So the other day a Leeds fan came running over and said to me “I had to come and find you. I just had to say Forest look absolutely awesome, I reckon you’re dead certs for promotion”.
This guy knows his football (although he also described Dex’s little flick to Hutchinson as Batistuta-esque, which is probably overstating it a bit).
But I have to disagree with him.
Yes, we are playing some awesome football, that is easy on the eye and exactly how I like to see things being played.
Yes, in Sean O’Driscoll we have a manager who seems to have a deep footballing philosophy – choose the right blend of characters and do the right things at the right times and things will come together.
Yes, although still a bit light in defence, our squad looks absolutely transformed from the thin pickings we had just four weeks ago.
However, there is one great big fly in the ointment.
Our manger may be great, our squad may be great, our individual talent may as good or better than anyone else in the division.
But, due to circumstance, we have not had a proper pre-season – so I predict we will fly until we hit the rush of games around Christmas and then tail off in the New Year.
This is nothing to be ashamed of, and I’m sure it will be entertaining right till the end.
However, “dead certs for promotion” is being really optimistic and it’s just a bit too early for that.
Comments
Dont under estimate S.O.D. If you are aware that we lack a proper pre season rest assured he will be aware. Expect a foray into the transfer / loan market in January to bolster the promotion push. I think the gaffer has already intimated that may be on the cards. COYR !!
Interesting predicition, however, I would argue that teams who don’t have the best of preseasons usually start sluggishly because of this lack of match fitness and then hit form around christmas time. I don’t think fitness will be an issue, infact, players like Guedioura, Cohen, Lansbury and even Gillet, have a natural fitness that others in the squad ie McGugun, Majewski and Reid arguably don’t have. With the strength in depth we have in these key areas, however, even if we play out of our skin for the first 4 months of the season, I think we’ll be in better shape going into the new year than most teams around us. In previous seasons we’ve not had a big enough squad, and only Cohen, with the engine, to play 46 games imho. we are really strong this season. Surprisingly strong. I’m a particularly critical person when it comes to all things Forest, and I can’t see us not finishing in the top 6. If we sign a better left back and another GK either on loan or permanently in January, I think that this squad could run away with the league.
I would echo the comments re pre season,and I think we will finish strongly, we are blessed with a team full of character,playing the best football since Frank Clarkes majestic Forest.
My biggest concern is the goalkeeper, he had only 2 things to do against Brizzle, he fumbled them both,conceding a dreadful OG the second time. He makes me nervous,so the back four must have their concerns. Every great side needs a great keeper, sadly it is the 1 thing we are lacking now.I hope Mr O Driscoll can solve this puzzle with the same brilliance he has solved all the others. David James is on record as saying that Paul Barron is the best goalkeeping coach in the world, Camp appears unable to cut it.
I think we’ll get well ahead for the first phase of the season and then teams will figure how to play us.
It’ll be harder then – but the talent is there.
I’m sorry but I also have to disagree with you.
If we were or are going to have a very poor period it will most likely come in the first 10 – 15 matches.
A some stage we will have a bad patch but a good start is what most managers would want.
The fact that we have played 4 (league) games & remain undefeated is a great start & as we all know (should’ve beat Hudersfield & we were robbed at Bolton!) it could easily have been better!
It is certainly better than even the most optimistic of us would have dared to hope for!
We have virtually a brand new team & a complete new back four that have only played @ 6 – 7 games together including pre-season friendlies! Hell we’ve got quality new players that haven’t even played yet like Henri Lansbury!
Unlike you, I expect Forest to grow & get stronger as the season progresses. The more they play together the better they will get and should the squad be weakened at any time – expect additions!
S’OD & the 3 Al Hasawi Musketeers have all said that they may use the loan market & that funds will be available to strengthen in January!
They have all been true to their word so far and provided a squad which is far better than any of us expected (if we’re honest?!).
In S’OD we trust! But with The Three Al Hasawi Musketeers watching his back we can rightly expect bigger & better times ahead.
Onwards & upwards.
YOU REDS!
I think we stand an outside chance of promotion, but are far from ‘Dead Certs’.
We need to start turning our dominance into goals for starters. Signing Sharp is a massive step forwards in resolving that issue.
I also have massive concerns over the defence, starting with Lee Camp. Campy has looked very dodgy so far this season & he needs to be pressured by a quality second choice keeper. Perhaps the Kuwaiti keeper could have provided competition, but until the appeal for a work permit is reviewed in January, perhaps we need to get a loaneee in?
The back 4 also concern me as although they are big & strong and should see off most aerial challenges – there is a lack of pace that could & will be exploited (I wory about Tyson when we play the sheep!!) Maybe a cheeky loan bid for Dawson from the spuds seeing as he isn’t wanted there?
Resolve these issues & we’ll be up there come May
worried about tyson dont make me piss btter players than tyson out there we,ll do just fine
6th is my hope. Top 10 is what we could reasonably expect. Automatic promotion is unlikely with other v strong teams this time (red Cardiff for example). Truth be told we usually take 8-10 games to get to 8 points, even when we reach the playoffs, so the early form is a welcome bonus. Will we go on a winning streak? Hard to say. But it is good to be up there in the mix for a while.
Much will depend on whether Cox continues to bang them infor fun and whether Billy Sharp follows suit. Makes it an intriguing season.
I have to disagree! The lack of a pre-season should mean that the side starts off slowly and builds towards the end of the season. Also with our depth in midfield and forwards, a rotational policy should be adapted when the schedule gets hectic.
I think it honestly could go either way. It depends how willing SOD is to rotate, and how slow he may be to realise some players are tiring, and in need of a rest.
When there’s players like Raddy, Moussi, Greening and Moloney on the fringes, we can afford to rotate and not be too affected.