Garner gone

This was supposedly Garner's chance to shine this season. Today he's signed for Watford for an undisclosed fee.

The writings have been on the wall for one of Tudgay, Garner or McGoldrick following the recent captures of Miller and Derbyshire.

Garner now has the chance to resume his career in the Championship at Watford after a stop start career at Forest since Calderwood left in December 2008.

All the best Joe.

As for Forest incomings, no news as of yet to report.

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Transfer Round Up

As we haven’t done one for a short while, here are the players linked with moves to and from Forest with the window coming to a climax.

Ins

Max Gradel

Sky Sports understands that we were interested in Ivorian international, Max Gradel. Most of us will remember him for being the Shaun Wright Phillips like winger who put two past Forest at Elland Road in April.

Gradel is out of contract next May and Forest face competition from West Ham, Leicester, Fulham and Sochaux.

The official Leeds website today says that a fee of around £4.5m has been reluctantly agreed with St Ettiene after Gradel handed in a transfer request last Tuesday.

Andros Townsend

Another winger whose name has been circling the mill for a few weeks is Andros Townsend.

Some will have recognised him from his excellent display for Spurs in their 5-0 trouncing of Hearts recently – others may know him from a loan spell at Ipswich last season.

Andros is another pacey attacker who’d add some quality to our ailing wings.

Unfortunately for Forest, Townsend it’s looking likely to be a makeshift in the Scott Parker deal between West Ham and Spurs, which will see him join the Hammers on a one year loan.

Ryan Bertrand

This guy must feature in every single one of these round ups that we do.

Yep he’s been linked to us again with another loan move - this time by the Guardian. They say we're retracing him as a solution to that problematic LB position – although Sunday’s game another CB is desperately needed.

We’ll see how this unfolds; more than likely it won't.

Marvin Ogunjimi and Regi Goreux

These two are names that were mentioned on twitter earlier today with most fans believing there is something in it.

Ogunjimi is a 23 year old, Belgian international striker; who has gone from nothing to a national hero inside 12 months.

Like with every other attack minded player we’re linked with, his main attribute is pace. He also has a keen eye for goal with 4 goals in his first 4 international appearances for Belgium.

Goreux is a left winger who can also play right wing and either full back position. He is the last surviving member of Standard Liege’s title winning side of 2009.

It’s hard to decide whether they’ll be good enough with so little known of them.

Outs

Joe Garner

This rumour came from a Forest player – and for the record it wasn’t Joe.

It was believed a few weeks ago that Forest was due to let Garner go to Doncaster on loan for 6 months.

While nothing has materialised since, it might just be worth casting an eye over this move in the coming 24 hours.

Marcus Tudgay

The Evening Post apparently suggests that Milwall and Palace are keeping tabs on Tudgay.

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Crisis? Don't Make Me Laugh

First up. I admit that I was unable to see the game in the flesh on Sunday, I was best man at a wedding,and some things in life far outweigh the importance of attending this clubs matches. But to see the reactions of a great deal of fans post match is downright laughable.



We have played a hand full of matches, this isn't half the season gone and the Championship is notoriously a very competitive division. Win a few games, or go on any decent run of form and you storm up the table to be in contention. Hell had we won that game we'd have been on the edge of the playoffs and no doubt most fans would have discussed how we are already up the table so early in the season and how this is a nice change and indicative of our class.



Make no mistake absolutely the same things were being said last season. The old bugbears of a lack of investment, and players not performing and players out of position were all discussed late last August. I know because I just reread back on the forum and old blog posts just to be sure. We are and always have been slow starters. In previous promotion seasons we have never been flying at the start. Under Clark in that famous season it took quite a while to find out feet. In the promotion season out of league one we limped over the line at the last minute.



What I am trying to say is that barring a few examples we never set the world alight early on. More a steamroller that takes awhile to bring up ahead of steam. To start panicking and reacting like we have before the end of AUGUST FOR CRYING OUT LOUD IS LAUGHABLE.



Capitals were intended as I want to make my point loud and clear.



It's an old cliche in football, but nothing is won in August, September, October, hell nothing really matters till remotely Christmas (unless things are really going tits up)



What made me chuckle the most is seeing some fans complain about our start, saying we're struggling, then the same fans turn round and say "haha dunno why Derby are so excited don't they know the season lasts 46 games" You cannot have your cake an eat it.You can't say we are in crisis for not doing well for a few games whilst suggesting a rival doing well is being over optimistic.



The same knee jerk reactions as always spring out. Players targeted for being past it,not good enough etc. The chairman for not spending every penny he owns on new players, and the classic of Mark Arthur (in fact no scrub that, he is useless and I agree with the chuntering there) We have to be honest though, this is a hard division this year and therefore we will lose games. West Ham were premier league last year and have managed to retain a core of very good players, and in Kevin Nolan have a player I think that should have had England caps in his career.



We do fool ourselves somewhat that some of the cult favourite payers are better than what they are. Lets be honest, theres a reason Wes Morgan rarely gets linked with top flight clubs. That's because he isn't as good as we like to think he is. Our players are in a Championship club for a reason, they are Championship level players. West Ham being recently relegated have a number of players too good for this division.



