Admittedly, I like to update my blog every monday following the home game. Yet so much unfolded on Sunday evening and over the past couple of days that I've struggled to even come to terms with the changes happening at the club I support.
Seeing as it was quite a minor event in cohesion with everything else that occured, I'll get my match views out the way first.
After Tuesday's night disgrace, I wasn't sure what to expect. The performance at Watford wasn't good, but we grinded out a win and that's vital. When you can start winning games, despite the performance, that's when confidence rises and the team can begin to make strides.
Yet it was all pulled apart on Tuesday night. Let's not brush over it as a defeat. It's an embarrassment. We aren't losing by the odd goal. We're conceding lots of goals. FIVE against a Burnley side that haven't exactly been in a free scoring mode.
But in typical Forest fashion, you never know what to expect and unbelievably, the 20,000 fans saw the Reds best display of the season. Well, for 70 minutes at least.
We moved the ball well, the balance was right, the team was working. The City Ground knew it as well as the place was raucous, every attack was greeted with cheers. It was like we had finally turned a corner.
Miller's goal was simple but it was a finish we had been missing over past season. That striker's knack of being in the right place at the right time. Great ball from McGugan, nice flick from Derbyshire and a solid header from Miller. I'm not one for player power, but we need to look after this guy. He's got the potential to be a 20 goal a season striker.
As we hit the 70 minute mark and in complete control, McClaren decides to take off the influential Majewski for defensive Greening. I can't understand what this obsession is with the midfielder. He's good, granted. He wouldn't of had the success he's had otherwise. But no-one should walk into a team on their name alone. Majewski was causing all sorts of problems and to take him off to go defensive was a shombolic decision. The only thing I can imagine is there is a clause in Greening's contract stating that he gets a certain amount of game time. Also, as a team is under pressure, they need someone to relieve it. Radi can do that, Greening just hoofs it away and Birmingham can come again with another attack. It's not rocket science.
So Birmingham equalised with a screamer. When the luck is with Forest, those kind of shots from the opposition go into row Z. This one didn't, it flew in off the post.
Speaking of luck, 4 minutes later, Wood mistimes a shot and it bobbles in. Don't get me wrong, Chambers should be busting a gut to block the shot, but it is unfortunate that it just nestled nicely in the corner when he hadn't even connected with it.
Following that goal, Hill was taken off. Granted, he was taught a lesson in pace but the decision to substitute him was ridiculous. He has a wealth of experience and a fair amount of leadership within him and to take him off just undermined him as a player. Confidence gone. The message basically saying 'If you make one mistake, you're off.' Radi did when he didn't square it to Miller and Hill did in the lead up to the second goal. So now the remaining men are far too nervous to be on the ball in case of making a mistake.
I hate to admit I'm wrong, but the ex-England manager hasn't got a clue. Certainly not in English football.
Birmingham's 3rd was a goal that I'd been embarrassed to concede on a Sunday morning at amateur level and the boos boomed deservedly around the ground.
I couldn't believe that I'd walked away from that with defeat. It all points to the Greening substitution which never should have been made.
