So What Will This Season Be Remembered For?

Yes we came so close, but at the end of the day when in future times you look back it’s been pretty much run of the mill in some regards, and yet at the same time has seen more turmoil than we’ve ever known. Those crazy days of January and February and everything that went with seem like a distant memory, almost like a past event you’re not sure was actually real or you just dreamt it.

For all the fact we remain where we were, in the Championship, and that we have done a 2 year full circle back to Billy Davies being in charge, it feels like same old same old, whereas so much has happened.

The playing squad was revolutionised. The first XI now compared to a year ago bears a striking difference save for 2-3 names. A new chairman, a returning manager and back room, but everything else at the club is different.

Remember when the bloke from Sky, Rob Dorsett told us we were all doomed with the al-Hasawi’s. That because we’d sacked his mates, we clearly had idiots running the club, rather than people having taken stock of how things were going were clearly unhappy. Remember that? Because a few of you lapped it up and agreed. I had a twitter argument with one clown convinced we were for the drop. I bet that guy would now disclaim all knowledge of any such conversation, such is the way of trolling idiots on Twitter.

Again certain other websites who simply court controversy for hits are attempting to wobble the boat (let's face it, none of these blog sites or fans sites are completing amazing investigative journalism, nor are we causing great ripples with our damming views) by demanding to know the truth of Billy’s Advisor Jim Price being made the CEO, a role vacant since Mark Arthurs departure. Again a big change, but if it’s someone Billy works well with in that role, and as long as he’s competent, why does it matter? We all know it’s a token position as Fawaz pulls the stings round here.

And it’s some of Fawaz details that we might remember most. The fact we were promised iconic managers and were delivered O’Driscoll. The massive signing in January, and being deliver (though competant and capable, not a huge name) in Gonzalo Reyes Jara. The detractors love these throwaway quotes, often mis translated or Fawaz not realising that fans pick up on every word and use them against you when things don’t go swimmingly. That’s before we get to the whole George Boyd situation, which though embarrassing and potentially damaging to the reputation of the club did mean we got rid of Alex McLeish.

You almost forget he was here for that brief tenure. But yes, I just rechecked that I didn’t have a month long nightmare and that he was indeed our manager for a short while. In fact I almost forget, and more because that’s the nature of a football fan, and having a fairly short memory, the anger and dismay I felt on Boxing Day when we sacked Sean O’Driscoll.

There were the embarrassing stories surrounding declined credit cards and late wages to players that forced a few to question if these guys for real, which ultimately led to TV shots of Fawaz walking down a row of cars with Natalie Jackson telling us how much they all cost, in an attempt by a bloke in Kuwait trying to prove he was wealthy to some bloke watching in say Ilkeston. In all the periods of insanity at this club over the winter. It caused some compare them to the Venky's but other than being owned by a foreign family there the similarity seems to end. I hope so anyway.

Seasons are often judged and remembered by the Derby games, and the one at Pride Park was in that strange McLeish period. This is a season where the local games didn’t go well and that will be remembered. Especially with how the last game of the season went. And its that sense of so close yet so far away I’ll remember. This team was nearly there. They clearly never were good enough, and the table shows that, but we weren’t far away.

So what do you think? What will you remember this season for? You can tell us on the forum, on or the Facebook page.The forum is in the following link  The Forum

2011/12 Review Video

Ok took longer than expected to put together.... But here it is

Month by Month 2010/11 Season Review: March

March could and should have been a big month for the Reds. It was for the wrong reasons a pivotal month. We went from automatic promotion contenders to playoff also rans.


The month started out with a draw away at Middlebrough in a game we would have looked to win. Scott McDonald gave Boro a second half lead. It was a close in finish after the ball came to several players. Forest would then struggle to a point. After having a good penalty shout turned down we equalised in the 92nd minute with a typically scuffed Adebola goal, which although never a goal of the season contender, would still be delightful conclusion to a scrappy game.They all count as they say, and although not a vintage performance it was still grabbing something out of a game we looked like losing.


If that draw felt bad then the next game was worse. The unbeaten home run that had lasted so long, was shattered by Hull. Only a 1-0 defeat but it was a spirit crushing loss. We were beatable at home!!!! What was becoming apparent is without Moussi or McKenna the team simply didn't function. The remaining midfielders couldn't fill the deep lying role and a consequence we were frankly struggling. Hull's goal was a little fortuitous. A long ball deflected and span to Fryatt who finished smartly into the bottom corner. We had no reply, and lost. A rare sensation.

And a poor week was ended with a defeat away at Sheffield United against the team who eventually got relegated. This really wasn't aresulttn expected and to look at this set of three fixtures before hand they all looked bankers for a victory. Instead we came out of a set of matches I had down as 7 points minimum with but 1. Not good enough and form was deserting us at the wrong time of the season again. An all too familiar feeling. A real game of two halves, Forest had taken the lead in the first through Adebola, who was in inspired format the time. After Bogdanovich missed a penalty it looked like Forest were back to winning ways. However, we collapsed in the second period. Vokes and Lowton scored for the Blades, and that second goal had such a feeling of the inevitable about it.


