So Much For the West Ham Rumour

Don't like to be a told you so, but I did say I really can't see that one coming off for a multitude of reasons. But it is all academic now Allardyce has the job.

This is the problem at this time of the season. There is so little else to focus on in terms of matches and analysis of games pre and post match that all the focus goes on mindless speculation.

And honestly this really was mindless. It was adding 2 + 2 and coming up with something akin to 27.

Hopefully this can all now be put to bed. No news in my opinion means no change. Many fans have demanded to be let know, but why? That's only the case if something will change, and then the same people demanding to know will be in uproar.

If Davies was going to be replaced that would surely have happened by now, like with Cardiff. The meeting that was so heavily discussed was long ago enough now that any fallout would have been leaked or resulted in Billy's departure.

This whole back him or sack him campaign was quite funny, in so far as you either want money spent on him or to be replaced completely?I get that people want to know the future of the club but to claim that we have a right to know is strange. I've spent a lot of money in Amazon too, or HMV etc and I don't demand to know the future of their brands, so the we pay for the tickets argument is a little crass. It's just that as fans we get so involved, that we start to think that this is more than a business. But essentially these decisions being made are on business reasons. Balancing books is as important as results. We could have splashed cash yeah, but then we could have screwed the longevity of the club.

People always counter that with someone else would just come in, but that might be someone like at Derby who asset strip the club completely. Much better be run on a sound future footing.

Also there was a lot of moaning about the Tyson situation that apparently the deal was only made via the post,countered by the club today saying that Tyson had changed agent and not informed the club. Is Tyson making excuses to make it look he's forced out? I expect so. But there is a part that the club didn't want him anyway so I assume we also made a derisory offer.

It also might mean Earnie and Moussi have been offered deals.

So yeah an article about Billy's future ended up as a rumours round up

Speculation Rife on Davies Future

Ok, so I was half thinking of leaving this article and just waiting to see what happened. But for one I am busy tomorrow and I want to vent my spleen now.

The speculation is absolutely rife on Twitter, Facebook and forums that Mr William McIntosh Davies will no longer be the manager of Nottingham Forest come tomorrow.

This is based on, well a lot of things to be honest. A long drawn out host of reasons. Stretching back way before this season.

Twitter is alive with gossip right now that Davies is second favourite for the West Ham job. His odds have dropped heavily to 4/1 or 5/1 depending on the various bookies behind Sam Allardyce, and with some sites behind Chris Hughton. West Ham have revealed they have offered the job to a manager with Premier League and Championship experience, all three fit the bill.

However where Davies differs, and here's the crux, is that the other two are out of work and would therefore cost nothing, whereas we would demand compensation. What with West Ham apparently being in a bit of a pickle financially this would point to the two cheaper options. Additionally the odds were similar for Preston's job when that became available, and we all know what happened then, he stayed!!

Additionally is the fact that West Ham are possibly even worse than Forest for tight purse strings and for retaining board level control of financials than Forest, which Billy wouldn't like. And as much as Davies might dislike Arthur and Doughty, does the prospect of Gold, Sullivan and Brady really entice anyone?

And furthermore remember the old thing about Davies going off up to Scotland regularly? Well would he really move further away from there? Admittedly it wouldn't take MUCH longer on a plane from London than Heathrow, but the fact remains.

Despite all these valid reasons why Davies wouldn't go, are equally valid reasons as to why we would. Davies might well jump before being pushed, a la David Platt. The board are umming and ahhing about what to do, so this just make take that decision out of their hands and make it look like our man was poached rather than essentially having his hand forced.

There are those at board level who dislike Davies and have pushed for his dismissal before apparently. Those people will be lurking once again advising Mr Doughty that this summer is the perfect opportunity to get more of a Yes Man in than the Scot.

The silence from the club can be read either way depending on your outlook. They have admittedly neither backed him, nor have they acted to remove him, which usually, and I stress usually,is done sooner after the season than now. However they haven't also come out an said yes he is our man for now, we will back him. That speaks volumes too, that they they are debating what to do. That might signify they were hoping this situation is exactly what would happen.

But we all know how media savvy Billy is,and he ha gladly uses it at every opportunity. Surely, surly surely he would have used the press to push fora contract. Or suggested as he did last year he would be up for a bigger better job like he did when the Celtic job was linked last summer.

The truth is we simply don't know. Twitter, Forums and Facebook love to live on gossip and speculation. So right now half the fans on there are all busy posting rumour and counter rumour.I neither suggest either likelihood. I don't know. I don't pretend to know (although I did comment last week he was set to sign a new deal) No-one knows other than Messrs Davies, Doughty, Arthur and maybe just maybe, Gold and Sullivan.