If we win the next 2-3 games,all this talk will dissipate. If we make some signings (and with 1 day to go there isn't a lot of talk) then people will be appeased. We will look back hopefully at this result as an anomaly. I remember writing a similar piece last season when en were slipping about retaining the confidence to make the playoffs and we did. That's just a difference, some are so ready to write us off, and not enough seem to rally behind the team. It must be the same at every club, but I can't help thinking we always seem more negative than many other clubs fans. There are some people sitting around me who seem to delight in bad performances. Like its some kind of stress reliever being able to hurl abuse at some random bloke on a field.



I see a lot of similarity with us and Arsenal right now. A team and manager,and most importantly board under fire as a collective unit,and being touted as in crisis. I have full confidence that both sides will turn it round though. We have played 2-3 teams who will be in the top6 come May. Last season we thought it had been an easy start and that we'd failed.In the first month then we all complained about drawing with Norwich. The common consensus a year ago was that everything wasn't good enough, all was crap. Everyone pointed fingers. Sounds familiar. And we made the playoffs last season,and with the customary late winter blip.



Panic? Not me.

Luke Chambers Ill Fated Captaincy

Maybe it’s a tad premature but I feel an early need to stress my opinion on Luke Chambers and his new role as captain.

To put it bluntly, Chambo is not the man to lead this club.

Don’t get me wrong, Chambers is one of my favourite players. He’s been a great servant to the club, has a great relationship with the fans and is one of the best CB’s in the league.

However, that mix doesn’t mean you’re going to be a good captain – David Johnson had a similar mix albeit him being a striker.

I’ll hold my hands up and admit I was one championing Chambers for the captaincy earlier on in the summer. Having Camp as captain just wasn’t ever right for me – although GK captain’s never really inspire me anyways.

I also felt everything was falling nicely into place for Chambers. With his previous captaincy experience at Northampton and his player of the year win; with McKenna departing it just seemed a natural move.

At this moment in time, I think we’ve made a bad choice.

The team has a significant lack of organisation about it under Chambers leadership. At first I thought it was linked to McClaren, however when analysing the games; Chambers stays tight lipped – almost Breckin like – ahead of a set piece. He’s more focused on himself than the rest of the team and worst still is he’s not even talking to defensive partner, Wes Morgan.

A lack of organisation is resulting in players going for the same ball and not picking up key men. I suppose it’s obvious why we’re struggling so badly with set pieces this season.

If Chambers does try to command the team, it’s almost as if none of the other players are interested in what he’s saying. I think Chambers getting the armband may have got certain individuals backs up, one being Lee Camp who looks disheartened these days. Camp always used to be leading and organising the backline. It’s almost as if now he’s taken a backseat. Why should he organise the defence when the skipper is a defender?

We all know the key to winning people back is to inspire them and sadly Chambers isn’t as his performances have been nothing short of poor up to now.

It’s bitterly disappointing as I thought he’d be a great leader but maybe the armband is proving to be a burden.

Maybe it’s a credit to Paul Mckenna in not realising what you have until it has gone – just like his legs had.

Fortunately for Luke, he has time on his side and the season is still early doors.

We’ll see how the coming weeks unfold.

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Forest Hammered

I’d hope this season will produce fewer more miserable afternoons than yesterday’s game against West Ham.

A crushing 4-1 defeat at home does little to make many people take us seriously as contenders for promotion.

Regardless of the result however, it has to be said this game saw our best attacking display in the league this season.

Steve McClaren made one change to the side that was on the right end of a 4-1 result against Wycombe earlier in the week. George Boateng came back into the team in place of Joel Lynch, with Chris Cohen being pushed into left back.

There was also a boost as Scott Parker hadn't travelled with West Ham ahead of his move to Spurs.

Forest started the brighter of the two teams. An early McGugan corner found Findley who headed it just past the near post and into the set of visiting supporters.

Shortly after McGugan had managed to jinx and wriggle his way through the West Ham defence before lacking the composure to slot it past Rob Green. The one touch passing between Greening, Cohen, Miller and McGugan in the build up was encouraging.

Chris Cohen was then the next person to test West Ham, as an in swinging free kick from 35 yards evaded everyone and forced Rob Green into an excellent reflexes stop to just tip it around the post.

The resulting corner came to no avail and seconds after West Ham were on the attack.

Slick and strong passing between Nolan, Cole and Faubert ended up finding Matty Taylor who’d cut inside the Forest box. He whipped in a low left footed cross across goal which resulted in Chambers slicing the ball into his own net. A totally soft goal against the run of play but that’s what happens against the best team. It would be the start of a miserable day for the Forest skipper.

3 minutes later and West Ham had scored again. An over hit corner by Taylor found an unmarked Tomkins, who headed it into the path of Nolan to flick into the goal. It was a calamity of defensive errors and one that needs resolving as soon as possible.

Forest fought back immediately from the kick off. Raddy and Miller unlocked the West Ham defence with a sweet one-two. Miller went one on one with Green and put the ball the wrong side of the post.

McGugan then went even closer when he thumped the post with a half volley.

You were beginning to get the belief that Forest was going to get something from this match with the Hammers on the back foot. By 30 minutes, it was all over when the Hammers scored again.

