Season Preview: The Championship

Nottingham Forest Forest

The Odds – (Via-William Hill)

League Winners: 16/1

Promotion: 11/2

Relegation: 12/1

The Background

An 11th place finish for Forest was somewhat of an anti-climax following the 2 and a half months unbeaten run that filled fans with positivity at the turn of the year. The 12 game winless run that followed brought the City Ground faithful back down to reality with a bump. With another strong squad, you can’t help but think Billy Davies underachieved with what he had. A fiery relationship with just about everyone (but mostly the media) proved all too much for ‘King Billy’ when he was sacked at the end of March leaving Gary Brazil to see out the fixtures. The coming season is shaping up to be more of a positive one for Forest however with the popular Stuart Pearce at the helm.

The Transfers

Danny Fox joins at the back from Southampton after they let him go to Nottingham. Striker Matty Fryatt ( see below) also joins the club from Hull in what could be one of the more important signings of the Summer. Possibly the biggest piece of business for Forest however is whether or not they can hold on to young stars Jamaal Lascelles and Karl Darley, who have been heavily linked with moves to the Premier League. With Arsenal reportedly tracking the progress of Darlow and Manchester City, Chelsea and Spurs looking at Lascelles, it would be very strong business to hold onto either of the two players. Striker Matt Derbyshire also has left to join up with newly promoted Rotherham United.

Matty Fryatt

Star Men

Lascelles and Darlow deservedly deserve the title of Star Men after their fantastic season for Forest. The two young stars impressed heavily and clearly had been doing something right to attract Premier League interest. With them both having youth on their side, they have clear potential to grow in the future. Lascelles’ solidity at the back in front of shot stopper Darlow works as a perfect combination for Forest, and with them growing all the time, departures to bigger clubs would be a shame for Forest and tough for the fans to take. The price tags do look appetizing though.

The Gaffer

If a man knows Forest well, then its Stuart Pearce. After 401 appearances for the club, with 63 goals to his name, he enjoyed a 12 year period at the City Ground. In his time at Forest, Pearce won the League Cup twice and put in many a heroic performance. His time spent at the club means he knows just how important it is to have a Forest side playing good football, not for the players but for the fans come next season. Pearce has managed Manchester City (before the big-bucks) and almost lead them to UEFA cup qualification. He spent a two year stint as manager and had a very succesful first season with the club. How Forest fans would love to miss out on Europa qualification in the PL in a few years time. The squad’s reliance on youth will be helpful and advantageous for him after his experience with the England under 21’s was so vital in his managerial success. The ‘Perfect’ appointment some may say. Harshly criticized before however…

Psycho Returns
Psycho Returns

The Fan

Thoughts on last season

Injuries were the story of our season, probably 7/11 starters out for a good chunk of the season led to a collapse post February which left us scrapping for a play-off place when it looked as if automatics weren’t beyond us.

Hopes for this season

This season may only end up being a rebuild after the damage Billy Davies left but most Forest fans hope that Pearce will galvanize the squad and, along with Fawaz Al-Hasawi’s investment, push for automatic promotion.

Fears for this season

The fear for this season is that Pearce has a poor start and the owner pulls the trigger on him far too quickly. Would send us back to square 1 and tarnish Pearce’s legendary status at the club

Player to Look out for

The obvious choice is Andy Reid. The player of the season last year who dragged us over the finishing line. Probably got the best left foot in the football league and if his fitness wasn’t such an issue would be playing at a higher level. If he can keep injury free he can fire us to promotion.

Rate your manager out of 10

For me it’s an 8. Harshly criticized from previous jobs, did okay with under 21’s after multiple players pulled out and led City to a couple of mid table finishes. However never managed at this level which is always a slight worry. His status at the club will buy him all the time he wants with the fans.

Away day you are most looking forward too?

Derby, simply because I can’t wait to wipe them smiles off their smug faces when we avenge the 5-0 defeat last season!

Where will you finish? I reckon we’ll finish 3rd.

The Verdict? 10th.

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