Camp- Before the collapse, looked like the keeper of last season. Controlled his area and held the ball well. Couldn't be at fault for the 3 goals. 7/10
Chambers-We all know that he is a much better CB. But in fairness, he defended well and got forward often too. Mistakes came when he was moved back across to CB. 6/10
Morgan- Always throws his body on the line and cannot fault his dedication to the cause. Just hasn't found the form yet this season. But was beginning to develop a good partnership with Lynch. 7/10
Lynch- Probably my MOTM again. Strong at the back, worked hard, won headers. At centre back, he is a comfortable and capable Championship defender. Only one to come and speak to the press afterwards as well. 8/10
Hill- One mistake cost him. But I reckon he's getting a tough time for no reason. Reads the play well, cut out a couple of dangerous attacks and happy to put his body on the line. 7/10
McGugan- On top of his game when things are going right. Disappears when they're not. Good delivery and nice skills, improve his attitude and he'll be one of the best midfielders in this division. 7/10
Majewski- Can feel so hard done by for being taken off. Ran the midfield, taking the ball forward and always trying to create. The mangerial staff need to appreciate Radi a bit more. He's a vital player for us. 8/10
Moussi- The Moose worked his socks off for us again. Strong in the middle and defended his back four well. The only player to run back and try and stop B'ham's 3rd. Can't fault his effort. 7/10
Tudgay- Nice to see Tudgay getting a go, although he did struggle to make an impact. I'm not quite sure he fully understood the system he was involved in which didn't help matters. 6/10
Miller- As I said above, this guy has the potential to be a superb signing.Strong, confident, direct and knows where the goal is. Wrap him up in cotton wool. 8/10
Derbyshire- Similarly to Tudgay, worked hard all game but didn't seem sure if he was playing left wing or as a centre forward. His movement is superb though and will never shy away from recieving the ball. 7/10
Greening- It's not a vendetta against the bloke. But it hasn't worked out. He isn't as good as he, or the managerial staff seem to think he is. Can quite happily follow McClaren out the door as far as I'm concerned. 2/10
Gunter- I'm Gunts' biggest fan. His energy, technique and ability are undeniable at this level. But there was no need for him to come on. Disrupted the whole defence. 5/10
Findley- Tough one for USA. I believe he should be starting but not sure where to fit him in. Although the Miller/Findley partnership was developing quite nicely not so long ago. Came on and ran but saw little of the ball. 6/10
So, the next point on the agenda would be the embarrassing protests. Before the game, there weren't many people, around 50 I'd say. More people were watching. Oh, weren't they in for a treat. Two songs, the use of fireworks when it's daylight and a complete lack of knowledge about the club was basically what it consisted of.
I fully respect that I'm only 19 years old and this club has seen better days. But how hard is it to look at the bigger picture?! When Nigel Doughty came into this club, we were days away from administration. He saved us, literally. Over the next 10 years or so, he pumped between £60m and £100m of his OWN money into the club. If any of the 'fans' protesting are wishing to put that money in then be my guest. I somehow doubt that will happen though.
Following the bad times of Platt, Kinnear and Megson, Doughty put his hand up and acknowledged the mistake. Because of the former of that sentence, relegation was an inevitability. We had to go down, remove the dead wood and start again. It wasn't pleasant, but it had to be done. It also included the clever appointment of Colin Calderwood. He was an up and coming manager who took us back to where we needed to be. 99% of us are grateful for his contribution.
When he reached the end of the line, Doughty showed his knowledge once more by employing Davies. Yes it was a fractious relationship, but twice we nearly reached the promised land. Again, it looked as though he had taken us far enough.
Doughty made the call again by employing an ex England manager with a wealth of experience and contacts. Nobody can blame him for thinking it was a brilliant appointment.
It didn't work out, sometimes that happens. But for Doughty to fall on his own sword and step down over it was a highly credible thing to do and to then come on Radio Nottingham and talk about it was something that the uneducated idiots didn't deserve.
Along with the progress on the pitch, there was also progress off it. Academy facilities along with infrasture work around the ground meant we were bordering on Premier League facilities. There is a reason our youth levels are producing such brilliant talent.
Finally, we all know the money was tight. But that isn't Doughty being stubborn. He is trying to make sure Nottingham Forest is still a club in ten years time. A thing called the financial fair play rules are coming in next season and I suggest that if you stayed behind to 'protest', then have a read up on it because it is going to heavily impact on the club you supposedly support.
Yet this all falls on deaf ears for those who have no concept. Look at the footage of those protesting. The majority of them, aren't over 20 years old. Half of these people are kids, thinking it's big and clever what they're doing. Well it isn't. Congratulations, your little display may have just made thing ten times worse.
Especially with the news this morning that Peter Risdale has offered to become chairman and if you think Doughty was bad, wait until you meet a man that nearly ended Leeds United. Either that, or a USA/Chinese consortium are interested.
Brilliant, can't wait to see that happen from two nations who simply LOVE football. I listened to the phone in on the way home and the general consensus was you wanted someone who was Nottingham bred and passionate about Forest.
Do you not realise your antics have just removed someone who fits that criteria in every single way?
Furthermore, I hear there's another protest to get Arthur out? Seriously, where is the logic?