Another poorly defended set piece saw Taylor over hit another corner. This time O’Brien chipped the ball back into the box, for Nolan to flick across to an unmarked Carlton Cole. Of all people to leave unmarked in the melee it had to be the international striker.

Nolan then went on to miss an absolute sitter.

The question on everyone’s lips was how many were we going to lose by today? Despite looking slightly promising going forward, nothing was working at the back leading me to believe that a left back not all we need in defence.

Half time couldn’t come quick enough. When the game restarted it was nearly 4-0.

Gunter tried to clear away Collinson’s attempt but only got as far as Faubert whose shot just deflected over – totally wrong footing Lee Camp in the process.

Nothing was working and by 58 minutes Boateng had been subbed for Joel Lynch giving Cohen the license to partner Greening in the centre of midfield. Derbyshire and Reid shortly followed in place of McGugan and Raddy.

Forest then made a breakthrough on the 70^th minute. A short throw in saw Lynch and Cohen play a glorious one-two. Lynch then managed to cut the ball across goal for Robbie Findley to scoop past Rob Green. Game on.

I have to add that Lynch is the best LB in the club. He’s not a popular figure with fans but when he plays, the team does seem all the better for it. After all you then allow Gunter and Cohen to play in their strongest positions. If we aren’t going to buy a LB, then we have to play Lynch.

6 minutes later and any hopes of a comeback were cut off – provided they hadn’t been already.

Matt Taylor’s corner was totally misjudged by Greening who hit an airshot. Fortunately Morgan was behind him to hit it away. Gunter then ran as far as the edge of the box before losing the ball to Taylor who whipped the ball back in for Winston Reid to slot in past Camp. It was atrocious defending.

A flurry of Forest fans soon left the ground, leading to the Hammers chanting “Is there a fire drill?” and then their favourite “How Sh#t must you be? We’re winning away.”

West Ham then pumped a long ball forward causing Camp to make a hash of catching the ball. Piquionne beat him to it but then headed wide.

Camp looked a shadow of his former-self it has to be said. Tame goal kicks normally ending up in the ground, no fan interaction and a general lack of interest. Maybe he was fed up of the shoddy defending in front of him or maybe he’s fed up of being at the club having had a move to Swansea blocked.

Chambers almost scored from a corner with his header being cleared off the line before West Ham almost added a fifth in injury time, when Nolan’s deflected effort wrong footed Camp and steered just wide of the left hand post.

The full time whistle couldn’t have come soon enough, leaving McClaren with some big thinking to do over the international break about how we can bounce back from this.

Whatever we do, we have to react sharpish as visits from high flying Southampton and Derby are up next.

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Views from the Away End – West Ham United

In light of the build up to today's big game, Forest24-7 took the time to ask West Ham fan, Stephen Bradley, a few questions.

1. First things first then, how do you rate West Ham and your chances of promotion this season? Do you buy in to the hype of being favourites?

I think we have a fantastic chance. You look at our squad and we have the likes of Green, Cole, Nolan and Parker – for now at least – at our disposal. Without wanting to be too arrogant we have a Premiership team of players for this league and it should work in our favour.

2. What do you think to Big Sam? Was he the right choice?

I think he definitely was the best available. He got Bolton out this league almost ten years ago and stabilised them. That’s what we were desperate for.

Avram Grant had taken this club to the pits and had we signed the players Big Sam has done in January with him at the helm, I’d argue we maybe wouldn’t have gone down. The football might not be pretty but it’ll sure as hell get results.

3. West Ham has a magnificent squad at the moment for this division – one I’d argue would have kept you up last season. Who’s the man to look out for tomorrow?

Without a doubt Scott Parker! He’s become an England regular and we’re fortunate to still have him at the club. Obviously its look like he’ll be Spurs bound by this time next week but if he plays today, he’ll run the show.

4. If you could have any Forest player at West Ham, who would it be and why?

I’ll surprise you and say Chris Gunter. He’s one of few players when I see them who rarely plays badly and is by far the best fullback in the division. You guys are lucky to have someone of that class at your disposal.

5. West Ham has won both their away games upto now and have yet to concede on the road. Can you see this run continuing tomorrow?

Who knows? In my honest opinion no as we’re playing a side with a home record who’ve only lost twice in two years.

6. Apart from yourselves, which team do you consider to be the biggest threat in this league?

There are a few sides. Leicester is the biggest threat along with Forest. I also think Middlesbrough are the dark horse. So long as we’re in one of the three promotion spots by May, I don’t mind who else is up there with us.

7. Steve McClaren divides many opinions among Forest fans. As a fan of another club, how do you rate him as a manager?

If you had asked me this question 4 years ago, the answer would have been less than complimentary!

I think Steve is a great manager who, like Big Sam, has the experience of turning a club around and stabilising them in the Premiership. From what I’ve seen of Forest so far, you’re like us in regards to finding your feet with the new regime and players that have been put in place.

Stick by Stevie, I think you’ll be ok and any doubters should look at his CV as a manager.

8. Lastly, what do you reckon the score will be?

Gonna go with 1-1.

More Magpies flock to the City Ground

For the second time this season, Forest has drawn a set of Magpies at home in the Carling Cup.

