forest manger. A manager of his stature would be great of course. With his links as a player, it's always nice to have someone with previous experience with the cub, albeit many moons ago.
He did of course last season, call back Shorey, sat him on the bench and then promptly sent him out to Fulham. Was he an influence in that decision, or was it just that Shorey wanted premiership football? If it was his decision, then where was the feeling of affection for his old club? It became a turning point for us, only one player but he was sorely missed. I couldn't say if Forest failed to at least ask for an extension for Shorey's services. O' Neil certainly didn't seem to care. The knowledge that Billy Davies was still going on about it right up until this season, says to me that O'neil was leaving it alone. But overall, Shorey who became a good Championship payer with us last year only wanted without any hesitation and with as much modesty as he could muster wanted to be a Premiership player. That's fine, he has a healthy level of self confidence. Just enough to become a West Brom legend. You can't put a price on ambition!
C'mon you reds, the only way is up...
Rowen Udell
When are we going to be able to just start a season with a bit of optimism and everyone pulling in the same direction. Every single fan knows we need players, but, none have come in, but, we have shipped players out. Not being funny but I am sure Joe Garner could have done a better job than those last night? CEO stop talking and start investing before we all start moaning about relegation and not promotion.
C Macdonald
Listened to Bradford game on player last night and McGovern made our predicament very simple; " a clear lack of quality ".Or "on another day we would probably have done the same thing." As he says, an away run like this with so many missed chances is not down to luck or attitude but simply poor play and finishing. A good team would be confident, express themselves and take their chances. We are clearly not good enough. How Tyson is still being picked is beyond me. His finishing is diabolical and the poor lad needs to move on and try another club. How Adebola is even at this club is a joke. He is a real goal threat! After he came on, supposedly to change the game he wasn't mentioned once, until he headed over from six yards in extra time. He is a complete waste of space. Then we have to listen to yet another Billy rant in post match interview. Firstly he reels out he old chestnut of "young players" What complete rubbish! Only two young players on pitch.Thornhill, who played well and scored and McGugan, who set up Tyson, had a shot well saved and was beginning to control the game when he was taken off! Then he blames the players attitude and big salaries. Well Billy I thought getting the players attitude and commitment right was your job. Billy never blames himself of course. His poor team selection and tactics in the play offs for example. All this talk about midfield players we just can't sign yet it is goalscoring that is our problem and he let's our most natural scorer ( after Earnie) go on loan. Does he expect Adebola to get the goals!! I for one am getting as fed up with Billy's rants as I am with Doughty's dithering aquisition panel and I'm beggiing to wonder how much longer they are going to exist together.
Wakeyfan
Its as painful as watching England trying to play in the last World Cup.
Take a good look at yourself Forest. The team fielded should have a good long look at themselves. For all the Forest fans who were on claiming the team were good enough and crying out to let the young academy players have a chance, they had there chance and the result was a defeat against a league two team Bradford. Now can the panel get some quality in quickly, as we are not good enough as Billy informed all since last January. I have already said we should not have let Garner go out on loan and from I can see this just proves my point, who else apart from Earnie can score goals for us?
Tony-Very disappointed
Ok, first Burnley, now Bradford (who are in league two). A trend? Please no more teams beginning with the letter B. Who was that team who finished 6th last year who beat us in the playoffs? Sorry. Obviously I am joking, it's all I can do right now with regards to what's going on.
I'm not going to say there is a problem at the moment, I'm not going to say that we couldn't hit a barn door if standing in front of it from 2 yards. But I just did. I'm certainly not going to say that we should have strengthened the squad during the close season, as I have already said it. I'd like to say a lot of things, but at present I am feeling a bit numb. What to do...
As always though, I'll keep the faith that all will be well, it's early days. Leeds next. I'm hoping they don't like teams that begin with N. It's all I have.
Rowen Udell
I forecasted this start in my e-mail some three weeks ago!
This is not on, as a Forest supporter for the past 45 years to go down at Bradford what is coming next.
No signings
Players injured
A manager who is clearly unhappy
Players leaving
And most important very disgruntled supporters.
The remedy to fix all this and I cant believe I am saying this, being such an admired of BD , lets bring MARTIN ONEIL HOME.
Is this a dream or can it become a reality.
We live in hope we need a saviour!
Michael Rose Edgware Middlesex
A team with Premiership aspirations should not lose to Bradford under any circumstance. Depleted squad or not, Forest management have dragged their feet long enough. Billy said it best- quality, quantity, depth. One of three won't get us to the promised land. 0-for-2 Forest, I hope you're saving it for late!
Signed, Brian Place Red in America
Firstly we arent going to be managed by any ex Forest legends soon, as BD is the manager. We clearly are short of players in certain positions and cover. We all know the pre season friendlies have been a disaster and the first 2 results likewise. However we have the chance to play against a former 'big' club at the weekend. From then on we'll know how well BD is supported by the 'board'?
northern gary
I have just spent the last hour and a half driving back in a daze from yet another dismal away defeat to a very average Bradford team. My over riding thought was how did we throw it away with the line up that we put out.
Big Mouth Billy you have done it yet again and embarrassed yourself and the club with your daft antics pre match. Why talk up the fact that you are going to blood all the Academy kids and not play a single one...what a load of rubbish! You may as well have done, as at least they would have played with some enthusiasm and energy. What a total lack lustre, low energy and overall poor performance it was...no excuses this time please!!!! We were second best into every challenge and woeful at finishing yet again and with all our decisive play in front of goal. What price for a Whittingham style forward now?
