Billy Addresses the Fans

Billy Davies addresses the fans after the match, and for those who left early,or weren't there, here is what the boss had to say.

5 Star Forest on Brink of Playoffs

Nottingham Forest today battered Scunthorpe to all but secure their berth in this years playoffs. 5-1 wasn't even a flattering score in a game that Forest absolutely dominated against a very poor Scunthorpe team, consigned to relegation today, and its easy to see why.

Forest made two changes to the team that beat Bristol City. McGoldrick and Gunter coming into the team, despite the previous story we published saying Gunter had been dropped, that was proved wrong. The diamond formation was persevered with.



It didn't take Forest long to take the lead, Kris Boyd was released outside the box, when the ball cam through and the offside trap failed. Earnshaw had been coming back, with Boyd going forward, so confusion reigned in the Scunthorpe defence. Boyd finished well past the keeper to give the Reds the best possible start in game that was vital to win.

The lead was doubled on 25 minutes by Luke Chambers, who was celebrating his awarding of player of the season. Cohens corner was headed in by Chambers, although not given straightaway, the linesman flagged for the goal and Forest had a 2 goal lead after 5 minutes. In a day where adding goals to goal difference in order to make life easier in qualifying for the playoffs, adding more goals would be vital rather than scraping a simple win.

Scunthorpe would hit back with an O'Connor penalty, after Gunter fouled Nunez. The penalty was very well taken powerfully into the top corner sending Camp the wrong way. It was a definite penalty, with Gunter tripping Nunez from behind. It was possibly harsh that Scunthorpe had something out of the game at this juncture.

Forest made two changes at the break, bringing on Moussi and Anderson for McKenna and McGoldrick respectively. McGoldrick had been largely anonymous,and McKenna had one of those games where the crowd were instantly on his back for any mistake.

The changes soon bought about a goal. Anderson netted from close in, after a corner was fired in, Anderson tried to flick the ball in at the front post, missing the ball, however it ricocheted right back to him as he bounced back up and fired in from close in with his left foot, and Forest were looking good again.

The problem was this made large swathes of the second half feel like a training session more than a match. Scunthorpe as said were terrible and couldn't retain any semblance of possession. Forest had all the ball, and passed the Iron off the park. It was frustrating as Forest needed goals to open the difference up in the table. However it would soon change.

Chambers would score his second and Forests fourth with 10 minutes left. Again from a set piece. This time a free kick sent in by Cohen, after substitute Julian Bennett was fouled trying to squeeze into the area. The free kick fell to Chambers who squeezed the ball home from close in, and the centre half was a hat trick.

There would be controversy late on. Robert Earnshaw was given his marching orders when he got a second yellow card for taking a free kick when the ref hadn't blown his whistle. The free kick was awarded for a foul on Guy Moussi. Earnshaw had shot before the whistle, netting in the process. The referee took exception to this and gave Earnshaw a second yellow, and thus the Welshmans marching orders.

Boyd then stepped up to take the free kick, and blasted it with power towards goal, on its way deflecting off the wall and going in for Forests fifth goal. In the build up, the Trent End had been chanting for Chambers to take the kick to attempt to get his hat trick, and he had briefly stood around them all to take it, gesturing to the crowd to back him up.

As is customary for the last home game of the regular season, there was the lap of honour by the players,and many of the players children after the match,where Billy briefly addressed the fans,in a video that will be uploaded on the site shortly.

All in all a very good win for Forest against a very poor side. The fact that our play-off status is all but confirmed is pleasing. The extra goals we scored really puts pressure on Leeds, even if result should go their way. Its unlikely that we'd get stuffed by Palace, and its unlikely QPR similarly would lose heavily to Leeds if at all,so its virtually nailed on that we will feature in the end of season extravaganza.

Forest Villains... Gary Megson

For the latest in the Villains series of articles we are going come a little more recent than the previous ones and focus on the short but destructive tenure of Gary Megson at the City Ground.

Lets not forget that this spell as manager was not Megsons first spell at the club,having a short lived time as a player with the club under Brian Clough. he was signed in the summer of 1984, before Clough decided "he couldn't trap abag of cement" and after 5 months without an appearance he was moved on to Newcastle. Under such auspices legend are not made.

His management career before joining Forest had seen some success. He had gotten West Brom promoted before falling foul of the chairman just before the Reds, but had also had seen spells at Stoke (replaced when a new board wanted their own man) Blackpool (where he was assisted by now Manchester United assistant Mike Phelan) Norwich and Stockport.

Megson replaced Kinnear after he had lost fans dressing room and chairman support. Kinnear increasingly seemed erratic in behaviour, first saying all fans on the Internet were "morons" and then declaring the Derby fixture was just another match. Finally he said the club was too stuck in the past, which seeing as Kinnears success was with Wimbledon would be an alien concept to him.