At least in the next home game against Doncaster we didn't lose, and stopped a potentially horrible run. We didn't win either though. A dross 0-0 game which we should have when McCleary messed up a gilt edged chance. The ball had come to him plumb in front of goal around 12 yards out, but due to low confidence rather than taking it first time, he took a touch, and admittedly a bad touch, he took it backwards and his shot was easily blocked.The strikers all looked out of confidence and form, and he team disjointed as a whole. A match we really should have won and we limped to a draw. Promotion was sliding away, our form more in line with relegation form than promotion. The fans were getting angry. City Ground was not a happy place to be.

The final game of the month of March was an away defeat to Swansea, one of our main rivals. What with out terrible form not many fans expected much anyway. Went duly went behind. Sinclair skipping through a very static defence and scoring what looked a great goal, but was more to do with the Forest defence playing statues than Sinclair's ability. The second came from debutant Borini. He looped one over Camp and the Swans already looked home and hosed. We hit back through Kris Boyd scoring his first goal late in the first half, but it looked no more than a consolation. Sinclair and Dyer ripped us to shreds all match and carried on in the second half resulting in Borini's second goal. We again hit back in stoppage time through Anderson and then right at the death we hit the post,it would have been daylight robbery had we took a point. We were so much worse it was laughable and yet we were 1 inch off equalling Swansea. Cohen's in-swinging cross flicked off Anderson and the post. It was a lesson and warning about the playoffs, as we would lose to Swansea, but we were at this time looking unlike we would even make that.

We ended March winless, and low on confidence. Automatic promotion hopes were shattered and the playoffs were slipping out of our grasp. April would be a vital month.

Month by Month 2010/11 Season Review: February

As we hurtle towards the new season we continue our look back and round up of last season by moving onto February

January had been a wonderful month for the Reds. We had set ourselves up as promotion contenders,and had added a signing or two which was a rarity for Forest. We had a left back, also a rarity, with the arrival of Konchesky coming in on deadline day.

The next day he was in the team as Forest went to Coventry and won. It hadn't been easy, we went behind to a Marlon King goal, a scrappy goal at that. But Forest showed a strong resolve to come from behind and beat the Sky Blues. McGugan scored our first with a goal that Westwood in the Coventry goal really should have done better with, as it dipped and swerved right in front of him. Then came a very bitter-sweet moment in the Forest season. Moussi chased somewhat of a lost cause, Coventry stopping as they thought the ball was out, and as he crossed the ball he injured himself. Earnshaw scored the goal,but Moussi's night was over, and he would be out fora while,which would disrupt our season a lot.


Four days later it was the turn of Watford to come to the City Ground and attempt to end or amazing unbeaten run at home.They would of course fail. Forest winning 1-0 against the Hornets. An early Tudgay goal fired the Reds up to a temporary second spot in the league, even more strengthening our belief that this was our season to finally regain a place in the top flight. Cohen's centre from the left found Earnshaw, who prodded the ball onto Tudgay, to finish into the bottom left hand corner of Scott Loaches goal. The game promised more goals which it didn't deliver, but we didn't mind one iota.

A bit of a gap till the next game, which was a battle of heavyweights. QPR hosted the Reds in a game televised on Sky. QPR took the lead through Black, before things looked a lot worse for the Reds, Majewski with a terrible tackle on Tarabt, and getting himself sent off. It really did look curtains for the Reds at this juncture. However McGoldrick would see us right, deflecting in a goal that had he not been there would not have gone in. Forest were level. And that's how it would remain in a largely forgettable second half. A commendable point all things considered. One that had most Forest fans delighted. Having gone to both Cardiff and QPR and come away with something from both games we could fear nobody now.

3 days later it would begin to go wrong. On a horrible pitch Scunthorpe would beat us at Glanfrd Park and the first seeds of doubt were sown. Most at the time put this result down as being a blip. But it ended up being so much more. We lost to a single Chris Dagnall goal in the first half. However the match report we wrote at the time seemed to be one of the most psychic I ever wrote.

Whether this is a mere wobble, or the beginnings of a full on derailment of the promotion train will become apparent over the next weeks. Needless to say quick recovery on Saturday is needed.

We had to bounce back as predicted, and bounce back we did. Cardiff came to the City Ground we gleefully completed the double over the Welsh side.This had us convinced Scunthorpe was just one of the games. Morgan gave Forest a first half lead through a header from a McGugan corner. Cardiff would level with a debatable penalty netted by Whittingham of all people. But of course Earnshaw would have the last say against his former (and now current ) club. Scoring from close range from Anderson's centre. It was a creditable win against a very good side and should have been more when at the death Tyson went clear and tried to score rather than squaring for what would have been an easy third. No matter we thought. We are up to second, beating one of our biggest rivals and things ar locking good. Aren't they?