*****Having initially written this I have just thought, that I swear West Ham also said they wanted someone who knows London and the people there, which would indicate Chris Hughton, ahead of Davies or Allardyce.*****

Choose Your 2011/12 Forest Home Shirt

On the Forest24-7 forum we have been getting members to design kits for the season ahead. Now we open this up to you to vote on which kit you like best. We have no idea what the kit will look like yet, so this is merely for fun.Please choose from the poll on the right.

Kit A (designed by Nagash)



Kit B (designed by Nagash)



Kit C (designed by Manic Loop)


Kit D (designed by Manic Loop)



Kit E (designed by Manic Loop)



Kit F (designed by Nagash)



Kit G (designed by Ben89_182)



Kit H (designed by Mr Geo_Challenge)

Oh the Hilarity...

Took a while for the jokes to filter in to me about Forests defeat but lo and behold this text came in tome from a Mansfield fan of all people.

"I hear Forest bringing out a new wine for next season called 'Promotion Push' Should be good stuff, they've been bottling it for years."

I have to admit, I had to have a little chuckle to myself. Had I got it earlier I may not have accepted so readily.

Forest 24-7 Player of the Season Award

Thank you everyone for voting in the player of the season poll. The results are now in.

Luke Chambers won by quite some distance, He took 55% of the vote,beating Lewis McGugan into second with 13% and Lee Camp in third with 11%.

This mirrors the club award of Chambers winning player of the season after successfully firstly filling in for Kelvin Wilson before finally making the position his own. Chambers won over a large number of sceptical fans who had previously thought him not capable of stepping up.

Congratulations Luke, who is surely a contender for club captain should McKenna not be at the club next year.

Earnshaw to Captain Wales for First Time

It's still very much up in the air whether he will be staying, as discussed earlier, but Robert Earnshaw is to captain Wales for the first time in his career tomorrow v Scotland.

It is part of the Home Nation series taking place in Dublin at the Aviva Stadium. Congrats to Earnie on this honour.

It will also be his 53rd Cap for the Zambian born striker

So Long, and Thankyou...

As previously reported it looked like Tyson, Moussi and others may be off.

Well the first confirmed departure is Dele Adebola,who it has been revealed has signed a deal with Hull. Two things spring to mind with me and Adebola. One it's really not much of a miss. Ok the big feller came on and scored one or two vital goals here and there, and he always tried his damndest, but lets face it, he was never good enough. In fact had we released him at the end of last season most would have been relieved. He won a few people more over this season, but he was never going to be leading the line for the Reds, used as a big lump to aim at when we really need it up in the area late on. Another aspect to this is that a "promotion rival" in Hull (I used inverted commas as I see them as nothing of the sort) has signed him. One of our cast offs being picked up by a rival can only be good news. Our players who aren't good enough are still sought after elsewhere, what does that say about us?

Nathan Tyson looks likely to sign a deal somewhere this week, with a number of clubs including Ipswich, Derby and Hull have been mentioned. The thing with Tyson is I don't begrudge the guy a move. He has been a number of years, but I still say he isn't a Championship quality player, as he can neither control the ball, finish or cross. That being said he has been therein some vital matches and no-one will ever forget the Man City goal, but lets face it,if we wan to kick on, he isn't good enough. Neither does he play enough being as injury prone as he is. We all laughed when Blackpool were linked last summer.

Julian Bennett is unlikely to be retained, as most readers will know I am not a fan of a player whose whole reputation is for effort. That will only take you so far, ability has to be there too and I'm afraid he doesn't have the requisite amount. Those who hold him high regard are usually the types of fan who celebrate a hard tackle as much as a goal. No doubt like Tyson he weighed in with some good performances but he is also a League 1 player. Palace didn't think much to him either, and they were rubbish. Indeed a 37 year old Edgar Davids was used as left back ahead of Bennett in a few games.

Paul Smith, won't be signing for Boro as they don't have any spare budget for wages. Thats because they are paying such ridiculous fees to former SPL rejects. Add in they only got him into cover injuries anyway, so they have keepers they already rate without adding more to their creaking wage bill.

Now we come to the two players where there is a lot of interest from Forest fans. There are numerous unconfirmed reports that Moussi has signed for Everton. There has been no concrete proof of this yet. To be fair he is so inconsistent that it might not be such a huge loss. When he is poor he might as well be an opponents twelfth man he gives away possession so much. That said he is a beast in the midfield.
Earnshaw has attracted supposed interest from Leicester and Cardiff. However the word is he wants to stay at Forest as he feels settled. The issue is we want him to take a pay cut. He does have a higher paid deal on offer elsewhere, but on a shorter term deal than we are offering (ie we are offering 2 years, the other deal offered by whoever is one year) I comes down to a quick pay day for Earnie or more stability, so its still very much in the air.

