2006-The Good, The Bad And The Ugly

2006 was a year of mixed fortunes for Nottingham Forest. By February we were to sack manager Gary Megson after falling within 4 points of the League 1 drop zone.

The Reds’ were in no rush to appoint a successor as Frank Barlow and Ian McParland took the reins and sent Forest on what turned out to be something of a rollercoaster ride for thirteen games. Before they took over it seemed as though we couldn’t buy a win, added to that the style of football was truly awful, some of the blame though would have to lie with the players, who put in some abject performances.

The ‘Charlie and Frank’ bandwagon got underway at Port Vale, with a much needed 2-0 win. Swindon were next and were to be hit for a magnificent seven, things were looking good.

Forest went on a stunning 10 game unbeaten run and although in truth the football was still awful, we were winning and even flirted with the idea of making the playoffs. Just as they were looking likely we travelled up to Hartlepool to pick up 3 easy points. Alas we were to be well and truly spanked 3-2 and the playoffs were a dream again. The final home game of the season was to see struggling Bournemouth. A crowd of nearly 30,000 saw the Reds’ cling onto a 1-1 draw, that just about kept their playoff hopes alive. The final agonising game of the season was at Valley Parade. Forest had to win and we needed Swansea and Barnsley to lose. Suffice to say the day ended in disappointment for the 6,000 travelling fans.

The summer was spent catching up on the latest stories on the rumourmill. Our new manager was going to be everyone from Martin O’Neill, to Dennis ‘not so’ Wise. In the end we were to get former wee player, Colin Calderwood, who had just guided Northampton to promotion from League 2. In all honesty, i think at the time, his appointment was greeted with a sense of anti climax. But you have to hand it to the canny Scott, he has guided us to the top of League 1 after spending little money. His only signings have been Paul Smith in goal and the enforced one of Junior Agogo, after Tysons injury. He has cash available, apparently and most fans would say we need strenghthening. Once again we are linked with every key player at every club. It’s odds on we will be active in the coming window, but who we get is anyones guess.

2007 will be a massive year in the history of this club. Nothing less than promotion will satisfy the fans or the Chairman. Calderwood still has much to do and alot of doubters to please, but a few good purchases in the coming weeks and still being top in May will surely give the most pessimistic of fans reason for hope.