Well yes and No. The next game would be one that encompassed our season. The Preston game is arguably where everything started to go wrong. Preston were team that we should really have thrashed. Struggling, low on confidence and with Phil Brown managing them. Alas,not to be, and in dramatic circumstances. Preston scored first through Nicholson. And so the first half ended with us behind with a capacity crowd in City Ground following another cheap offer. Many of these fair weathers booed the team. Seemingly incredulous that we should fail on the one match they bother to turn up a season. Konchesky equalised 10 mins into the second half before injuring himself and going off. Then the drama started. 90 mins, and Cohen took an in swinging free kick that evaded everyone and dropped into the corner to put Forest into the lead. So late on!! Surely a win. Well Forest, no. We went to sleep and allowed Preston to go up the other end in the 96th minute and equalised, which saw Phil Brown and co invade Forests technical zone.

So a sucker punch.But again, hopefully just a blip. The next game was a 0-0 away draw with Millwall which was more a relief than anything else. Easily a game we could have lost, we still got something out of it and looked good again for moving on into the last portions of the season.

However, Moussi's injury and the fact it left us short in midfield would be a starting point to the rot. Preston showed us we need that enforcer in there to kill a game. And it would cost us. At the time it felt like one of those game that had a grave portent of what was to come, and by and large it would.

Month by Month 2010/11 Season Review: January

January began with Forest looking good and optimistic for the months ahead. Surely we would strengthen in the transfer window,and that excited us too. Just playing games again would be nice after a December ravaged by the snow,in which we played but twice.

We started out with a home banker against Barnsley. The form we were in we surely couldn't fail to win. Well,2-2 was the result in a very frustrating game for Forest fans. Barnsley went two up. In part due to enforced changes. Ryan Bertrands impressive loan period had ended, and Cohen was filling in at left back. On their second goal he was showed up. Hill had put them ahead when he just through the defence, Ex Red Gray had scored the second with a header after a cross from Cohens mentioned error.
Forest made changes and gota break when Gunter was fouled bursting into the area,initially given as a free kick,the resulting penalty was dispatched by McGugan. The second came from Tyson,poking in after a scramble. A great,this match was not,but it was notable for Adebola coming on and changing the match. We were finally seeing what the big man was all about.

The next match was an away win at Ipswich. Lynch came in for Cohen in a no brainer. The goal was an own goal by Delaney.We had almost taken the lead accidentally, when McGoldrick in passing the ball back to Ipswich in a sporting gesture, McGoldrick hit the ball so sweetly that it beat the keeper and came off the bar,enraging Roy Keane,and forcing Billy Davies to apologise. Right at the end Leadbitter got himself sent off for Ipswich in a two footed lunge on Anderson.

And then it was onto the FA Cup away at Preston. To be fair the FA Cup would probably seen as a distraction to both teams, scrapping at either ends of the table. But a good cup run is a good morale booster. We went behind to a Darren Carter gal in the first half, equalised through Paul Anderson early in the second,before a late winner from Chambers put us into the Forth Round, where we drew West Ham, also away.



The next win was a fairly important one in how the season went. In a game I personally missed by going on a Ski holiday I was delighted to be receiving the text updates that I got. Kanu had put Pompey ahead, despite being probably 50 years old. We would remain behind till the 87th minute when Sonko put past his own keeper to bring us level. That would have been a good result considering,but only Tdgay to net in the depths of injury time to give us a vital win. One that really underlined the fact that Forest really didn't know when they were beaten. We were on terrific form and looking a match for anyone in the division.



This strength of belief and strong morale was only merely improved in the following game. Against Derby. Considering we had never won away Pride Park,a run Derby fans loved to remind us of, and the fact these games are always dangerous anyway,made the slender victory all the sweeter. A single goal by ex Ram Robbie Earnshaw was enough to hand us the three points.Add to the equation the hilarious reactions of Robbie Savage when being subbed off, and Moxeys hilarious late red card it was a perfect day for fans of Forest.

Another day another win for Forest in the final league game of January saw us beat Bristol City.It meant we were undefeated in the league for all of January,and in fact December too. The previous defeat being in November against Leicester. Confidence was oozing from the side. We won with yet another Luke Chambers headed goal at set piece, a Chris Cohen delivery. Forest were on the edge of automatic promotion. Games in hand from the winter snap. And were now about to play the Premier League team West Ham in the FA Cup.

We went behind early to Obinna who at first looked offside, though Gunter had actually been playing him on. Adebola would equalise for the Reds before McGoldrick put us ahead with aheader from less than a yard. Right before half time Obinna equalised with a fluke goal. They then won in the second half with a penalty after Lynch committed afoul.