Nialle Rodney tweeted earlier today he doesn't know where he will be playing next year.

McKenna to Return to Preston?

I have it from a usually reliable source of mine that Forest may be willing to let Paul McKenna return to Preston as part of a deal to bring Keith Treacy to the City Ground.

Following Preston's relegation many of their star players are looking to move to stay in the Championship and Tracey is apparently a player Forest have targeted. A left winger this would make excellent sense. He is a quality young player.



But as part of this deal s the possibility than McKenna might return to the club where he spent so many years. does this indicate Davies has lost faith in the ageing legs of his skipper? Perhaps. Or it might make sense to be shifting on a player who hasn't performed at his best this season and whose legs are starting to go.

Although this might please many of the McKenna boo boys of which there are many it would be a shame to see a dedicated pro like McKenna leave,and although he might not be the best player, his worth ethic and effort cannot be doubted.

Like I say this is just a rumour and is by no means definitely happening.But this source has been right on a lot before 9and also wrong on occasion

Transfer Gossip

The first load of transfer gossip has been circling now we where we will be playing next year. As usual we aren't revealing this as news,but a round up where we discuss possibilities

First up are potential In's

David Norris

The Ipswich midfielder is available for nothing. Having been voted player of the season for the Tractor Boys this season, he is also their captain. It would appear therefore that Davies is accepting that McKenna is becoming a spent force and is looking to get a new midfield general in. Leeds are also interested, and apparently, Stoke, Wigan and Bolton. Considering these teams are being linked with every Championship teams midfielders, including Moussi, that may not be accurate. Norris is 30, and would be looking for his last big contract of his career.


Kris Boyd

Now his loan is up,there are rumours Billy would like to make this a permanent deal. For one, Blackstock won't be back for awhile yet. Boyd scored a few vital goals in getting Forest over the line for the play offs. However, he isn't cheap. He is on big wages at Boro and we would have to at least offer nearly as much to bring him here permanently. I can't see Boyd volunteering up a 50% pay reduction which would be the minimum to bring him here. Shame,I was impressed with the big guy in the last few weeks. Let's hope he values football ahead of wages.


Billy Jones

I've been aware of him fr a while, what with a former housemate being a Crewe fan,he used to wax lyrical about him. He is available for a free after Prestons relegation and would be a very hand utility player. Like a better version of Perch, he can play in defence or midfield. His name has been mentioned a lot and it seems very likely we are in for him. Like Norris above he was his clubs player of the season, and is also attracting attention from elsewhere. He captained the team in the last game of the season.

There are also vague rumours surrounding Scott Loach signing, which would seem to depend on Camp leaving.


Now for potential outs

Joel Lynch

Today Sky have linked the backup defender to Millwall and Bristol City. As he barely featured at times last year, either through injury or being down the pecking order,it may be that the Reds want to move on the 23 year old after a few years at the club without much impact. Since joining from Brighton he has only ever been a back up, and it might be time to let him leave.


Nathan Tyson

As we all know he is out of contract. And Derby are heavily linked. Tyson is injury prone, has made terrible misses and is now 29 years old.It is probably time we went our separate ways. Tyson often spoke of being settled here and a move to Derby would make things easy for him to not move his young family.That said, Derby fans remember Flaggate and might not be the most welcoming to the prospect of a vilified figure joining them.


Robert Earnshaw

Leicester were heavily linked with Earnie last week, and that might be a viable option. Earnie is on a sizeable chunk of cash a week and Leicester are flush wit cash, where as we have told the Welshman tat if he wants to stay he has to take a big pay cut. Earnie has been frustrating at times. He obviously has talent, and a natural finisher, but there are times it seems like he tries to score audacious goals and fail rather than make a simple pass at times. Might be time to let him go,unless he does sign a cheaper deal. He did say the other day on Twitter, time to make some decisions about his future.

Also out of contract, Julian Bennett, Paul Smith and Dele Adebola are all likely to be released, with little news on where to. Guy Moussi is also out of contract, with a number of clubs being linked,in England and France,however there is increasing gossip that Moussi may sign a new deal and stay on.

There is also unfounded gossip about Camp, Chambers and McGugan leaving.These are merely forum based rumours with little or no substance in them.

FAO Andre Marriner

This is hand ball. You can clearly see this, where the ball, the round thing which people kick with feet, is striking the hand of Swansea's Williams, who was in the area at the time. Remember, that isn't allowed.

However Mr Marriner, in all your wisdom, you deemed that this was not the case. Somehow. We don't mind really, seeing as it was in the 91st minute whilst losing 2-1, in the play off semi. Just any other game.