That man is the only person left who has any idea of how Nottingham Forest is run. To remove him, would be to completely wipe out the work that has gone in over the past 15 years and to start all over again. Relegation would be imminent. Nottingham Forest would be a laughing stock. How is it appealing to a manager or chairman to come in and start a football club from scratch? It just isn't plausible.
As for the manager, I'm pleased he's gone. I was pro McClaren, desperate for it to work out and at times, on the pitch, we saw glimpses.
But it wasn't happening and he had to go. Much to the pleasure of the national newspapers.
Apparently he was going to resign whatever the Birmingham result was which shows how much passion he had for the job. Rather he go now rather than when we're in a serious relegation battle.
In fairness to him though, to leave without compensation and to not seek any is hugely commendable and as a true fan, we appreciate the work he attempted to do.
Who should replace him? Well there's a lot of names being banded about.
Lets get some 'No's' out the way first.
Martin O' Neill- Would be fantastic, but he's holding out for a PL job, wouldn't be interested.
Roy Keane - No way. Too fiery with no real record. Links to the club mean nothing. Can you imagine him trying to work with McGugan and Miller? Massive no.
Alan Shearer- Couldn't succeed at the club he supposedly loved so why succeed here? No way.
Martin Allen- Doing a superb job across the Trent and would be stupid to throw that away. Not sure his bullish behaviour would sit too well with the players either.
Nigel Clough- Yes what a perfect story it would be for Nigel to follow in his dad's footsteps. Except it doesn't happen like that and it won't happen. Clough Jnr has made his bed at Derby, he was rude about Forest and certain individuals and his lack of tactics means he can definitely stay at the far end of the A52.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink- No experience, no idea of defending tactics, massive no written all over it.
Now Billy Davies has obviously been mentioned. As much as I love King Billy, he wouldn't be the way to go. He took us as far as he could and has burnt too many bridges to come and do it all again. I wouldn't mind him as an interim until the end of the season to keep us up but for the progression of this football club, it has to be a no.
There's a few names that seem to be gathering pace:
Sean O' Driscoll- This wouldn't be my first choice. Don't really see the attraction. Did well on a limited squad with Doncaster I suppose, but to come to the City Ground. Can't see it working.
Darren Ferguson- Did well with a limited Peterborough side and they saw they'd made a mistake when they got him back. Good links with Man U as well. But would be a ticking bomb I feel. No thanks.
Karl Robinson- This is one name I'd be really excited by. Up and coming manager who has spent time learning the trade before making the step up and succeeding brilliantly with MK Dons. Knows the lower leagues well.
Paul Tisdale - Similarly to Robinson, another manager who deserves a chance. Worked wonders with Exeter and it appears to have gone relatively unnoticed. Swansea were rumoured to be interested when Martinez left and that shows his potential. Would be an excellent choice.
I feel we need someone who has a knowledge of this division, knows how to win games, has a proven record and an air of authority.
If reference to that criteria, I feel we look no further than Alan Curbishley.
He's been out of football for a while, but his knowledge, contacts and CV speaks for himself. It would be a challenge but I reckon its something he would be up for. His reputation comes before him as well meaning the likes of Miller and McGugan who we know can be disruptive, will respect him and play out of their skin for him. Curbishley is my first choice.
So what now for the future? Well, firstly, thank goodness it's an international break. It gives Forest a chance to address the mess we now find ourselves in. Looking ahead, it can go two ways:
1) nothing gets sorted, more protests for Arthur out, the club falls apart and we get relegated as a laughing stock.
2) We employ the right manager and we move forward. A couple of loan signings and we finish the season in mid table. Allowing the new manager to work with his squad over the summer of 2012 and we then have a real go at the championship.
We need to be patient and stay out the public eye for a bit. I'm not sure if that'll happen though.
Safe to say, the thought of Coventry away doesn't exactly fill me with excitment.
Just on a side note, I'd like to commend the coverage Radio Nottingham offered. They were quick to the scene and produced a superb program which covered all the issues as well as giving fans a chance to voice their opinions.
As a passionate trainee sports journalist, it was very intruiging to hear the show put together and a credit to the team over how professional it sounded.
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