So all in all, a good month, We had held our own against a Premier League team, and gone unbeaten all month and risen way up the league. All in all a wonderful month. We even made a signing. Robbie Findley the American striker signing in time.

Month by Month 2010/11 Season Review: December

So December was nearly a washout, games being postponed all over following the worst snow we have seen in a generation.

And to illustrate the snow I have taken this brilliant shot of Market Square in the snow. I applaud the genius behind this charade.


We did start the month with other news, namely that England didn't get the World Cup, and therefore Forest wouldn't be getting a new stadium. I personally have mixed views on this. The Main Stand is starting to show its age badly, and a new stadium would be lovely as an environment to watch football in, BUT no doubt for a while like most new stadia the atmosphere would be stale. Pockets of crowd that have organically grown for years would be separated, and no doubt prices would rise also.

Matches against Scunthorpe, Bristol City and Middlesbrough fell foul of the weather. It also left us with a lot of games in hand against teams above us. Which would start to become key as the next few months progressed.

When we did finally get to play again on December 18th against Crystal Palace it had been 3 weeks or so since we last kicked a ball competitively. Chambers opened scoring, as he does with a header froma Lewis McGugan corner. Tudgay would extend the lead with a long range lob when he was set clear with the ball bouncing up and Speroni rushing to him, he looped it over him and into the net, and ultimately this goal made its way on to our goals of the season shortlist. It was also Tudgays first Forest goal. McCleary would finish the romp with a well taken goal after work down the left by Tyson.
Fans reactions were upbeat
Forest7 on the forum said

Good win, job done. Really pleased with Tudgay, took his goal superbly and has good intelligence and awareness. Think Earnie will enjoy playing with him. Earnie was poor though, he was involved, but his touch has gone at the moment, which is worrying and that's why he isn't scoring.

IntotheForest said

Perfect return. Everyone played well and Palace were woeful.

Then just before Christmas broke the news from Scotland that Billy Davies was implicated in the Tommy Sheridan sex scandal. Apparently being involved in orgies, it lead to many a joke about just being there to advise and recommend. I don't think too many Forest were angry at the news, just raising an eyebrow at possibly one of the more bizarre Forest related stories to break in recent times.

Which all lead us to the next and final game of 2010. A little match against some team called Derby at the City Ground on December 28th. Needless to say I think we all remember what happened, but for the sheer pleasure it gives me lets go through it all again.
5-2. yeah, 5. The A5-2 joke started getting tired quick didn't after the game, but, nonetheless 5-2. We took the lead via a Chambers header again,only for Moore to cancel it out. There wasn't the need to worry though, Tudgay then stuck twice to put us in front. The first was a header that barely crossed the line, and his second and our third came from a good cross from Tyson, this one having no doubt whatsoever about its quality.

After half time, we made it 4-1, Tyson,who had one his best ever games in the Red of Forest, before now going to Derby, floated across a ball right across the edge of the 6 yard box, Earnshaw poking it home to send Forest fans into raptures. Commons briefly made things jittery when he scored a long range free kick that completely bamboozled Camp, and then the "Forest fan" celebrated in front of Forest fans (though notably the quieter less vociferous fans) No need to worry because after Leacock absolutely screwed up clearing a ball, Earnshaw raced clear and netted our fifth and consigned Derby to one hell of a beating.

It also left us in a very strong position, on form, free scoring, and flying up the league. Things were looking good. None of the in fighting of previous months, no dissenting voices, just pure unadulterated pleasure (especially for Billy when Tommy was around). Good stuff Forest.

Month by Month 2010/11 Season Review: November

November would be the month where the season started coming together, and we motored up the table into contention for the top spots.

It started with a 1-1 draw away at Watford. McGugan scored yet another wonder goal, with an effort from range that looped in. We were in an away slump before hand pretty much save for the Preston game so hopes hadn't been too high. Mutch had put the Hornets into an early lead before McGugans strike saved a point. Watford had been on bad form so really should have been there for the taking, but confidence was still being constructed with Forest.
The views on the forum were as such
Michael 123 said

A very poor return from two away games now heaps the pressure on us to win our two forthcoming home games against good opposition, especially as two tough away games follow that. November really could decide if we are capable of mounting a serious assault on this league. Why didn't Wilson play yesterday?

Manic Loop said

pleased with a point in a game i had down down as a defeat.

Between this game and the Coventry home game next though came another revelation. Billy was reportedly only working 3 days a week and commuting up to Scotland for much of the time to see his family. It would be also the first time that Billys lawyer would start to enter the fray as a character in the season, with Billy saying anyone who has any complaints or questions should contact his lawyer. Sounds familiar.