Anyway, just thought we'd bring it to your attention, we know what with you being a Premiership level referee that you'd want to know when your mistakes are glaringly obvious. Thanks

Davies to Sign New Deal?

Contrary to rumours doing the rounds after David Johnson's somewhat secretive tweet saying big news is to be announced, it may be that Davies is not about to be sacked,but instead might be offered a new deal.

For one the Forest website has featured Davies talking about future signings. Some press has mentioned Davies to stay whereas the talk all day on Radio Nottingham was of potential dismissals or resignations. But Davies doesn't do resigning. Davies ultimately believes in himself. And though people question his relationship with the chairman, Doughty ultimately has said he likes that Davies has fire in his belly and is confrontational. It makes him a winner.

The news might well be Davies extending his £500k a year deal with the Reds. Or we might be wrong. Its happened before

Tshaba Deal Off?

Well first off, was the deal ever on? We only ever had his agents words on that this was all signed sealed and delivered. Forest didn't ever say anything of the sort.

Siphiwe Tshabalala's agent Jazzman Mahlakgane has said the deal is on ice and that they are in talks with other clubs, one in England and one in Belgium.

Therefore, the critique that Forest had never said anything and that the agent was just currying interest for an alternative deal. Additionally, He is wanting to stay in South Africa for his Chippy business empire interests.

finally it appears Forests failure to get promoted may be why the agent has made this move. It seems they wanted a high profile move, which they no longer see Forest as.

Your loss Tshaba.

Playoff Dream Over. Again

Nottingham Forest have continued their awful run in the play offs with defeat at Swansea last night in what was an enthralling contest. The Reds fell behind 2-0 before battering the Swansea goal in the second half, before finally scoring with ten minutes left. The dream was ended in extra time by long term target Darren Pratley who scored from half way when Camp had gone up for a corner.

That opening paragraph barely covers the full story in trying to start this article with an overview of a game that was as usual for the Reds in the Play offs, action packed. Second legs of our play off matches should come with health warnings now. I watch the hairs physically grey in front of my eyes on some people sat around me.

For a neutral that must have been exhilarating watching. Goals, penalty appeals, posts and bars hit, repeatedly. Questionable reffing one again from a topflight referee. It was as good an advert for the Championship as you could get, it's just a shame it all ended in the wrong manner.



Davies sprang a surprise with his team selection by selecting Tyson. Opting for the electric pace up front, rather than the finishing of Earnshaw. And it nearly worked early on,when Tyson raced clear, making the defender look static before squaring a great ball to McGoldrick, who's left footed shot clipped the top of the bar.

Not long after Swansea went up the other end with a good chance. Sinclair had got in down the left and fizzed the ball across the area, where no-one was to put it in. If they had been it would have undoubtedly been 1-0 there and then. Forest went up the other end and nearly scored with a McGoldrick flick from a free kick put in. The flick went straight at de Vries,and had it been one foot either way it would have been in. At this stage too Moussi was consistently giving the ball away after winning it back.It encompassed all that is frustrating about the Frenchmans game.

Swansea then had two very good chances. Rangel first bursting into the box and providing a defenders finish by blazing it wide, before Borini had a wonderful effort come off the bar. The came the first penalty appeal. McGugan moving into the area was having his shirt clearly pulled by Tate in the Swansea defence. Marriner, didn't flinch,nothing given. Even Warnock at half time said it was a penalty and he hates Forest. Then 1 minute later Gunter was booked for the same offence. Guess they just aren't given in the area.

And then Swansea scored. Twice in five minutes. First Britton scored a lovely goal. A curling finish Camp didn't even move for. Tudgay should have defended better,but you can't detract from what was a great finish. Then five minutes later Dobbie,who was a key member of the Blackpool team who demolished Forest last year scythed through the defence, nutmegging Chambers and finished low into the bottom right hand corner, and Forests fans hearts all collectively sank.

Just before half time came another penalty appeal when Rangel and Tyson tussled. Borini also had a good shot well saved by Camp, and that was that. 2-0 at half time and we looked dead and buried. I consoled myself with beer during half time whilst being shocked that I agreed with a lot of what Warnock was saying in the studio. He really does have a triangular head.

As the second half came to life so did Forest. Tyson had again used his electric pace to get away from the defenders and squared the ball back to the edge of the D, where Tudgay blazed over with his left foot. He might have had time to get it on his favoured foot.

Just before the hour and the woodwork was hit again. A free kick right on the edge of the area,McGugan stepped up and smacked it off the bar. So close again to that elusive goal which would have given us hope. Swansea then had a chance to finish it,when Pratley who had just come missed a free header in the box from close in.Completely unmarked,it was shambolic defending from the Reds. My friend told me of course Pratley would miss, he's signed a pre contract deal with us. I remained sceptical.

