NFFC vs Southampton

Another Monday morning. Another defeat to reflect on.

Despite the table not looking particulary pleasant at this moment in time, I still believe it doesn't reflect the bigger picture.

When was the last time Forest had a good start to the season? It's going back a few years.

I wasn't at the game so I'm only able to go on highlights and close people's views but unfortunately it sounds like the same old story, brilliant going forward but awful at the back. How many times have we said that this season and we're only in September?

First and foremost, let's not forget that we have gone to a club, who are in fine form and backed by a tremendous fan base and very nearly, and probably should have, taken points off them.

But, our back five were caught out again. Two of them being crosses swung into the box. I'm dumbfounded over where Chambers and Morgan's aerial dominance has gone. I have suggested the captaincy is adding extra pressure for Chambers, but as a mate of mine rightly pointed out, it shouldn't make a difference. If you're a born leader, you'll do the job of a captain whether you're wearing the armband or not. Maybe Chambers wasn't the right decision after all.

Camp is a tough one. His head clearly isn't in the right place. He dropped a clanger in midweek for his country and just isn't dominating his box like he used to.

Suprise suprise, I think it comes down to the same old problem; lack of squad depth. Both with Chambers and Camp, there is no-one challenging or pressurising them. Realistically, we know Camp is a much better all round keeper than Smith and only Lynch could fill in at centre back but isn't as good as Morgan or the skipper. The decision to drop either of the current players would be a massive risk and at this particular moment, I can't see McClaren doing it. He'll just hope that it comes good in the end.

Which, to be fair, I don't think will be very long. I've said in past entries, that the midfield and strikers are beginning to really gel and we showed it again on Saturday as we scored two excellent goals. Nice to see Derbyshire open his account. He showed a real striker's instinct to gamble on Miller's low cross and a nice sign of intelligence as he layed on Majewski instead of shooting himself, which would have been tempting.

The injury to Miller is a real shame, especially as his Forest career was gathering pace. Already a fan favourite, it's a big blow with Derby in town soon.

I know I'm repeating myself, but as soon as the defence has a solid display and the team are able to achieve a solid win, which they deserve, we will start rapidly climbing up the table and come christmas, I'm quite sure we'll be hovering around the top 8.

We need players without a doubt, and I was annoyed to see we'd missed out on Collins. I can only think it's a money issue and with the sale of Connor Wickham, we were unable to match what Ipswich were offering.

But we just need one result. One game where the City Ground is lifted once more.

What better occassion that this Saturday when our rivals roll into town?

Fingers crossed I'm this optimistic come 3pm Saturday.