SO for Megson the job should have been easy. Replace an unpopular manager, the teams already plummeting for the drop, so just steady the ship a bit, and if we go down, it will be seen as Kinnears fault mainly. Well that didn't work.

First was the simply laughable decision to place Gareth Taylor (already much maligned) in the centre of defence. After a successful cup run had earned the Reds around £500k which he was given to spend, he splashed it all on one striker. Step forward Mr. Scott Dobie. One of the greatest wastes of time in a Red shirt in awhile. He also,though probably correctly, complained at the lack of fitness of the players. Kinnear had relied on team spirit ethos like Wimbledon to succeed, whereas Megson was very much of the mould of getting the players physically right.These were two extremes which did mix well.

Unsurprisingly, Forest were relegated. Although fans hoped that Megson would bring us survival ultimately it was agreed he had inherited a rubbish squad anyway, with players like Rogers and Impey obviously just taking the wages and running. Players who were unpopular and had failed were transfer listed, Marlon King, Kevin James, Alan Rogers and Adam Nowland, but so too was David Johnson, which proved unpopular.

Then came Megson's signings to get us up. Nicky Southall and Ian Breckin proved to be successful, but Nicky Eaden, Gino Padula, Eugene Dadi, and Gary Holt would all proved ultimately to be failures. The team was playing horrible football, with some dire dire performances.

Then came Megson's strange gambit as to why the team were under performing. According to Megson there were dark forces at work in the club conspiring against him. This meant payers under performed, and that this was to blame rather than rubbish signings, strange team selections and horrific football. It was never explained who or what this "mole" was. Whether it was part of the board,the back room staff or the playing staff in unsure. It is true however that post-Megson the team seemed released.

What did come out afterwards is pretty much the entire squad didn't like Megson. His training regime was hated, the style of play was disliked, and getting rid of him was like a breath of fresh air. It certainly felt like for the fans.

In November 2005, Megson also broke off any dealings or interviews with the Evening Post after they suggested that the fact Forest were in the bottom half wasn't really evidence of someone doing their job right and suggested Megson wasn't up to it. That showed them Gary!!!!
Indeed, under Megson, I witnessed a possible low in my attending of games with the away defeat at Barnsley, on a damp dreary day. Forest were so abjectly bad in this game, that were started actually cheering with the Barnsley fans as there was no way you could support that team. Made even better by the fact Megson had to walk back to the tunnel right under the Forest fans unleashing a large amount of abuse his way.

Another low point would be at Yeovil, with Megson inviting in fans into the dressing room to give the post match team talk. What kind of desperation is that a manager resorts to bringing in two fans.The last reserves of a desperate man it certainly seems so.

One year after taking the role Megson resigned. A move he claims lost him £500k, ironically the money he wasted on Dobie. The team bounced back under Frank Barlow and Charlie McParland,and very nearly made the playoffs.

Megson went onto Bolton where he was also largely unpopular before being fired and now is manager of Sheffield Wednesday, who have largely failed under his leadership.

Gunter Dropped Rather Than Rested?

It has been suggested tome by a usually reputable source that it is fact the case that Chris Gunter is not "tired" or "jaded" as previously suggested by the club but has been fact dropped.

There are two schools of thought where the real reason for his sudden demotion to the bench, (aside from being deployed as an emergency left back) One is simple. Gunter wants to move to a bigger club.It has been suggested a few bigger clubs are sniffing around him. Should we fail to get promoted it looks likely the right back will be off. There will be plenty of suitors for still a young international right back.

The second suggestion is that Gunter has been dropped for speaking out of turn. This to me seems likely. Gunter is an emotional character. He is often one of the first players to be embroiled in any skirmish on the pitch, and isn't averse to putting his nose into other business on the pitch.

Where this differs is that it apparently he has been (rightly or wrongly) complaining about many of team mates efforts and work rates. McGugan and McCleary singled out particularly and also Majewski. Now I don't know how accurate this information is, but in the past this source has usually been on the mark.

McGugan has certainly picked up his act lately, but to suddenly have Moloney in every game,and with McKenna playing anew wider role to protect him more might well explain a few things, rather than simply a change of tactics.

Is this Billy cutting his nose to spite his face again to save team morale (think Wilson) or a wise move. Certainly you don't want a player in there who may be unsettling morale at this crucial time, and if Gunter is creating ripples of tension by openly questioning team mates then it may explain his elongated absence for simple exhaustion.

Food for thought certainly.

Podcast - Post Leicester Win

Here is the latest podcast recorded on the journey home from win against Leicester City

It is available via the usual channels of Downloadable WMA file or via Youtube embedded link below

Download
http://www.sendspace.com/file/bkcu9t


Youtube

Forest Beat Leicester to Return to Playoffs

Forest succeeded in beating local rivals Leicester on Good Friday to move back into the playoff zone. It was a cagey affair on a warm sunny afternoon Trentside, but the Reds were victorious nonetheless.