Newcastle United will be the visitors in the third round, in what I see a winnable affair.

The match will be played week commencing 19^th September – more than likely on Tuesday 20th.

The last time the two clubs met at the City Ground was almost two years ago, where Forest won a tight affair 1-0 against the eventual runaway champions.

Forest made the third round having trounced Wycombe Wanderers 4-1 last Tuseday - in what was our biggest away win since that West Brom game.

McClaren inspired the team pre-game telling them how lucky they were to be wearing the shirt and to fight for it everyday.

It looked as if the words rubbed off well as by the 7^th minute, Forest were 2-0 up thanks to Ishmael Miller's first goal for the club and a Lewis McGugan penalty.

Forest dominance was a common theme throughout the game as Miller and McGugan terrorised Wycombe's defence.

The first half also supplied some comedy, with flocks of birds swooping into the visiting Forest fans - it seems birds are a running theme in this Carling Cup run.

By the hour mark, Robbie Findley grabbed his second of the season with a cool finish before Joel Lynch gave away a penalty, resulting in the visitors pegging a goal back.

Raddy Majewski then completed the rout, when Garner cut the ball back into his path to set him up with an easy finish.

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Forest Look-a-likes 4

So we are bringing this back with the new players and new look-a-likes we now have. If you have a good lookalike you know of, then please post them on the forum. The link is as follows. http://www.soccer24-7.com/forum/showthread.php?t=185376

George Boateng and Djimon Hounsou (of Gladiator and Blood Diamond)



Chris Robinson (of the Black Crowes)and Jonathan Greening



David McGoldrick and Turk from Scrubs (Donald Faison)



James Perch and a Peperami



All nominations welcome but we are especially looking for Steve McClaren ones

New Podcast

The first podcast of the season is now available below



Forest 24-7 Post Leicester Podcast by Forest24-7

Early Season Thoughts

First time blogger, for Forest 24-7 at least Andy Lumley gives us his thoughts on the season thus far.



Early season thoughts



So we are a few games into the new season and McLaren's tenure, what do we think? To start with let's remember we are 4 games in, not 40. I've been to both the home games and I have seen encouraging signs alongside some worrying signs as well. Against Barnsley we had some nice patches of play without looking like scoring. For 45 mins yesterday we never looked like scoring either (apart from Derbyshire's header, but as I say, never looked like scoring). Apparently McLaren saw something in the Derbyshire/McGoldrick partnership at Donny so wanted them to start together again. Now a partnership to me means working together. Derbyshire worked bloody hard in the first half, but at no point did they actually link like a partnership. So they were duly swapped at half time for Miller/Findley to have a crack. By the way - would Billy have been this bold with subs? As a striker myself (of no great quality) I always watch for movement and link-up play with interest. The difference in the second half was immediate and obvious. Every time either of the strikers went up for a header the other one was looking, watching and anticipating the flick. When it went in to feet, the other one was there supporting. This is what a partnership should be. Findley's volley was unlucky (from the Miller flick) and Miller showed his strength to get his shot away from a throw-in. Whether or not they will start together on Tuesday in the cup will be seen but I sincerely hope they start together against West Ham next Sunday. I think Derbyshire looks good and with Dexter on the mend I think we look ok up front now.



My biggest issue with McLaren has been the difference in our back 5. Last season we didn't score that many goals but I always felt confident in the defence. This year they look shaky and nervous. Camp has lost his boulshy swagger and maybe McLaren is asking Chambo to play too much instead of just be that solid defender, let's face it he's no Rio on the ball but I can never question his desire to block a shot and defend. Wes is still Wes. Camp doesn't seem at all comfortable with playing it out quickly and his accuracy hitting Gunts when its on has been poor. In fact i'm not sure many of the team seem comfortable with what is supposed to be happening. Formation wise 4-4-2 isn't really working. Greening and Boateng play SO deep that the gap up to the strikers is huge. So when we do hit a strikers feet there is nobody there to give the ball to and we lose it. Cue the change yesterday to the diamond. Not only did this bring Radi on (Who by the way Steve is one of the most creative players in the league) and even though he was out of position on the right of the diamond his vision and attacking play helped change the game. Couple this with McGugan (Who by the way Steve is one of the most creative players in the league) slipping in behind the front two and getting on the ball. We were helped by the dodgy ref, very dodgy sending off and ridiculous penalty but you can't think we would have got back in that game without changing the system and even more so the players on the pitch.



As usual the majority of fans worry me at Forest. If you look at the whole game I think Leicester had maybe 3 or 4 shots on goal. Both their goals came from our mistakes and were well taken but did they look like scoring any others? The boos were understandable to a point but its still so early in the season to worry. I just hope that we look less like its pre-season tinkering with personnel and systems and settle.



My XI for West Ham would be:



Camp



Gunts Chambo Wes Cohen



Boateng



Radi Greening



Lewis



Findley Miller



We'll wait and see.

Schmeichel Throws Points Away For Leicester

Nottingham Forest snatched a draw for the jaws of defeat on Saturday at the City Ground.After a woeful first half performance the Reds somehow managed to get back level late on in the match with a little help from Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel.



We set up in a 4-4-2 with McGoldrick in the side again. Cohen was on the right and McGugan on the left. Moloney and Gunter were again in the fullback slots.