And so we into a game against Coventry with a lot of disarray. Again fans divided, again questions being off the field rather than on field matters. And it really was an unhappy atmosphere when Coventry took the lead against the run of play. An own goal by Chambers. However Forest hit back with a wonderful Majewski strike, which made the goal of the season short-list, and then in the second half an in swinging Cohen free kick went past everyone into the goal. Not the first or last time this will occur. Coventry would try and fail to equalise, and the song of "she said no Marlon,she said no." echoed around the ground (being directed at ex Forest striker Marlon King and his jail time served for punching a woman who refused his advances)



The next game was a big one, QPR at home Both teams attempting to keep their records, Forests unbeaten home record and QPRs excellent run of of form. So it was hardly a surprising goalless draw. It wasn't a classic, but it showed Forest were the equal of the top team in the division on their day.
The fans views were as follows.
Forest008 said

As for Forest, Gunter, Cohen and Anderson were really poor.
Team lacks any cutting edge, we just don't seem to go for it, Anderson has been dire this season.

IntotheForest said

Don't get why folk were moaning around me and for that matter why any fan is moaning. We were playing top of the league, kept a clean sheet and got a cracking point. Not as if we were playing Scunthorpe or Barnsley and just sat back. We gave them as good as they got and in the end a point was a fair result.

We then scored one of arguably our best results of the season, going to Cardiff with indifferent away form, when they were one of the most fancied teams in the division and coming away with 3 points was magnificent. I think most fans would have taken a draw pre-game, but a triumphant 2-0 was unexpected and welcome even if it did come at a heavy cost.
McGugan scored a great goal to put us ahead. He scored a trademark range effort after good work from Adebola. Blackstock would follow this up by putting us two up. And it was deserved. This wasn't a smash and grab win, we went there and took them out.
This great win was marred however by a season ending injury to Dexter Blackstock. At the time I don't think we quite gauged the effect this would have long term, as Blackstock really could have been a vital player in the latter stages for us, but that's Football, you take what comes to you. What else was galling was Dave Jones complete lack of sympathy, merely suggesting it was something else for Billy Davies to moan about. One manager I am pleased to see the back off.



Between this game and the next Forest pulled off what looked like a wonderful coup in signing Aaron Ramsey on loan from Arsenal. Looking back, it could and should have been so much more, but the early December weather stopped using him how we might have hoped. On the same day we also initially loaned Tudgay which would become a permanent deal, as Blackstocks replacement.



We then went to local rivals Leicester. In front of the Sky camera's we lost 1-0, probably deserved to as well. However the manner of the goal made it hard to take, a rebounded Darius Vassell effort tucked in by Andy King. We had cleared efforts off the line, the game was notable for Forest as Ramseys debut.
The fans views were as such
Forest7 said

I just don't see how our tactic of playing it head height to earnshaw was ever going to work. Our wingers, Anderson, tyson and McCleary just don't make the right decisions and give away possession cheaply. I think January needs to see a replacement for the Moose (ideally Pratley), a genuine replacement for tyson (e.g. Hamill or Coppinger) and a new target man on loan to replace Blackstock (unless Tudgay can do the job).

forestforever32 said

it was drab .......Too much atsnding around watching the opponents instead of getting tackles in....if it weren't for camp and chambers we would have been hammered ....how embarrassing .....

So November still saw slightly indifferent form, but we picked up big points against big teams and had ourselves up near the top. We had picked up a couple more players, although one admittedly on limited loan time so optimism amongst ans was picking up. The slow start was slowly starting to build pace.

Month by Month 2010/11 Season Review: October

September had started to see form improve and coming into October it looked a relatively easier month to score points from and continue our ascendancy up the table to takeour rightful place towards the top. It didn't quite work out that way.

It did start with an away draw against Doncaster, in a game where we had taken the lead and quickly lost it again. The fact is we also clung on to this point, to make another triumphant away draw. It took our unbeaten run to nine, even if most of them were draws just like this. Blackstock had again been the scorer, his was a good start to the season. Seeing as Doncaster had been somewhat of a bogey team fans were satisfied with the point
Forest 7 said

Will take that after bar being whacked and Sharp missing in 94th min. We aren't a million miles away if we start winning home games

IntotheForest view was

Was a good game yesterday but we have to start taking our chances. There doesn't really seem much predatory instinct up front with Earnshaw out and while Dexter is chipping in with the goals, we need that bit more threat.
Good performance though from most on the team although Moussi was once again utter garbage. The guy is a liability and almost gifted them a goal late on when in typical Moussi fashion he panicked and passed it straight to one of their players who forced Camp into a good save.

We then after a 2 week break went to an away game against Barnsley that is best forgotten, save for a good McGugan goal. We lost 3-1 to the Tykes. As a consequence we were back in the lower half the table lying in 15th place. This game was notable in so far as Billy absent with illness and Ned Kelly took charge. Of course with the disarray surrounding the managership at the time all sort of conspiracy theories were flying around. Many fans were deeply unhappy with this result and rightly so.
IntotheForest said

Pathetic performance and I guess without Billy's presence it just showed how average this team really was.
Poor team selection by Billy it has to be said though. 2 DMs, 2 CMs and your wingers on the bench, woeful stuff. While I can see why Dele got a start he was utter garbage and Moussi continues to become one of the worst players I have ever seen in a red shirt.
Only plus point was Mcgugan looking as good as normal and McGoldrick looking brilliantly lively when he come on.