3 times the Reds lead,the last ultimately being the vital winner. Forest went on to win 3-2 versus Leicester, but the Reds made vital errors when in the lead twice.



Billy Daves had changed the team up a little. An enforced change with Konchesky being suspended, saw Gunter in at left back. The midfield was also narrower. McKenna, Mousii and Cohen playing across the middle with McGugan in front of them, in a roving free role.

It took until 15 minutes for the first decent effort, by Lewis McGugan which went over. Not long after though and the Reds had the lead with a lovely goal by Tudgay. McGugan had driven a ball into the area which Tudgay glanced into the corner of the net.

The lead didn't last long. Leicester were quickly back in the match, with a goal from Oakley. Bad defending and richochets in the area led to Oakley powering in astrike that Camp could only get a hand to and turn onto the inside of the post and in.

Leicester and Forest then both had half chances after this. Efforts that probably could and should have been better. Tudgay shot wildly when apass might have been a better option, and Kamara had a good chance for Leicester at the back post.

The first half had probably even and the scoreline reflected this. The second half was a litte more open, reflected in the end result.

Forest retook the lead through Earnshaw. McGugan had shot from range, the shot swerved and Weale could only palm the ball out in front of him,with Earnshaw the fastest to react and took the effort into the net.

The lead lasted no time at all. Darius Vassell who came on a sub scored from close range after more sloppy defending. A free kick was pass outside and relatively unchallenged the ball powered across the face of goal, Gunter deflected the ball away from Camps hands where it was heading onto Camps legs and the ball bounced up to Vassell to score an easy open goal.

However, Forest would again take the lead. McKenna scoring the vital winner for Forest. The ball dropped to him around the edge of the area and McKenna volleyed at goal. The shot itself was quite tame, easy to save. However Weale made a howler and let the ball go under him into the net and hand Forest the 3 points.

3 points that are vital, and led to Forest going back into the playoff zone. Leeds would late draw with Reading, which meant Forest tsay in the playoffs due to goal difference. In fact that goal difference is 1. So McClearys consolation goal at Leeds is extra important.

Findley came on for Forest and showeda few glimpses of what we can expect.Pace and power in abundance are his primary weapons it seems. The whole team can be happy with the 32 points.

The crowd however at times were quick to turn on players, with McKenna getting a lot of unfair abuse and flack. It simply comesfom those who don't understand the veterans role and style of play. Always imploring forward play, McKenna will pass backwards and sideways when there is a pass on. Rather that then needlessly lose the ball.

Forest are back in the playoffs though. It is our spot to lose once again. Lets hope we keep it that way.

Findley In Line to Start Forest Career

Robbie Findley could be unleashed tomorrow by the Reds as anew secret weapon. The pacey American has been injured since signing for the club, but not the relatively unknown quantity might be ready to at least be on the bench for Reds.

Reds fans might finally get to see what their new man is all about. Until now allwehave had were Youtube videos and memories of him destroying Carragher against England in the World Cup for the United States.

In other team news Kris Boyd may well have shrugged the injury off he sustained against Norwich, but Lynch still looks set to miss out, and couple with with Koncheky's suspension. This will see defensive reshuffles for the Reds, with the likeliest set up being Gunter at left back and Moloney at right back. Cohen is also a possibility at left back with his return from his suspension.

So Forest only have one or two people missing out, for a change we are looking fairly strong. Lets hope it results in victory

Forest Player Exit Rumours

Usually we always deal with a vast number of incoming player rumours. Well this time due to a stuttering promotion bid it's our own players being linked with other clubs, and quite a number of them this week to round up and evaluate how likely many of these seem.


Chris Gunter
The Welsh right back is being linked with soon to be promoted QPR as they look to bolster their ranks for the Premiership. And most rumours link them with the cream of the Championship. I think it could be likely to see QPR go for Gunts. He is still young and therefore would be a good investment, I could see him jumping at the chance of Premiership football if offered. If Forest accept such an offer remains to be seen. Every player has his price and all that.


Lewis McGugan
Similarly QPR are being linked with McGugan which is a rumour that also appeared back in January, that didn't have much in it at the time. If Taarabt does leave QPR(a host of top top clubs are linked)then McGugan would be a like for like replacement, though not as good, and with more questions about attitude. McGugan would undoubtedly jump at the offer of Premiership football. Remember before he broke though here he was touting himself to Chelsea apparently


Lee Camp
Obviously a player on top form will get linked, and the season Camp has had its no surprise that Premiership clubs would be sniffing round the new Northern Ireland no.1. Aston Villa are the club being mentioned, Friedel being in the last years of his career is apparently out of contract and Villa are looking to replace the American with Camp. Camp is undoubtedly the one player we would miss more than most, top goalkeepers such as him are few and far between at this level. I'm not sure if Camp would agitate for a move, but a club like Villa could certainly triple his wages easily.