In the first half nothing went right for Forest. That being said both goals that we conceded were from terrible errors, more than Leicester's brilliance. The first goal was a terrible pass from Greening to Chambers, Fernandes snuck in and squared the ball for Nugent to tuck in for an easy finish. There was a vague appeal of offside, but considering Nugent was behind Fernandes when he squared it all was in vain.



If that was bad enough,things got worse soon after when another bad error, a Chambers pass which was easily cut out led to a second Leicester goal. After Vassell squared, the first shot was blocked on the line but Fernandes had an easy finish to send to Foxes two up, and coasting to victory. It was more than deserved too.



Too say the feeling were down at half time would be an under statement. Fans were disgruntled and the midfield due seemed to garner most of the abuse, which was probably unfair in Boatengs case, but Greening had been poor.



What was also obvious is tat the front pair weren't working, although they did get very little service. As Boateng said post-match,you can't pass a ball forward when there is no ball to played. You can clamour in the crowd to play it to front men all you want, but if that ball isn't on, you can't, so the only option is pass it sideways. Unfortunately most fans didn't seem to comprehend this fact.



Anyway so the change was made bringing on Miller and Findley and it also spelled a slight shift in focus. Having Miller on, who is more of a physical presence, it meant we could play a more direct style. That type of play to the first half strikers was not an option, but with with the big man there it was implemented, and it spelt a change in fortune.



Forest now had a focus and started to slowly turn the screw. This was further improved by the introduction of Majewski, which gave a more creative force up front. That said our first shot on target took till 70 or so minutes when Findley got in and had his shot saved, his follow up was way off target.This cued cheers from the fans "we had a shot on goal" followed soon buy another effort when Miller created a snap shot out of nothing.



And then it all kicked off. For a start I was blind sided in the Trent End by the hand ball decision made against Matt Mills. Watching it again on TV maybe it was harsh, BUT it did hit his hand clearly. Schmeichel than acted like a fool trying to delay the penalty. Which McGugan dispatched into the corner brilliantly. What followed I can still barely comprehend for the complete stupidity of it. Schmeichel threw the ball away, which duly got him a second yellow card and thus a red.



He insists he didn't know he was on a yellow, so tries to justify himself by saying he did it only to get a yellow. Well sorry pal,but I think this just means karma got you for acting like a mardy child. He thinks that makes it OK, but I think it justifies the Red further in a weird convoluted sense.



Having an extra man we pushed on more and more, but I will be honest and thought we aren't going to get this. People started filtering out the ground, which I couldn't believe. Especially considering the Notts County match comeback, it points out that Forest go to the end and things can happen right up till the last kick. Well it happened again. Cohen crossed the ball in and at the back posted Boateng got the better of Konchesky to net an equaliser that we didn't deserve,but by god did we care? not a jot.



All in all, yeah Leicester were better. But we got a point in a game we under performed. That's a good sign. Yes, ultimately Schmeichels moment of madness allowed us to get the equaliser. But we still had to react what was on the pitch,and we didn't lose. That for me speaks volumes.

Forest v Leicester - Live Stream

Via Live Football Stream we are pleased to once again to have a link to the live footage of the Forest game should be unable to attend today

More Than Local Pride at Stake

Tomorrow will see Forest face their lesser hated local rival. Although Leicester like to think we hate them loads, they are but amild irritation next to Derby. Hell I probably dislike Sheffield United more for personal reasons.



This match though might well take on more than just another East Midlands derby vibe though as both teams haven't played exactly as well as they might have liked so far this season. Forest have essentially a new strike force trying to bed in,as well a rather unsettled midfield right now. Leicester have lots of new faces, largely players we targeted first and have already lost twice. Fans booed them off against Bristol City.



Added to this is the master and apprentice feel of Sven and McLaren, and interesting to see two former England managers battling it out in the second tier.How the mighty fall. So there is the battle of wills of Sven and Schteve.



So both teams have something to prove. Although its too early in the season to suggest this has everything at stake, it would go along way to settling either sets of fans nerves in the jittery early games, whereby people have already made their mind sup with 5 games played how the season will play out, and ignore the fact that really nothing even looks remotely like a final league table to at least Christmas.



No doubt if we lose the game, the usual array of loons and wrist slitter will be calling Matchline to decry all chances of promotion before the transfer window hasveen closed and how McClreen, Arthur, Doughty, Pleat, the tea-lady (delete as applicable) is to blame for this and how said blamee should get out the club sharpish.



By the same token if we do win, then morale will rocket Trentside and we will already be planning our Sat Navs for routes to Anfield and Old Trafford for the latter half of 2012.



But all this said, it is a litmus test for the season, see how we go against a fancied big spending team, and how the midfield settles in, how the left back issue looks,and can any of the striker actually score a goal!!



I'd like to see Ishmael Miller in there, with perhaps Matt Derbyshire, however this goes against the structure Schteve seems to prefer, and with McGugan rested,perhaps primed for Leicester. I think the Majewski experiment might have run its course, and I can't thinking trying to play McGoldrick into form could be risky. We need to build a head of steam, not stutter whilst players off form lurch their way round the pitch. As I said this is a good litmus test for the season ahead.