Forest made changes. Majewski, Boyd and Earnshaw were all introduced over the next 10-15 minutes. Tudgay, Tyson and McGoldrick being removed. And on 80 minutes it paid dividends. Majewski put in a gorgeous ball, and Earnshaw did what he did best, getting away from his man and finishing into the corner of the goal with a great finish. It was game on now. Forest had been pounding on the Swansea door and we now had a foot in it.

The last 4-5minutes were torture. Earnshaw hit the post, a matter of inches and it would have been 2-2.Knowing the way we have played after getting back in games, we'd have blown it anyway. But by god it was close. And then Camp started coming for corners. On one of them the ball came to Earnshaw again who tried to put the ball in and it seemed to hit Williams on the arm. I felt sure it did but I haven't seen it again. But then the game was ended.

The ball fell to McGugan as it came out of the area,but he slipped and Swansea had possession. Pratley ran it to halfway,were he shot from, and with Camp up the other end, the net was empty. Swansea had restored the two goal lead and Forest were beaten. Again it was painful, as it has been each and every occasion in the play offs. This time though, we never led the tie like before.

My brother being a neutral, told me later that it was an amazing match. It was amazing for me too as a Forest fan with a huge vested interest.But by god that last 10-15 minutes were a mixture of exhilarating and confusing. Horrorfying and compelling. Painful but memorable. We simply don't do bland second legs in the playoffs. We should be given a fee pass to them to provide the country with entertainment.

It was frustrating that we allowed ourselves to concede essentially two sloppy goals. But we can be ever so proud of that second half performance. A different ref and we may have had one of those penalties. The Swansea posts and crossbars will need a new lick of paint, after our battering of them. I will say this though,over two legs the Swans deserve it and I say fair play to them. They are a good team and I hope they go up. I couldn't stand to see Cardiff there.

So another season draws to an end with another painful ending. But I can't wait for the next one. That might be the last we see of Messrs Earnshaw, Tyson, Moussi, Bennett all of whom are out of contract. I hope its not the last we have of Billy.

Goal of the Season - Lewis McGugan

Thank you to all who voted, a good turn out of votes in the end, with a somewhat predictable result.

Lewis McGugans wonder free kick versus Ipswich was voted as goal of the season from the choice of ten. He beat McGoldricks goal into against Crystal Palace into second place,and scored 68% on the poll,comfortably beating all the other choices shortlisted.

Heres an embedded link to a Youtube vid of the goal just in case you were on Mars and missed it.

Post Swansea First Leg Podcast

Here is the latest version of the Forest 24-7 podcast, recorded after the 0-0 draw with Swansea in the Playoffs First Leg.

As usual it available to download or to"watch" via Youtube

WMA version
http://www.sendspace.com/file/hauev6


Youtube Version

Seconds Out...Round 2

So the first leg has come and gone, and though we all feel we should have done better, we are in this tie.

Those fans of other teams who enjoy attempting to wind up Forest, they say that was our best chance and we will get turned over. But lets remember that second legs and Forest in the playoffs don't go to plan. They don't follow form books. And they don't make sense.

We have to go for it, there's no two ways about that, but we still have to be careful. Had we had a lead I fear we would simply have tried to defend it. And if we did that and invited Swansea onto us, well we would probably get stuffed.

No-one gives us a hope outside of the club. That's fine with me. I'm used to being wound up now with a taunt of "Nottingham Forest F***ed it up again. at least time we have never had that period of ascendancy.

The pressure is off. At half time it is all to play for. We know very well we can beat anyone on our day, and if we have Moussi and Findley back that could be something to tip the balance. Findley is largely an unknown quantity still to us,so never mind opposing defences. I think it would certainly be worth the risk should he be passed fit. What we have been told and what I saw at the World Cup is that he has frightening pace. Added to the fact Earnshaw has been terrible of late,with some awful finishing or greedy play when passing might be better than shooting.

Swansea may freeze a little, nervous that everything is expected of them. They will be confident. At the moment it is unsure whether Taylor will be back. The man who was sent off correctly, is having his red card appealed. To the Welsh FA. How is this fair, of course they will push it through. Borini may be out with the injury that forced him off. That would be good as he his a dangerous striker.

What we have to remember is that there are 90 minutes, maybe 120 to play. It is all to play for

Forest Fail To Break Down Resolute 10 Men Swansea

I approached the game with a great amount of trepidation, as borne out in previous articles discussing my fears and worry about the game. The result overall,well not a disaster. a 0-0 draw against anyone of Swansea's ability is not to be sniffed at.