Guy Moussi
Moussi is out of contract this summer,and what with where we will be next season still unknown it seems we are leaving negotiations late. Following his excellent season a few Premiership clubs are sitting up and taking note of this situation. Stoke, Wigan and Everton are the ones being mentioned, and considering he would be on a free it would be relatively risk free. Whether he'd want to go and sit on a Premiership bench for most of the season, as he would, is unclear. He would be a loss for free though.


Luke Chambers
Wolves were being mentioned at looking at Chambers a few weeks ago. Wolves being embroiled in a fight for their top flight status though put's this move in the 'unsure' pile. Baring in mind if relegated they'd have more money than most due to Parachute Payments, they might look at Chambers has a proven Championship defender to help their promotion bid. I can't see them risking him as a buy in the Premiership, but they do persist with Richard Stearman,so who knows.

Wes in Team of theYear

Somewhat surprisingly for most Forest fans is the news that Wes Morgan was selected in Team Of The Year for the Championship.I saw surprisingly because he hasn't even been our best centre-half this season never mind one of the best 2 in the division.

Nonetheless I am pleased for Wes to be getting recognition. The stalwart of our defence should get more plaudits but I still can't help thinking that there is always a Wes howler of old in the system. he does seem to have got those days when Megson nearly ruined him out of the system now. Also interestingly is Grant Holt being there, despite "not being good enough for the Championship" which has been thoroughly disproved.

So well done Wes,even if I think Chambers was more deserving


Championship team: Kenny (QPR), Naughton (Leicester), Harte (Reading), Williams (Swansea), Morgan (Nottm Forest), Taarabt (QPR), Sinclair (Swansea), King (Leicester), Hoolahan (Norwich), Graham (Watford), Holt (Norwich).

Post Burnley Podcast

A double bill because the Reading recording failed. We discuss the two matches,Cohens red card and other nonsense.

Download from here
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Or use our youtube embededness here

Playoffs - We Can Make Them

According to the fans at least. In a poll we have been conduction on 24-7, 60% of fans said they still think we will make the playoffs. That's not Can, but WILL.
And admittedly this poll has been up for a week so many would have vote prior to Tuesdays win, so that percentage is probabaly higher now.

Tomorrows game becomes more and more vital. Though if we were to lose it is not a complete disaster.Leeds seem just as determined to miss out on the playoffs as we were.

Forest have players returning now at the right time, and we might even soon get to see American Robbie Findley.

Soyou have spoken, we WILL make the playoffs. After then its anyone's guess

The Temerity!!!

Sky Sports made the glaring error last night of putting Notts County's badge instead of own superior one. Such a horrendous error,I hope someone gets fired for this clanger. Disgruntled opposition fan I guess.

Forest Return to Winning Ways

Forest got back to winning ways against Burnley at the City Ground tonight, in a drab affair that for long periods looked like it might go nowhere. Coupled with a defeat for Leeds and suddenly Forest are back in the playoff picture.

Forest made a number of changes to the starting line up. Brendan Moloney making a rare appearance in the place of Gunter, who was apparently feeling tired after Saturday. I get quit annoyed when professional sports people claim to be too tired to do what they are paid to do. McKenna returned to the team too in the place of Majewski. Tudgay returned in place of Boyd


The first half turned out to be one of the most largely forgettable halves of football you will ever see, save for the red card that shown to Bartley around the half hour mark. The challenge bore a few hallmarks of the Cohen incident, and its ironic something should come up so soon. Bartley and Chambers went for the same ball, but Bartley seemed to be lunging in. Chambers went down writhing and McKenna was straight in at Bartley accusingly. Like the Leeds game there will be comments suggesting the reactions of players and the like got the man sent off rather than the refs decision. It is hard to say though the ref did blow up immediately.

The red card did give Forest an advantage though, one they took a long time to take. The Reds pretty much had one good effort on target in the first half. McGugan twisted andturned on the edge, firing low, but Brian Jensen saved somewhat easily. Previous efforts had been very tame or just plain straight awful, Earnshaw with an audacious but abysmal effort from range springs to mind. Burnley similarly had few chances in an even first half. Camp saving well with his feet from one in particular

The second half,a little delayed by Burnley being a little tardy for the second half and the match opened up a little. McCleary was running at the opposition more and getting a little more joy getting in behind the defence. McGugan was looking brighter. However, Tudgay had put in a rather lacklustre performance, seemingly uninterested. A number of efforts were made that were easily picked off by Jensen, Earnshaw and McCleary specifically.

The best effort had come from McGugan free kick. His powerful goal bound effort saved one handedly by Jensen, his save wasn't as good as it first looked as he merely palmed it back out into the vicinity of an unmarked Earnshaw, who headed onto the bar from close in. He really should have done better.