Left Back Strongly Rumoured

Well in evidence that all members of the parish aren't signing form the same hymn sheet is the news today on Twitter that we are strongly looking into a left back, probably on loan from the Premiership.



Now this has come from Fanhouse Percy is heavily unreliable with rumours so it remains to be seen if this is true or just currying for hits, but it would certainly seem likely.



The names being mentioned are as always the young Chelsea left backs of van Aanholt and Bertrand. We know all about Bertrand of course. However, there are more clubs than Chelsea to raid for left backs, which considering they just let Gordon go out on loan,and he's a left back may seem a little unlikely. That said, Villas-Boas may not figure these two in the plans just yet and would like to give them first team football. Problem is I see Bertrand as now possibly looking at a Premiership club like Swansea or Norwich to improve his development.



It is vital we get a good left back in though. I have remained largely quiet on this subject, but I do see the vital signing of a left back as paramount to a promotion push. We need good players in every position,and although Doughty said he sees Cohen as good enough, the first few games look to have convinced McClaren otherwise, and so we chase a left back. Now of course Twitter and Facebook will just throw names into the mix mindlessly. I don't see the point in mindless speculation, so will just say that we are linked,and we aren't really sure who with.

Defeat and Victory

Well, we just played two games in quick succession away from home with polarised results. On the one hand we lost to Millwall. I'd like to comment on this game, but I missed it all completely, having to be at work. So I didn't even get to listen. So all my views are based on what people who DID listen have told me, what people said on the forum and of course the highlights and match reports.



Basically as Forest went into this game I expected nothing and we got nothing and sound like we deserved nothing. 38% possession in a match isn't good enough at any level no matter the opposition, but thats what we had. OK, we had some good chances, Findley striking the outside of a post and Garner forcing the Millwall defence to backtrack. But Millwalls goals were all so familiar. A header from a corner, how often have we seen that. The other goal was simple enough finish from across. And even the Millwall could have more.



It set alarm bells ringing amongst many Reds fans. Millwall I suppose were a good team last season,top half anyway,but they aren't a heavyweight team and to be so outplayed is somewhat embarrassing for a team still trying to find it way.



And so we move on to the second of the weeks fixtures. A win against Doncaster, which saw the team juggled with again in this early weeks. This time though was bringing in new faces, Matt Derbyshire starting upfront with McGoldrick whilst Miller,signing the day before took a spot on the bench.



The lead came after half an hour when Maloney, who was in at right back, with Gunter playing left back, crossed for the the Welshman to score. The juggle around seemed to work allowing Cohen to get his energy back into the midfield. There was the vaguely perplexing decision to bench McGugan but if this keeps him fresh then I don't mind. After a win it looks a good brave decision, had we lost of course there would be questions asked about this decision. Miller came on and sounded active and strong. Seems a lot like Harewood, with hopefully more of a sense of direction.



I promise that normal match report duties will be resumed soon. This start of the season has been hectic for me, but from Saturday for the Leicester game,proper match re pots and pod casts will resume on behalf of Forest 24-7.

Miller Signing Spells the End for Tudgay and McGoldrick?

Firstly I was playing with bad puns to report the Miller signing along the lines of "call me Ishmael" quotes or Much the Millers Son. And decided all were unusable and really trying to hard. Besides everyone on planet earth knew this was coming so its hardly news. But yeah, welcome to Ishmael Miller. A big physical fast striker, possibly of the Marlon Harewood or King models of the past.



Its a type of player we missed in the past couple of years. Yeah we had Dele but his mobility was near negligible and so negated all his other work. I feel the strike force is coming together. We have replaced those guys who left us with players in my opinion as good or if not better. Derbyshire is the poacher in Earnshaws mode. Finley is the Tyson speedster. And Miller now the physical tough guy.



All this begs the question now what of Marcus Tudgay and David McGoldrick. Neither of whom have really flattered to deceive lately. McGoldrick to me has to be regraded as largely a failure since signing. An occasional goal, albeit wonder strikes versus Palace and bundling the goal in from close range from a yard haven't made me think he has it. And now there are more strikers vying for his place,it may be time to move him on,or try to fit in him another role. But where. He can sort of play wide, which he might be used as,and he can also sort of play in behind the striker, but he would never be first choice in either of these positions. Most fans would not be disappointed to move him on. True, he hasn't ever really had a chance to have a long term run in the team,but ask yourself whys this? You need to be good enough to get that shot,and right now,it seems Schteve doesn't think he's up to the challenge of leading the line.



Tudgay has never fully convinced me either,and I definitely think his time might be up. To me he was always, not quite a panic buy, but a short term solution to the Dexter Blackstock problem. OK he can hold the ball up,and he has netted a few goals, but as warned to me by a Wednesday supporting mate there will be long periods of him looking completely disinterested and going through the motions. I also think he is not aplayer to be at a top Championship club. His level is a little further down,he doesn't have that spark for me, that certain pazzazz that fills me confidence as well as mystery about what he could do. He's not a guy to make something out of nothing. Which is frustrating as he isn't a bad player. He just isn't great either.