What is is though is the manner in which Forest drew a stalemate with a team who played with 10 men for 89minutes. After the early horrendous challenge by Taylor, Forest should really have took hold of the game by the scruff of the neck and taken it to the Swans.

However they seemed confused at the prospect of playing Ten Men rather than the Eleven they had done so much work on before. Swansea are a hard to to break down anyway, but with Ten men it became damage limitation. But coupled with the lightning pace and trickery on each wing they could attack you quickly.

Another problem that seemed to be occurring to me was Camps inability to kick the ball.Only once, maybe twice did he launch the ball. I' not an advocate of the long ball, but when it was played short each time, we had the defence facing 10 men to break down, with a line of the back four, that's essentially a very difficult prospect. If Camp had been able to launch it, we may have got attacks going more quickly.

Swansea in fact possibly had the best effort of the first half. A free kick which Borini sent in,tipped over the bar by Camp. At the other end de Vries saved well from Earnshaw when the ball was centred.

It had been cagey, it had been dull if I am honest, but it was mostly frustrating. Forest passed the ball well enough, but never with a sense of urgency, or a killer through ball. It wasn't helped by the front line largely being static.

The second half was a little more open, especially after the substitutions came, and I must say they came 10 minutes too late for the Reds. There seemed an unwillingness to drive at players on the wing.Neither flank got past their man much to deliver crosses. When they did come, largely in the end from corners they were too deep or too short.

Save for one which Earnshaw turned in, only to be flagged offside.Was the ball going in anyway? Who knows. From where I was it looked it was, but my position high in the Trent End is not always the best angle to judge the flight of the ball.

McGugan had has rasping shot turned away by de Vries, and a few other pot shots came to no avail. Then of course there was Cohen's effort. Having now seen the TV replay I don;t understand why this was not given. The defender (Tait?)had his arms raised as the shot hit him, clearly,on the arm, and Mike Dean waved it away. This for me was a bad decision, a blatant penalty in my opinion.

McCleary, Tyson and Tudgay all came on,Tudgay was ineffectual, but the other too ran a bit more than had been and tried to take men on, but to often it was round the edge of the tightly packed penalty area. Swansea filling it up with bodies to deny a ball into the box.

It was a great rearguard performance by the Swans. They can be proud of their 0-0.We can hold our heads high. We didn't ashame ourselves, but it could and should have been so much more. Definitely an opportunity missed. But there is still Monday.For those Swansea fans singing of Wembley at the end, Forest fans can teach you all to well the perils of presuming a good first leg result means that Wembley is near assured. They don't call this a lottery for nothing

The Rollercoaster Ride is about to Begin

Here we go Reds fans. Here I am 3 and a half hours before kick off, and a game that hasn't made me nervous yet just kicked in. It doesn't help all the various articles going up about our past playoff capitulations. Sky and the BBC will be dying for us to do something similar again, because by now viewers know Forest + Playoffs = excitement and heartache, the very bed rock the Playoffs are built on.

But unlike the past two times we are the underdog. We aren't the ones to beat. I like this feeling more than how we ere before. Also this time if we are 2 up after the first leg, I won;t be as brashly confident as to pay my deposit for the mini bus to Wembley and curse our promotion bid like I did after the first leg of the Yeovil game.

The last time we snuck in the playoffs as the last team, it barely registered tome.I was on the other side of the world. Of curse I knew the first leg score and how we had done, I had been checking this via the net and via texts. But no,there I was at 5.30am ish in the back on a mini bus off to pick olives somewhere in deepest Victoria, Australia receiving texts telling me of our triumph...and then our capitulation. I was so tired I didn't care.Plus it saved me a head ache of trying to find the game on TV somewhere... anywhere it may have been.

But this time, I go into this thinking anything is a bonus.We are against the best team in the playoffs. We don't have second leg home advantage. I also know there is going to be to quote Billy's favourite terms, "twists and turns" I know this. I will hate it,I will love it,and I going to it happily knowing the stress will probably shave a number of weeks may be months off my life. It's a good job I'm not dark haired so as to show more grey hairs that would surely appear.

Anyway, so tonight and Monday will be needlessly stressful.I know this. But I'll still embrace it.

Billys Lawyer and Rank Bad Journalism

I was going to avoid the whole charade surrounding Billy Davies and his latest gambit of wanting journalists attending the press conference pre game against Swansea to speak to his lawyer before the press conference. This isn't the first time Billy has played this game.

Forest fans are now more than used to our manager behaving in this manner. To us it's barely newsworthy any more. OK Davies is acting up again, so what, he always does, this is his modus operandi.

It seems this has upset some though, obviously put out at the fact they won't be able to ask what they want, an have started conspiratorial whispers about why this may be.