Around 70 minutes in and Forest make the vital change. Majewski and McGoldrick came on for Moussi and Tudgay. The change that did just that, changed the game. No more than 2 minutes after his arrival McGoldrick was celebrating in front of the Trent End. McGugan powered in a free kick from the edge of the area, out wide on the left wing. McGoldrick who tucked it in to put the Reds ahead. They were good money for their lead having most of the second half.

Burnley themselves right after had a chance to take the lead, a cross sent over to Iwelumo who had come for Burnley. He headed from a central position but Camp made the save. It only added to the stress in the City Ground. The fans did not feel comfortable. A palpable sense of apprehension emanating from the support.

Forest sealed the win when McGoldrick got his second of the game. An attack down the right, and Earnshaw, surprisingly didn't shoot but squared to McGoldrick, who netted the goal that seized the game. He did actually scuff the shot somewhat, but that probably helped it beat Jensen. Being the 92nd minute this put the game beyond any doubt.

And so a win again for Forest, and right on time. Had we failed here the playoff dream would most certainly be over. As it is we remain just1 point behind Leeds, who are similarly slipping. Any result against Norwich and things are looking good. This may well be the spur to Forest succeeding.

It was mentioned that Forest may have a number of players who have been out returning to the team. I say returning, in the case of Findley it's an introduction. It might be just the catalyst we need.
Look out for the podcast recorded after the game tomorrow.

Complete Sticker Set - Super Players 96

In the first of what I hope to 'be a new series, we are featuring sets of stickers from days gone by. Partly as a nice piece of nostalgia, but also it's quite funny too.

Click the pic above fora bigger version

First up is the Super Players 96 set. This series is noteworthy because all the players shirts were replaced with blank generic blue coloured in jobs, presumably down to some trademark thing. Also it features a picture of Steve Chettle that isn't Steve Chettle, No idea who it in fact is,Colin Copper is also missing. Presumably the pictures were all taken in a pre season game he was missing. I mean they do have Vance Warner there though, it looks like they might think he's a keeper, and I'm not fully convinced it's Vance Warner either by the way. Des Lyttle also appears to be missing

Poor Defence Costs Forest Dear Against Reading

On a sun drenched day at City Ground, Forest lost to Reading in dramatic and heart wrenching fashion. It was however not really surprising. For a neutral this must have been a real spectacle. 4-3 and a missed penalty. Had we won, I'd say it was a classic.

Reading were good value for their win, every attack looked dangerous, specifically down the right flank. Kebe gave Lynch a torrid afternoon. It's hard sitting in here a few hours later thinking of even where to start dissecting what wrong for Forest. We scored 3 goals, that is the one good side for a team that has struggled in front of goal of late, although admittedly two were penalties,you still have to be in the right end to get a penalty.

We lined up in a good old fashioned 4-4-2 but with wingers that would switch. Moussi being back in the defensive midfield role was a welcome boost and we need him to get fully match fit soon.



Defensively itdid all gowrong, it opened up in frontof Reading too often. In Long they have a striker who is a constant danger. Indeed it was Long who won the free kick which Reading would score from. Long running across the edge of the 18 yard box away from goal, went down, the referee adjudging a clip on the heels from Gunter. Long went down very easily, and the ref fell for the dive. Ian Harte of curse is a free kick specialist. He neeted the free kick, the left footed drive from 19 yards beating Camp.

The Forest equaliser came from a penalty. McGugan on the right wing swivelling and falling over the defenders leg. At first the ref looked like he wasn't going to award the penalty, but the linesman was flagging,and the ref awarded it. McGugan initially seized the ball to take the kick, but Boyd instead was to take the penalty. A well taken powerful strike into the bottom left hand corner.

And so 1-1 at half time. Probabaly fair enough. Forest had looked good in parts. Moussi returning had bolstered the midfield. Boyd was looking better than he had, certainly more mobile than against Leeds.

The second half would be spectacular. A lovely move by Forest from one end to the other finished by Earnshaw. Forest had swept forward, and there was excellent work down the left wing, leading to Earnshaw firing from on the left hand side of the area from around 12 yards. At this stage I felt ecstatic. And was tweeting my review of the goal and therefore missed Readings quick reply. Reading scoring from a Harte taken corner with a header by Jem Karacan.

Then again a few minutes later Reading would score again. Kebe netting after a shot was parried by Camp, Kebe finished with a near open goal into the centre of the net. He removed his shirt in celebration and was booked. This prompted Forest into a round of subs. Tyson and Konchesky on in an attempt to bolster the left side of the pitch which had been weak. Moussi went off on his return. McCleary switched back to the right and Tyson playing down the left.

Previosuly to the Reading goal Earnshaw was booked when he nicked the ball off the keeper in a drop kick situation. To be fair to Earnie, the keeper did not have control of the ball as he tossed the ball up kick, Earnie whisked it away. Technically the keeper was not in control of the ball, and Earnie was legitimate in his action. However, these types of goal are never going to be allowed, and Earnshaw was booked for unsporting behaviour.