Joe Garner too might well be thinking uh-oh time is up. McClaren seems to have a little more faith in him though, maybe illing to give him a go,and after all he did fairly well for Scunthorpe after going there on loan last season. But by god does he need to sort his attitude out. Against County it was embarrassing watching him have tissy fits, pick fights, and dive extremely badly. Like he wants to be that pantomime villain.



It will be interesting to see how the strike force evolves over the next few matches and who gets picked and who doesn't. What will McClarens choices be,and will he stick to the one up front with McGugan tucked in,or whether that was his repsonse to the squad he inherited. One thing is for certain. It is starting to take his shape more now as more players he has signed come in. Interesting times ahead.

No Game for Derbyshire

Matt Derbyshire won't be travelling with the team tomorrow as his fitness isn't quite up to scratch yet. That's not hearsay,thats direct from the players Twitter, as well the fact he is looking for places to live. This might be a front to fool Millwall but I doubt that very much



What will be interesting to see is who we go with up front. Findley after all played 120 mins in his first start in longer than he probably cares to remember. Whether this see's Garner or Tudgay starts remains to be seen. I Can't see a recall for McGoldrick to be honest. I could be wrong. I often am.



Apart from that Camp will return as will Gunter. There may be juggles in the midfield too after a number of players went the distance. McGugan was of course taken off so should be fresh,but Majewski may not be. What will be interesting is what happens with Anderson after he was dragged off on Tuesday.

Laughing at Those Who Left Early

The basic thing that Tuesday underlined to me more than ever, and something that has been a pet hate of mine for a long time is those that leave early. Ok I get that some people have buses and trains to get,but those leaving because we were losing so they just want to get to their car quicker, it really is an annoying.



Tuesday saw a number of people around me filtering out the ground "we're not going to get anything" being a common consensus. Of course they all came sprinting back in once they realised we had scored.



I have only ever left games early on three occasions and each time was frankly unneccesary and not my choice. And they were all years ago because I learnt my lesson.



Tranmere away in 99/00 season I left early. We were losing, playing awfully, and I had taken two mates (I was at Uni in Liverpool so it was convenient) They were complaining about it being cold,wet, poor football(bare in mind one was a Manchester United season ticket holder) and the fact our bus was due to leave at 4.45 and we were at the far end of the stadium. I say I learnt my lesson because I had forgotten that if you have a bus to get from a football stadium, chances are that bus will be delayed by all the match day traffic. I stood waiting for the bus, and heard the final whistle, saw everyone come out and get exactly the same bus back into Liverpool as me.



Another time I left early was going to a Mansfield match once with a friend. We left early to get a bus, of which we could have just got the next one, and missed a winning goal and hat trick by Phil Stant. For what? To get home a little quicker. I was at the football anyway,so why not stay later to get the full benefit of what I have paid for.



I think we have all known games where something happens right at the death that justifies in your mind that staying IS the right thing to do. We have all sat for a while maybe a few seasons next to someone who is ritually late, and how annoying it can be. Ok there can be odd occasions like you have somewhere else to be. But these people who do it all the time puzzle me. Surely you pay for the ticket and want to see it all ,no? I Don't get it anyway.





So what have you ever missed at a game you left early?



Tell us in the forum @ http://www.soccer24-7.com/forum/showthread.php?p=4027366

Derbyshire Signs

Barely news anymore as everyone has tweeted facebooked and posted it in forums it all. But hey I just want to throw my opinion into the mix.



This could be the guy to replace Earnshaw, I really rated him at Blackburn and thought he might go to a bigger club before making the bizarre move to Olympiakos.



The fact it is free is also a bargain, although it does have a 20% sell on fee clause in there, which also means someone at Forest has started playing Football Manager and has learnt the art of negotiation.



Whether he slots straight in, remains unseen. What I saw last night suggests Garner won't be there, though Findley impressed.



It is also notable that this transfer was revealed by the player himself hours before the club admitted to it. Maybe bitten by the Verhoek thing (which I missed blogging about as I was away on a stag weekend, ah well)



Oh and of course insert hilarious joke about who wants Derbyshire on their Forest shirt. Because apparently none of can differentiate between a player and a county.

Forest Make County Pay Penalty

To be honest, I had a bad feeling about this from the moment the draw was made.And when my mate asked me if I wanted a ticket I was a little reticent to go.



My blind optimism swayed me that surely we'd not let this lot beat us. But as yesterday approached there was nagging doubt in my head and walking to the ground,(well running really) I had decided I wasn't too fussed either way what happened.



Well what happened was one hell of a roller-coaster ride that although doesn't exactly send a strong message to rivals, we still went through and came back from behind twice. Yeah there was a lot of luck involved, but it still needed a kind of toughness to drag this match back from the brink.



Sat in a completely different part of the Trent End to my usual high Upper Tier perspective I found the early exchanges quite hard to follow. My brain adjusting to a more pitch level view. What view I definitely had is that Anderson should have put us ahead,but somehow early on contrived to skew wide from close in. A stronger touch would have won it. But Football is never that simple.



County began to turn the screw,and really piled on the pressure. Several close range efforts and Smith saves, a couple of scrambles, and then it came. A goal, from Mike Edwards. County deserved it,we hadn't looked our best.