Apparently, off the agenda will be Davies relationship with Doughty. Again this isn't new news. We have heard about this a lot during the campaign. Journo's constantly trying to scratch the surface and get to the bottom of why they may not see eye to eye.

But lets be honest, who always does see eye to eye with their boss? There is also a nature of questioning something has been done or not done often in the case of Forest transfers. It's human nature to question this kind of thing.

Yet there is this inherent desire to create something out of nothing here. The simple fact is to me is that Davies wants to focus on the game. Other stories can wait till this merry-go-round that is the play-offs has been and gone. Keep the players focus on the matter in hand and not on what else may be. The journalists are playing into his hand.Chasing the titbits he has thrown them in their insatiable desire for a scoop.

I'll be honest, I haven't been Davies biggest fan this season. Earlier this season I questioned his commitment and whether we should retain him. I admit, happily, he has proved me wrong.I now see the game he is playing with the media. His methods and questionable quotes often result in a better performance by the Reds. The players it seems are keen to impress Davies and up their game when their backs are against the wall. And that is exactly where we are now. So it's Billy Davies kidology again.

Lets make no mistake. If Davies managed another club I would probably detest the man. He infuriates me with many of his quotes. Some of his unsporting behaviour. The way he always sends the player being substituted to stand on the opposite wing when we are winning so as to maximise time wasted. The time I saw him instruct the ball balls to not retrieve the balls quickly for the opposition another case.

And it seems he rubs other managers the wrong way. Dave Jones comments after we beat Cardiff away that Blackstocks horrific injury was "just another thing for Billy Davies to moan about" and Grayson was not best pleased with Davies either after the non-Battle of Elland Road. That and Phil Brown sprinting into our technical zone to rub it in Davies face when Preston equalised late on. However, these managers are also widely vilified too

All this said, look at Davies record. He doesn't fail. And for that he has my full support in whatever game he is playing with the media. Now they will write about what's he trying to do, write about his relationships. What they won't do is now distract the players by actually talking about the game, and Davies can get their heads right for two gargantuan games.

Playoffs: Agony/Ecstasy

This is reposting of an article I wrote last year after Blackpool put us out the playoffs underlining my disbelief but acceptance at what had happened, and talking about the bittersweet nature of the playoffs. This was written for Soccer24-7, and since then we started Forest 24-7, so I shall give this it's rightful home



They say the best way to go up is via the playoffs. The feeling of euphoria of navigating these most tricky of matches and the success of an on the day success makes it a day like no other.

As a Nottingham Forest fan I think it is something I am starting to doubt we will ever experience.

Three times now we have qualified to the playoffs and three times we have failed in the semi finals. A strange aura of acceptance seemed to emanate from City Ground last night.

Like we all sort of expected to be defeated, despite having a wonderful home record, finishing above Blackpool in the league and arguably having the better team on paper.

This is the wonderful unpredictable nature of Football though. A team who have a wonderful home defensive record (indeed 12 hours without conceding a goal) and we go and concede 4, and I won’t take anything away from Blackpool, they deserve to be going to Wembley.

It’s been a day now; it still doesn’t make the bitter pill easier to swallow. I saw the goals earlier, and it remained difficult to watch. When we lost to Yeovil in the playoffs in much more dramatic and self destructive style, it took me fully 2 years to be able to watch those goals again on Youtube. And even then it was painful.

This time it is easier to take in. Maybe because we didn’t have the two goal lead from an away leg. Maybe because this season we have been far better than any of us expected, whereas in the League One playoffs we had much higher expectations.

Some have said the playoffs are merely unfair. A way from the football league to stretch the season out and mil more money, but consider the three Forest games and each one has been utter excitement, in which the game takes many twists and turns. Seldom is it a mundane one goal in over two legs match.

For instance, right now I am watching Cardiff v Leicester. The first leg may have been just a single goal, but this second leg has been exciting with goals flying in and shots rattling the woodwork or with great saves, making it hang in the balance so finely.

My brother last year managed to attend the playoff final when Sheffield United reached it and lost to Burnley, my brother I should add is a Sheffield United fan. He said that losing in the final is worse than whatever I can feel now. It’s the worst game to lose in football was his contention.

Maybe it is, I’d almost say I would like to know. The one main way we had of comforting ourselves was the fact it’ll save £100+ each for not having to buy a ticket, get the coach/train/car etc down to London and then the other associated costs of beer and all that jazz. It’s scant consolation.

We all knew we’d prefer to have “wasted” that money and lose at Wembley than the semi finals which have become our graveyard.

And this is the beauty of the playoffs.

It can be torture, it can be ecstasy.