After a lot of endeavour and a previously turned down penalty appeal (which I think was stone wall,with Adebola being felled in the area) Forest did get another penalty. Gunter was felled by the sub Robson-Kanu and McGugan stepped up to bring Forest level. Elation poured out in the City Ground. We were back in it, and probably deservedly. We obviously forget the lesson learned in the Preston game. Do not think a late goal is job done.

Reading would retake the lead and the win. An attack down the right again, and then a certain amount of debate between some sources about who scored. Chambers with an own goal or Simon Church. Being sat in the Trent End and without the Championship having been on yet, I can't be sure. What is sure is that it was a killer blow to Forest. It knocked all the stuffing out of us, and as a large swathe of Red seats were exposed by an exodus of Forest fans.

Reading then also won a penalty for handball by Gunter. Long, the villain of the piece stepped upand Camp saved! A good saveto his right too, and suddenly Forest weren't quite so dead and buried. Well,yes we were as there was barely time to get the ball up field.

And so Forests playoff hopes are left hanging by a thread. It was a painful defeat to endure. It almost felt like the playoff semi final defeats for the manner of our capitulation. Preston was a few weeks ago and it seems the same ghosts are lurking. Davies post-match talked about naiveity and it showed. The team were and had been all match making many an error. Defensively it looked horrendous. 11 goals in 3 games is dire form. We were ripped to shreads far too easily by Reading. We didn't create too many clear cut efforts in this game, so without the penalties, we had one goal from open play that was well crafted.

It leaves us in a precarious position now. Down to 8th, behind even Millwall now. Two big games this week will decide the season. For some fans on matchline which I have often said is the domain of the lunatic fringe to be calling for Davies head is laughable. Do people not remember where we were prior to his arrival? Again I have seen the usual anti board moans. People just want someone to blame and they are a very easy target

Moussi and Konch MAY Be Back

Word on the street is Moussi may well be back for Saturday. However,what with him only just returning to fitness after a long term injury lay off, it remains to be seen if he will be in a position to start the game.

Konchesky may well be ready to come back, however Lynch at least offers a good back up, whereas in the case of Moussi, thee is no one else to cover in the central midfield.

Earnshaw and Tyson might well be in positions to start. However the bad nes is that Anderson may well be out for longer than previously thought. Anderson might well be out for the rest of the season rather than the previously hoped few days.

In the hunt for a return to form, Forest need to have players returning to the team now. Baring in mind Moussi takes a while to return to form on previous evidence that might not be any time soon. We still have to see anything of Findley, who was out for 2-3 months back at the start of February.Hopefully he is approaching a return to the team.

None of them played for the reserves the other night, which would have been perfect to bring up their match fitness. So it is hard to tell if these players are close. What is obvious is we have very limited holding midfield options. We can't play a midfield without one despite what I have seen some misguided fools think on various Forums

Cohen Ban Upheld

As speculated the FA have decided to uphold Cohen's ban. This is hardly a surprise. I don't think may of us thought we would get much change out of the FA. I assume the club thought as much too and that most of it was posturing. Showing we didn't agree, and will show we think so. Sweet F.A never had more resonance

The fact that since yesterdays article, I have seen that a number of the national press came to the same conclusion it wasn't a red card, but the FA can't be seen to questioning referee's integrity, especially the likes of the Mark Halsey,a premier league referee somehow slumming it for a game in the Football League,how can we have the audacity to question such a figure?

Why have a respect the referee campaign when when a referee makes a mistake he isn't punished or it reversed, and the law makers in suits stick their heads in the sand and pretend nothing happened.

I applaud the club for appealing, it had to be done to show no, we don't agree and we will let you know we don't. If they want people to respect referee's, get decent ref's.

If the FA had reversed this decision it admits there are faults, it admits the game was essentially voided a a match,and they don't want to admit that yes, their referee's are costing teams. Decisions equal their way out over a season, so just let us have our man,and not have him banned, I'm sure we'll see a dodgy red for an opposing team.

IF, and that's a a big IF, Davies was to lose his job at the end of the season for not making the playoffs ( I don't think such a thing would occur, just pure speculation) and it was by 1point or 2. May be even goal difference, it would almost be worth seeing if there is some legal action worth taking, saying that their negligence to do their job correctly resulted in him being fired from his job. Long shot I know.

Dividing Opinion: Cohen's Red Card

I don't think I have seen a decision that has so wildly divided fans of the two teams in a game involving Forest for quite a while. Chris Cohen's red card versus Leeds on Saturday has seen lines drawn in the sand and there is no crossing.

Forest fans are adamant it was a fair challenge. Leeds fans insist it was a reckless dangerous challenge, and thus back Grayson that it was indeed one step below being dragged before the Hague it was so heinous in its severity.

