Well folks, we’re nearly at the end of what has been a roller coaster season. Colin said it would be exciting didn’t he? Trouble is, he said nowt about it being a tad nervy.
Saturday’s penultimate away game of the season sees the Reds at already relegated Brentford at Griffin Park. The club have had a torrid time of it lately. Barry Quinn was announced as caretaker manager on Monday and becomes the fourth man in the hot seat in less than 12 months. Martin Allen, Leroy Rosenior and Scott Fitzgerald, were the previous incumbents.
The game with the Bees will be a tough one to call, as we don’t know how relegation and a new man in charge will affect them. Equally difficult will be predicting what Forest side turn up. The form book should now be well and truly thrown out of the window. In the past seven days, Forest have refused to take up Bristol City’s gilt edged offer of relinquishing their automatic promotion place by losing to Millwall and drawing against lowly Rotherham. It seems our rivals are doing their best to ensure we get promotion, but we keep on declining their help. Anyway, if we are serious about going up a win is essential. Another thing that should not be forgotten is that the teams below us are beginning to gather momentum and are preparing well for the dreaded playoffs.
Vital Quotes:
Brentford Team News:
A reunion with Forest old boy Neil Shipperley would appear unlikely as he sustained an injury to a calf muscle on Monday. Also out is the other main striker Jo Kuffour, who fractured his hand. Things are so bad on the striker front for the Bees, that former player and Coronation Street actor Bradley Walsh could be in for a recall. Only joking.
Player to watch: Steve Brooker
Brooker is an experienced player and has played at the highest level with Fulham and Leicester.
Nottingham Forest Team News:
Forest’s promotion hopes were dealt a severe blow with the news that striker Nathan Tyson will play no further part in the season. Dobie is still recovering and manager Calderwood will hope McGugan shakes off his niggling deadleg. Other than that, everything is peachy.
Player to watch: Lewis McGugan
If the youngster is fit, he will be the difference in quality between the two sides. In his brief Forest career so far, he’s shown he has the potential to go a long way in the game.
Match Facts & Stats
It’s pretty much honours even in the League meetings between the sides. Forest won 5, lost 5 and drawn 7. Last time out at the City Ground, Forest won 2-0.
Next Fixtures:
Bournemouth, Home. April 21, 2007. 3pm