We did not manage to do the basics today and deserved to be humiliated like that! I hope it will dent the ego of a few of the lads who started tonight as many of them need a reality check!
Tyson looked totally out of sorts yet again and certainly needs to buck his ideas up or ship out! Lewis looks about 2 stone over weight yet carries himself with the arrogance of a flair player with Renaldo's skill level...dream on son as you will never make it into Forest's first team at this level! Thronhill deserves at least a chance on the bench now for a few games in place of Lewis if needs be as at least he consistently delivers and steps up his game.
Blackstock looked sharp when he came on but Dele yet again just looks clueless...what is he doing at this club... seriously???
The list could go on as there were far more negatives to come out of this evenings game then positives.
I would rather have seen 6 kids come in tonight to freshen things up... but Billy you clearly do not have any faith in these young players do you?. It just illustrates our lack of depth in crystal clear terms!
Perhaps missing out on a Carling Cup run will be a blessing in disguise... as the loss of revenue may wake ND up to the situation and force him to get on with the process of strengthening the side. Now is the time for change before it is to late.
4 days into the new season and two defeats on the bounce and out of one cup already! Well things can only get better from here!
Come you reds...raise your game and lets get back on track now at home by beating Leeds.
Ad from Ilkeston.
Friendlies are games to win; in results against all lower leagues sides and one french side we achieved one against the Stags. Two further losses with a team tonight apart from Thornhill containing regular first team players against a league 2 side. This lack of sucess has been the theme for 2010. There is a deja vu feeling from a previous season following a playoff defeat. What odds I wonder for Billy gone by Christmas,( no Whittingham or Pratley ), Stuart Pearce in to try and save the club , league 1 by the summer. Leeds at the weekend - oh dear another nail
Martin
PLEASE DON'T PANIC. The signings will come. The problem is the calibre of signings we are looking at. There clubs just don't want to sell at this moment in time. Clubs will keep hold of there best assets for as long as possible or until they have sold a load of season tickets then flog there best players. Look at Cardiff, who would buy a season ticket if they flogged whittingham, chopra and ledley already gone, knowing they can't buy players. Whittingham and pratley have 1 year left on there contracts so they will go. Clubs like Swansea and Cardiff cant afford to let these players leave on a free. If pratley wanted to be at Swansea a contract would have been signed at Christmas. Forget about shorey though, he's made no secret that he don't want to play for forest or anyone in the championship. Jay Simpson will be released from his contract so maybe a shout there. I'm expecting a signing late next week and another before the start of the season. Should get another 1 or 2 by the end of the window.
redwest
When the new club shop opens try and get your hands on a copy of Gary Birtles' new book called My Magic Carpet Ride, written by Ian Edwards (Ex Evening Post and had many years experiencing Cloughie). I'm half way through it and it's a great read.
I met GB last season and he's a top bloke.
David - Nottingham
Now Martin O'Neill has quit Villa, is it because he hears King Billy is wanting out and so paves the way for the return to Forest of King Martin. He would be a great replacement for a disgruntled Billy!! Go get him Chairman before he is snapped up!!
U Reds
RED EYE
Correct by Garry from Rugby (see Summer Fan Talk), We are the same team as last year, judging by the Burnley result.
Lot's of hustle and bustle but no cutting edge.
Let's have a real centre forward along side Earnie,
Blackstock's OK, but, he just don't score or create enough in my opinion
Mansfield Micky
Hey Deva Red - great song, that one, (see Summer Fan Talk), but let's hope our Bertrand doesn't turn out to be plastique.
Bob
Thames Ditton
Well yes, Billy is right in that the performance at Burnley was not bad, especially in the 2nd half - however, here we are not even half way through the first week of the new season and we are already running on half empty. Carling Cup on Tuesday night with a depleted squad to chose from. Yes, those unavailable are in international duty however it could easily be because if injuries and what do we do then? Why on earth ND is wasting his time and money with the most inappropriately named "Acquisitions Panel" is mystery to every but him apparently. Once again we see a good Manager and what he is capable of being undermined and not supported by the owner and the board. Billy is a football man, he knows who would compliment the team and he should be the one talking to those players to enthuse them about coming to play at the City Ground.
Kate
Message to DEVA RED (see Summer Fan Talk), do you not know who has a major stake in UMBRO? EXCELLENT second half, good atmosphere at Turf Moor looking good despite result ,we will be up there again im very sure.
DEAN ALFRETON RED
Note: Umbro is owned by Nike - ed
Here we go again excuses from mr D and a loss from the reds. Anyone ever noticed that out northern friends are very good at explaining a defeat in a positive light. All you delusional reds should look at our clubs recent form a very good indicator as to our mental state and realise that we are really not where we should be. I said to my wife 3 weeks ago that with our current squad coupled with our current form we would not finish in the top 8 this season. ALL PLEASE COPY THIS NOW AND RE-READ AT THE END OF THE SEASON. WE WILL NOT FINISH IN THE TOP EIGHT!!! Davis wake up and smell the coffee as should the chairman. Last season was a flash in the pan.
Leigh Cooper
Oxford Reds
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