Goal of the Season Poll

Ladies and Gentlemen, I know we still have the play-offs to go,but these things are usually done for the regulation season games. Anyway, please watch the following compilation video and vote for your Forest goal of the season. There are 10 choices to pick from, so please choose the one you think was best form this wonderful selection, in the poll on the right.
Unsurprisingly McGugan goals feature heavily, with a few others chipping in. I had to make a cut off somewhere so if you think a goal was more worthy, I apologise, but these are the shortlist

Kris Boyd - April Player of the Month

Kris Boyd has been voted by your the Forest 24-7 readers as player of the month for April. It comes after Boyd weighed in with some vital goals in Forests successful push for the play offs.

The big Scot won with 52% of the vote, Luke Chambers came second with 17% and Chris Cohen 3rd with 11%

Thank you all for voting, and soon we will have the player of the season poll up (Once the play offs conclude)

Forest Missing 6 for Crunch Palace Tie

Forest will be missing a number of players for tomorrows big game with Palace, which of course is live on Sky Sports.

Earnshaw is suspended, for having the audacity of taking a free kick, as we all know. Wilson is "injured" still, and Findley, Tyson and Lynch all have knocks and of course Dexter Blackstock is long term injured.

Paul Konchesky's loan has now expired so he has gone back to Liverpool, opening up the left back spot for Gunter to move over and allow in Maloney, or Julian Bennett to play the team he sent the first half the season on loan at. Another option is of course Chris Cohen at left back, but this is the least likely option in my opinion.

The rest of the team should pretty much pick it self. Boyd scoring for fun should keep him self in the side. The only real selection head ache is to see what happens in midfield, whether Moussi gets himself back into the team, and whether McKenna keeps his place. It could be that Davies has decided its all but decided and rests people.

That again is unlikely, as Davies has said we need to concentrate on our game rather than look at what Leeds are doing against QPR.

Post Scunthorpe Podcast

Here isthe latest podcast, recorded on the journey home from the emphatic win against Scunthorpe. We discuss the game, the season as a whole and moving on into the playoffs. We also briefly touch on the QPR issue.

It is available in the usual ways from downloading, or from Youtube. We hope next season to get on Itunes.

Download from here
http://www.sendspace.com/file/qa3gk7

Or watch on Youtube embeddedness



Enjoy

So Grant Holt is a Premier League Captain...

Norwich City have achieved promotion to the Premier League, for which I congratulate them, which they achieved with former Red Grant Holt as their captain. I on the one hand applaud Holt for making a success of himself post Forest, but I can't wondering how did this all happen.

I was somewhat of a Grant Holt fan I will admit. However I never for one moment thought he was a Championship quality striker, never mind a potential captain of a top flight team. But that is what looks likely. It will also see him playing in all four English divisions in consecutive seasons, which a wonderful feat to achieve

When we sold Holt to then Shrewsbury, I thought it was a wise move, it did seem like he was a solid League One striker but looked unlikely to be able to make that step up. Indeed he made a step down after leaving us, with little or no interest from elsewhere. Indeed Holt on his loan with Blackpool in 2008, he played 4 games and never scored.

Some have pointed to the fact that Calderwood played Holt out of position as a winger. That is of course true, Holt has proven himself to be the traditional big man up front over the course of his career. This does make you wonder what Calderwood was playing at. I know there was a clash of personalities between the two, Calderwood continually attempting to ship Holt out of the club.

Since going to Norwich, Holt was (according to Wikipedia) scored 44 goals in 81 games. That's a handy record, admittedly with a season in League One, but for Forest in that division he scored 21 in 96 games. Therefore he must have been failing to implement the big man as best required.

When Norwich were promoted last season I don't think most saw them succeeding at this level,never mind having Grant Holt leading them there from the front-line. All this at the now age of 30,which will be an old age for a player of his ilk making his Premier League debut.

Reading back on the forum from when we sold Holt,no-one was too bothered. This quote summing up what some fans thought

I for one, am very glad about this ...I've really disliked his approach to the game for so long....and i was gutted when he said he will be given a go in the championship! but now....(no offense to Shrewsbury) him signing for a league two side..( i think?) really shows how poor he really is! hopefully we got our money back for what we paid for him...at least! but surely now we gonna buy someone....i think omerod....but we need someone younger....quicker... what do you guys think?

It makes me wonder if there truly is a club for every player where he can do so much more. Before Forest Holt was a journeyman, but finally it looks like he may have settled somewhere. Our loan player Kris Boyd reminds me a lot of Holt, in that they have a similar build and stature. However one has secured a place in the Premier League, whilst the other is not.

April Player of the Month

Its that time again. Please choose from the choices on the right for your player of the month for April. In what was been a mixed month that ended up with the Reds on form.