Libertine said

Very worrying result. Really strikes of a squad with no confidence or togetherness.
Worried that all the poison from Davies has ****ed this season up. A good manager, who has the clubs interests at heart rather than his own would have rallied troops ahead of the season and pushed on with a squad very smilar to the one who nearly got promoted last season.
See where we are at christmas - But I can see Doughty turning the pressure up on him.

So it was good with morale falling again to go into two very winnable home games against Middlesbrough and Ipswich. These would be the tale of two free kicks.

Forest stretched the unbeaten home run to 25 games by beating Boro 1-0(their 5th away defeat in a row) when McGugan blasted a free kick from out wide across the area and straight into the net. Majewski had hit the bar earlier also. Boro had never threatened much and showed why they were struggling. Lita had wasted a wonderful opportunity however.
Thefans views were as followed
Manic Loopsaid

very pleasing win. not a great game, but it was vital to get back on winning form

Michael 123 said

I guess with it being such a dire game, with two sides lacking confidence and knowing that had we played anyone with a bit about them we would have been beat...I do think it is time to bring Wilson back in, not because Chambers was poor as he had an alright game, but because i think we miss Wilsons distribution from the back, especially when at home with teams sitting off us.

This was quickly followed by a 2-0 win against Ipswich which will be long remember for one thing. Goal of the season by Lewis McGugan. But that is jumping the gun. McGoldrick had already(just)scored the first when netting a cross from the left, the ball squeezed just below the bar and inside the post. Just before half time,Cohen was fouled 35 yards from goal,and McGugan as I am sure we all remember did the rest. The win raised Forest up to 10th in the Table and life was looking good again Trentside. The second half was largely a non event save for a penalty appeal turned down.
The fans views were as follows
IntotheForest said

Best performance since the Swansea game a few weeks back. Finally put in a credible performance that warranted a win although Ipswich had their chances.
McGugan once again was fantastic, it's a huge shame that some fans seem to want him to slip up just so they can say told you so. Gonna be difficult for any other goals we score this year to top that one today. I am delighted Lewis' performances have finally made Raddy get his arse into gear who has been great these past two home games
McGoldrick got a start which I was calling for and I'm delighted he got a goal. David should of started on Tuesday in all honesty as he looked promising vs Barnsley last weekend.

Forest008 said

Im still amazed by McGugan's goal.
out of this world

We next went away to Portsmouth, and our poor away form looked to be back making it back to back away defeats against teams ultimately that would be middle of the table also rans. Pompey won 2-1, we had gone 1 down and equalised only for Liam Lawrence, rejected by Forest as a kid,to net a winner not long after the hour mark.
The match report on 24-7 read as follows

Its not defeat that is as deflating as some. Forest are failing to put together a run of form though consistently home and away to move forward and up the league. Stuttering by winning home and losing away will mean we merely flounder in mid table. The turn from away draws to defeats now is somewhat of a worry. It may be too late to catch the leaders before this away form is sorted out, whether a change of outlook, a bit of form and a rise in confidence or fresh blood into the mix is open for debate, probably a combination of all.

The win saw Pompey go above us into 10th,and the inconsistency was seeing us bob up and down mid table. We had finished the month as we had started it. Top half, but lacking the consistent performances and results to push on into the play offs and really challenge the big boys

Month by Month 2010/11 Season Review: September

As September started most fans were disgruntled. The lack of signings,and reported takeover that never materialised, and probably never even existed and Billy's future being very much in question made the average Forest fan extremely worried about where the season was heading.

A mixture of emotion was pouring out, those who were pro Billy,against the Acquisition Panel and David Pleat, bemoaning a perceived lack of investment. Then there were those fed up of Davies constantly moaning in the media, supposedly working 3 day weeks and attempting to rock the Forest boat to get his way. Neither side conceded the other had a point.
Rosicky10 on the forum said on the matter

You can't help but notice all the finger pointing still - not only by the fans, it's also (if not more so) by the manager and by the board... The club looks a state. Just 9 months ago we had glorious, confident attacking football, tactical astuteness away from home and happy smiling facing all around, what the hell happened?
It all seems like a chicken-or-egg argument - what came first, a tight wallet or a self-centred dick of a manager protecting what he believes to be a reputation by destroying young, promising players.

tricky_trees said

Disaster snatched from the jaws of victory. What should have been an exciting season for us has been turned into a soap opera. The real losers in all these political shenanigins are the fans as all sense of anticipation for the season has long gone. We have gone from thinking we could be favourites to go up to expecting a bottom half finish. As Doughty states in the article missing out on the Prem cost the club £90M. We are now very unlikely to reach this goal. This is all the more ludicrous when Doughty boasts of his business credentials. What business sense has the last 8 months shown? Ridiculous way to run a club

On the pitch however things began to pick up.The month started slowly,an international break meant we didn't play until September 11th, in a1-1 draw with Millwall that at the time didn't feel so good.Again like all of August though, as the season turned out, it wasn't a result to be ashamed of. A deserved point, Millwall had taken the lead before Blackstock equalised lasteon. Bare in mind Blackstock had alsomissed a penalty however. Forest were still in the lower reaches of the table, but we weren;t losing games, showing a tenacity in coming from behind in a few games.