But that goal seemed to wake us up a bit. Forest started to make some chances, and Reid got more of the ball on his cultured left foot to whip balls in. The equaliser though, was pure McGugan. A free kick was awarded and he put the ball perfectly into the top corner with an unstoppable shot put Forest level.



And straight after we had another chance,Majewski dispossessed (yes Majewski tackling someone, I struggle to believe it typing this now) and his shot skewed wide. 3Minutes later we had the ball in the goal from Findlay,only for it to be disallowed for offside,as he headed in Cohen's cross.



Second half and County started very strong and immediately kept us under pressure. Several more goal mouth scrambles and close calls had the Forest fans very worried, but those worries were allayed not long after when Robbie Findley scored his first ever Forest goal of hopefully many. From the far end it was hard to see what really happened as most at our end struggled to realise it had gone in at all. The cross he finished came in from Reid. He could have had another not longer later with an effort well saved by Nelson



And then it meandered for a while. County having a number of good chances again, and Forest having half chances. McGugan was replaced and that seemed to make Forest lose direction. And it was no surprise Forest old boy Craig Westcarr netted an equaliser, after a mixture of jeers and applause when he came on as substitute. The ground had an air of resignation before and after the goal,like we knew it was going to happen.



Extra Time,and without our key outlet Forest looked rudderless and idea less.So Lee Hughes scoring County's 3rd was always going to happen. It was a very well taken goal that despite what you think about him and what his past involves, his quality was there for all to see.



People around me started to filter out, we couldn't see a way back in,and as the board went up,it looked pointless. Then Wes just put his ball through the ball and and it flew like a rocket into the top corner, and we all went nuts. I was laughing at the guys who had left from next tome, when they came running back.That blast was the very last kick of the match before we went into penalties.



I can't really recall ever being at a shootout before, but it was tense. Especially as Greening missed the first kick. Until Hamza Bencherif stepped up it didn't look good. Bencherif didn't look confident and I always have reservations about the guy who is just going to blast it. They always seem to blaze it high, and he obliged. For Forest, Findley,Garner and Tudgay netted their kicks,and then the calm experienced head stepped up, and Boateng missed with a poor penalty. Hughes then approached. At this stage I though that's it, it's all over, he won't miss. He skied it too. Quite badly. And so sudden death, Chambers stepped up, netted and then Bishop, their captain took their next kick, and missed. We won,and that's all that mattered anymore. Not the crap performance,not the stress,the sheer relief that we had utterly got out of jail and in a weekend known for looting it felt like we had done the ultimate smashand grab and escaped red-handed.



It won't be remembered by us in the same way County would have they won. Had Wes not decided "right,screw this I'm going to belt this". Come May most of us will have forgotten this epic battle of the Trent Two. But by god it was entertaining.

Luke Chambers - Captain

Congratulation to Luke Chambers on being awarded the Forest captaincy for the season. It is more than deserved following last season.

It harks me back to the season before last when Chambers was interviewed following a run in the team and asked of his aims and he said captain.everyone laughed at the time but hey he has turned us all round. Well Done Luke.

Debate had raged over whether him or Greening would take the armband, but it seems the stalwart has beaten the veteran

Young Defensive Duo to Step Up?

Following the news that Anthony Gardner won't be signing for the club it makes me wonder what role the young central defenders Jamaal Lascelles and Karlton Watson will play for the Reds this season.

Anyone who follows Karlton Watson on Twitter knows that he is coming back from along lay off and is a long way off what he regards match fitness. He has been allocated squad number 30for the season,and yes, squad numbers aren't always something to be read into into,but it does possibly suggest he will be on the fringes of the team. Remember he was Academy Player of the Season a couple of years ago before his injury problems

Lascelles has been mentioned for a round 6 months now as the next great hope to come through our youth ranks (with the Arsenal interest being a significant factor in this) He has squad number 44 this season, which could suggest that the club expect this year might still take a while to mature.

One major reason is that we have moved back from 7 subs to 5, and therefore there are of course two less spots on the bench to fill. Therefore Joel Lynch would probably be a integral sub alongside Moloney as cover. Lynch's preferred position is centre back rather than the left back role he so often has been asked to fill in. We have barely seen him in this role and like Chambers, actually playing where he likes might allow him to blossom.

Apart from these players,there aren't many others looking like breaking through. Kieron Freeman looks like a best of the rest, alongside Danny meadows and Neill Byrne, but I expect these to end up like Mark Byrne and Hamza Bencherif, looking like maybe stepping up but disappearing (and often reappearing at Meadow Lane)

This of course forgets that the other likely angle the club will take is possibly young loanee's from the Premier League.You can't help but notice the roles Henri Lansbury and Fabio Borini played in Norwich and Swansea's respective promotion pushes. These are cheaper options than the like of Konchesky or Boyd on loan as wages are cheaper an the parent club positively crave giving these players fist team action.(if not for their club progression but also to improve market value to cash in on)

So all in all, it will be interesting to see how these players are used,if they are. And how they progress. I thought maybe Niall Rodney would have been offered a dealand that never occurred. There is also of course time till the window closes again,and there is time to bring in players, though the noises from the club suggest this is highly unlikely and that yes, Chris Cohen will indeed be left back.