The one thing that doesn't divide anyone is that his decision changed the game completely. That is pretty much cemented. Had Cohen been on the pitch, Howson may not have had the time to net Leeds first, and extra body in the box to get the ball or block may have denied both Gradel goals. Before the red card the match was finely balanced.

I'm not going to point fingers here suggest that Grayson et al got Cohen sent off. If there was no challenge in the first place, with a level of ambiguity about the decision then that would be largely irrelevant. Yes the fans and Grayson reacted, but they had to react to something.

And that where the point of this lies. Interpretation. Of course the fans of each different team is going to see the incident with their own set of blinkers on. I'll admit I am convinced that was never a red, had it been a Leeds man doing that challenge at City Ground? Hell, I'd have calling for a Red too. The advantage of this being on TV is that we get to see the different angles and can clearly see that it is isn't malicious as many a challenge I have seen get away with a booking this season.

Halsey was clearly unsure, he had to consult with his nose pinching assistant to ask, it appears the Lino must have thought red. Perhaps influenced by fans behind him baying for blood? Who knows. His angle of it, would have been the complete opposite of the most-used slow mo replay, and probably would have looked more reckless though. This isn't huge game in the contexts of football in a wider sense, had it been we may have Virtual Reality angles of it done from where the Ref or Linesman was.

Its on such decisions that seasons can rise or fall. Had Cohen stayed on, there is no doubt we would have performed better in the second period. We may not have won, but I think we could have got something out of this game. Cohen is not a dirty player. He's the type of young man mothers probably dream of their daughters bringing home. Not Joey Barton. He is not a malicious player and I doubt has it in him to be so. So for all the fanfare to suggest he is from some quarters is laughable and extremely naive.

The laws of the game decree the following

A player, substitute or substituted player is sent off if he commits any of the following seven offences:

serious foul play
violent conduct
spitting at an opponent or any other person
denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (this does not apply to a goalkeeper within his own penalty area)
denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity to an opponent moving towards the player's goal by an offence punishable by a free kick or a penalty kick
using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures
receiving a second caution in the same match
A player, substitute or substituted player who has been sent off must leave the vicinity of the field of play and the technical area.

This incident has been labelled as serious foul play

This can be broken down from FIFA's own interpretations of the law in section 12

Careless, reckless, using excessive force
“Careless” means that the player has shown a lack of attention or
consideration when making a challenge or that he acted without precaution.
• No further disciplinary sanction is needed if a foul is judged to be careless
“Reckless” means that the player has acted with complete disregard to the
danger to, or consequences for, his opponent.
• A player who plays in a reckless manner must be cautioned
“Using excessive force” means that the player has far exceeded the necessary
use of force and is in danger of injuring his opponent.
• A player who uses excessive force must be sent off

Now its pretty much apparent that this is where the grey area where the doubt reigns. Was it excessive force? Or was it a just amount. My opinion is that wasn't excessive, had McCartney not gone down it wouldn't have been red. The reactions of both sides made everyone think it was worse than what it was. Cohen's left legs trailing for most of the challenge, how can that be excessive if he isn't leading with two feet? And the whole reasoning that it was 2 feet raised off the floor is laughable. Of course it was, the ball was off the floor before you even begin to debate the semantics of that conundrum. It seems the 50/50 is something that looks like it will be increasingly outlawed. If you look at the image below,who looks like they are launching a two footed dangerous lunge more? It's not Cohen.


You can't really blame Grayson or the fans for their reactions. Our fans would do the same, and Davies would undoubtedly do the same. We have seen worse behaviour from opposing managers (Phil Browns technical area invasion springs to mind) but there is this inherent need and desire to create an opposing team pariah out of any incident that does us wrong. I think most of it comes down to bad luck that the various officials views of Cohen's tackle made it look worse.From behind it is clearly isn't malicious but referees don't get the advantage of replays. That's a debate for another day. But we are appealing the decision. It should be over hauled. It won't be though, the FA will back up their man,and justice won't be done. With our parlous midfield state it could be catastrophic for the rest of April.

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Red Card and Poor Defending see's Forest drop to 7th

Defeats and poor referees have become a regular occurrence at Forest in recent weeks. Yesterday proved to be the tip of the iceberg, as Forest fell to their heaviest defeat under Davies since the 5-0 loss at Burnley in March 2009.

We all know it was one poor decision that changed the game for the worse. That red card to Cohen completely took away all of Forest’s momentum and come 60 minutes it was all over.

Forest lined up in a 4-4-2 formation. An injury to McKenna meant Cohen would have to take on responsibilities of being the enforcer in midfield. Lynch and Tudgay also came back into the starting line up for Tyson and Konchesky(injured).

Forest played the first half with real intent and desire - a pleasant change from recent weeks.

The first chance for Forest came through a free kick from 17 yards out. Lewis McGugan chants were sung out in the away end as he could only hit the ball low into the wall – disappointing really as I was expecting him to lob it delicately over the wall.