The next game would be somewhat of a catalyst of the season in three ways. Firstly it was our first win, at Preston. We came from behind to beat them, marking our first away win in longer than most could rember and our first win in any match since September. Also it marked the game that the renaissance of Lewis McGugan began. He scored two very well taken goals that we thought were good goals at the time. Lewis would go on to show them as being mere tap ins to what he could do. We were now up to 15th in the table.
Trickie Trees said on the forum in reaction to this

An excellent win. I hope this is the start of a good run like what happened last season. Mcgugan has the potential but it is all about application and not being a big headed tvat from now on for him to make it with us. I hope this is the turning point for his career at Forest.

Forest7 said

Well, after the last game I was saying I'd like to see him back in. Lewis is frustrating, but give him a free role he can win a match. Billy has treated him poorly. He has frozen out a class player, rather than worked with him to improve. He's a better player than Majewski. He has more end product, a better finisher, can beat a man

The next game was a dour 0-0 with Hull away. On sky it was instantly forgettable. The only real thing of comment was that it was Forests first clean sheet away since Boxing Day. Both teams had few chances to win,both wasting good opportunities, Chambers for Forest,Bullard for Hull.

We followed this up with an excellent home win against Swansea at the City Ground. The Reds took a 3-1 win against the Welsh team who would eventually be our undoing. McGugan netted twice again,one a penalty, one a wonderful goal beating two men and curling it in before Majewski rounded off the win. Van der Gunn netted a consolation goal. The win put us in the top half of the table for the first time. Undoubtedly with hindsight this was a glorious win for the Reds, showing exactly what we could do
IntotheForest on the forum said of the win

Was a good performance anyways, was expecting Swansea to really go at us but it wasn't to be.
A shame we squandered another clean sheet but hey the win was more important.
McGugan's second was an absolute beauty and it was good to see Raddy come on and finally do something of notice; hopefully Mcgugan's good form has finally given him that kick up the arse he needed.
Great result and I won my first bet since April 09 yday getting a whopping £7.10. Unbelievable stuff!

So finally it looked like we were building up a head of steam. Heading into the last game of the month against Sheffield United. Optimism was high amongst fans, but the game instantly took that wind out of our sails when the Blades scored early on,and in the usual manner. An in swinging free kick was headed in by Cresswell,and Forest lost all focus. It took till the second half to regain it,when McKenna would equalise for the Reds. We had a penalty shout turned down, but all the pre-match enthusiasm and happiness seemed to have drained away.
Rosicky10's view of the match was as follows

Frustrating night. Poor ref and linesman doesn't help, but they came with dirty tactics and bullied us for a lot of the game and the officials let them.
We looked dangerous in little spells but really need more conviction and attacking desire when at home and especially when a goal down.
Had to laugh when their players surround the ref for a tackle that seemed identicle to what they were doing all match though, Blunt bastards.

So in essence things were gradually improving, A resurgent McGugan was dragging Forest up out of a potential struggle towards the top parts of the table. We were still lacking consistency though, but the moaning at the start of the month was starting to quieten down as fans were starting to see progress on the pitch. Upward progress up the League will always quite doubters.

Of course the most notable part of September was the founding of this very website. Forest 24-7 was created from Soccer24-7,and a number of blogsites made.Only we remain from that flurry. From humble beginnings we now have burgeoning viewer numbers and have made huge steps in followers on Facebook and Twitter

Month by Month 2010/11 Season Review: August

In the first part of our season review, now that all the dust has settled and most of the fall out is beginning, we will begin with August and have a look at the events of the month, what people thought at the time via re-looking at forum posts, and how this looks with hindsight.

August

We started with a defeat. At home to Burnley we lost to an Iwelumo goal.Lining up with a very familiar side, with Bertrand the only new face, Wilson was them beginning in central defence with Morgan with eventual player of the season Chambers on the bench. McGugan his runner up also began on the bench. Most fans on the forum had predicted a draw,and unfortunately we didn't have a match thread to be able to look back on post match thoughts of various forum members.

The transfer news at this early stage was also quiet. Callum Davenport was training with us, with a multitude of rumours about him signing, which of course never came to fruition. The Whittingham and Pratley saga was in full swing with various people claiming they knew the inside scoop. no-one did.

We then went to Bradford in the League Cup and after taking the lead with a heavily depleted side lost in injury time. Depleted because of people being away on international duty, some of the forum comments were angry that this was allowed to happen.How could it be fair Forest had to play a game on an International fixture date? We were minus Gunter, Earnshaw, Bertrand,Majewski and Maloney. This was made all the more annoying by the fact Maloney and Bertrand and weren't even selected for their national teams. What was funny was some fans reactions. This was taken from Facebook at the time

The mongs are out already though, one comment:

**** off Billy, bring in O'Neill.

Was only a matter of time haha

This was followed by a home draw with Leeds,in a game we played well early on in but allowed Leeds back into. The goal was by Dexter Blackstock in the 9th minute. Comments on the forum were as such.
Forest008 said

Eurgh, not good enough at all.
Fantastic first half an hour, should of been 2 or 3 goals up.
But we were seriously poor after that. Midfield was non existent, McKenna and Radi were so bad its unreal.
Need to add to the midfield for sure, Pratley would of been a key player today.

IntotheForest said

Thought we were gonna hammer them and probs should of done. Then when Leeds equalised we were nothing for the rest of the game. If Beckford was still a Leeds player we would have lost.
Still very poor with our finishing but in a few weeks time we should have sharpened up and be back to form. The chances are there the goals aren't.
No one stood out today, Bertrand was good I guess.

This website at this stage still didn't exist so we can't say what we did in August(the site began in September)
We did on the forum get a very insightful post by Asocthern, who predicted the following

This season I think we'll see the worst of raddy now he's got his contract I don't think he will be all that bothered.

Probably proven correct over the course of the season. Leeds fans as always were deluded and thought they deserved the win, despite the stats illustrating what an equal game it had been. The game would be remembered by Leeds for Gunters sneaky "stamp" (more of a tread on) on Lloyd Sam. Who reacted like he was dead.

A multitude of names were being thrown around as potential signings. Jermaine Johnson being the only concrete rumour. Other names were Ricardo Fuller, Ross McCormack, Michael Tonge and Joe Mattock. And of course Pratley and Whittingham.

We next played Reading away. Another game without a win, saw us draw with the Royals, coming from behind. Readings teams was largely what finished the season, Sigurdsson who left and no Harte. Reading took the lead through Pearce,and we equalised after half time deservedly with a Earnshaw strike, after a Federici error.
The common consensus was that it was a good result.And probably fair.
Manic Loop on the forum said

id defo have taken this before the game.

ForestForever32 said

I think we have done really well today and deserved more than we got........I'm a bit worried about Tyson though he seems to have no confidence at all. Every time he gets the ball he messes up .

This left us near the bottom of the table. Not helped by the story that had broken the day before the game. Davies had apparently let rip to a Forest fan on a flight to Glasgow about the board and how many players weren't up to it. Looking back at what was apparently said some of it looks like it may have been real but a lot also looks utter garbage, especially the parts about Bertrand and McGugan not being up to it and him not happy,and the fact he thought he was about to be sacked. It certainly was a strange story to have broken, and filled the forums with gossip for a few weeks till the next drama occurred which we'll come to later.



We next faced Norwich at home. When we faced Norwich,what with them being a newly promoted club the fans were certain our first win was about to come, as shown by Manic Loop on the forum proclaiming.

first win of the season. thats a manic loop guarantee

We did take the lead through a Blackstock penalty. Norwich had already hit the wood work twice,and then equalised on 42Min's through Andrew Crofts. We hit the post late on, but it remained a draw. And we were again still too close to the drop for comfort.

The views on the forum were as follows
Manic Loop said

worst game ever

Ascothern said

I thought Wilson had a shocker got back to the car and they were singing his praises on the radio
We basically had no midfield until moussi and lewis came on
McKenna majewski and cohen were diabolical

Forest008 said

that was fvcking pathetic.
worst we have played in months.
McKenna, worst game he has ever had in a forest shirt.
Only positives, Earnshaw played very well, and Moussi and McGugan looked good when they came on.
So poor today, lucky to draw.
Changes need to be made now.

Fans were becoming divided on what to do with Davies, many deciding that he obviously must be trying to get sacked, or that something foul was a foot,with others blaming a lack of signings. What is now apparent looking at it from an end of season perspective is we played against 3 teams in the top 7 at the end of the season, and that it was almost a commendable start. Burnley being the only team to beat us and they were in the mix for a while too. Then we all thought it was a terrible start,but hindsight is a wonderful thing, and we can now say it was acceptable considering the opponents

So the first month ended in turmoil.Davies with an unsure future, Forest languishing in the bottom half of the table, fans unhappy at alack of signings. And then came a news report that an Irish consortium wanted to buy the club. Which was largely proven as utter rubbish by nothing happening. It seemed uneventful, but hey,looking back August had it all, other than a Forest win.