Majewski went close shortly after with a shot from just outside the box that took a wicked deflection away for a corner – from the away end it looked like the shot was going to fly into the corner.

Forest were definitely the better team and came the closest to breaking the deadlock when a low Joel Lynch cross on the left went right across the face of goal and into Tudgay, who could only put it over. Tudgay should have done a lot, lot better as it was a glorious opportunity.

Snodgrass then forced Camp into a save after Leeds went on a quick break before an injury then followed to Anderson, who was replaced by McCleary. It was a shame really as Anderson had been one of the best players on the pitch and it’s now another name to the injury list.

Forest then had a fantastic opportunity to take the Leeds. Majewski produced some fantastic work on the left before cutting inside two Leeds defenders and cutting the ball back for Boyd. With Kasper Schmiechel nowhere to be seen Boyd had his shot blocked before the rebound fell to Tudgay who had his shot cleared off the line.

Less than 5 seconds after the ball was cleared off the line, Cohen made a tackle that would see him sent off. Cohen flew into a tackle on George McCarthey that sent the Leeds bench, players and crowd into frenzy. Granted Cohen left the ground two footed but by the time he made the tackle, he had one leg on the ground and won the ball before the man. After much consultation with his linesman, Halsey sent Cohen off – a totally ridiculous decision it has to be said. I’ve never seen Cohen fly into a tackle like that - maybe the momentum and delegation of playing the McKenna/Moussi role didn’t help - but it was never a red for me and that seems to be the views of most bar Leeds United and Simon Grayson, who seems convinced he’d have broken McCarthey’s leg.

The red card infuriated Forest fans and with every tackle made from that moment on, chants of “off, off, off” were sung in the away end.

Little else happened after that in the first half. Forest booed the ref and his assistants off and rumours of an altercation in the tunnel between Ned Kelly and some Leeds staff filtered through the ground.

Second half and Forest came out a different team. With no real tackler in the midfield, Leeds was allowed to waltz through and break easily – which became the story of the second half.

Within five minutes of the restart, Jonny Howson had put Leeds ahead. A fantastic through ball by Snodgrass found the advancing Lichaj who whipped in a cross for Howson to control and smash it home from six yards. Poor marking by Wes Morgan it has to be said.

Kris Boyd was shortly withdrawn for Nathan Tyson who’d add that bit of pace we’d been lacking up front.

But on the 58^th minute, it was game over. A corner from Bannan found Bromby, whose header hit the post before Becchio nodded the rebound into the goal.

Leeds almost had a third when Snodgrass’ curling effort clipped the top of Camp’s crossbar and went over. Self destruction was an understatement.

But Forest pulled one back through sub McCleary who set the ball up onto his left foot and hit a sweet curling shot past the hapless Schmeichel from the edge of the box. A remarkable goal and one that will shut the McCleary haters up for a week at least.

The momentum was back with Forest for a short while who went all out attack after being boosted by their goal. A corner from Majewski saw Morgan force Schmeichel into a magnificent reflex save.

But in next to no time, Leeds killed any hopes of a Forest revival off with a great finish from Gradel. A long ball forward was cleared by Wes Morgan as far has Bradley Johnson. Johnson flicked it into Gradel who flicked the ball up and volleyed it past Lee Camp – a goal of pure class from a largely uninspiring player on the day.

Earnshaw came on to offer fresh ideas but Gradel was on hand to grab his second on 87 minutes and make it 4-1. Livermore turned his man to easily and hit the ball at Camp who could only parry. Becchio hit the follow up at Camp before Gradel finished it off. Camp should have saved the initial shot for me but in the end it was too late.

So 4-1 it finished and I can’t help but feel hard done by. With 11 men on the pitch we were totally dominant and I have no doubts we’d have won.

But it was same old Forest not being able to grab a goal when we’re on top in games. The poor decision cost us dearly but we should have defended three of the goals a lot better.

It’s no surprise Forest are appealing the red card but even if successful it won’t take away the fact we’ve lost ground on one of our rivals and now fallen out of the play offs altogether.

What we’re now left to rue is the reality of missing out on the play offs altogether. Our loss allowed Reading to climb into 6^th with a game in hand. We’ve now put even more pressure on ourselves ahead of next weekend’s clash against Reading and with only 1 win in 11 games; I’m not feeling too confident we’ll get much from it.

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Lee Camp - Player of the Month for March

Taking the award for the second month in a row is keeper Lee Camp. After winning February's award Camp went onto have a memorable March, where he made his international debut for Northern Ireland.
Being possibly the best of a bad bunch at Forest in a month that was largely forgettable for all, he beat Adebola into second. Camp took 50% of the vote, Adebola second with 15% and Chambers third with 11%.

Thanks for taking the time to vote, and look out for the April poll toward the end of this month.