Match Preview

Down To The Wire

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The script writers could have a field day with this one, as there are so many different permutations as to how the day will go. The only one all Reds fans will be concerned with is the fact that if Forest win and Bristol City lose or draw, we’re up.

So the stage is set for a final day extravaganza, a veritable footy fest. The day could end with one of the biggest parties ever seen in our fair City, but in reality the day looks set to be a bit of a damp squid, as few fans give Rotherham a prayer at Ashton Gate. It’s a funny old game though isn’t it? At worst we are resigned to the playoffs, but at best we say catch ya later to two long years in this Godawful League.

It will also be an emotional day for the ‘Crewemeister’, Mr. Dario Gradi. For the last 24 years he has been at Gresty Road. It’s not quite Cheerio Dario, as he is moving upstairs to take on the roll of Technical Director. Gradi is renowned for his work with the youth set up and is credited with finding and nurturing the talents of players such as Geoff Thomas and Rob Jones, Welshman Robbie Savage, and Northern Ireland internationals Neil Lennon and Steve Jones. Danny Murphy, Seth Johnson and Dean Ashton all have Gradi to thank for giving them a start in football. It should also be mentioned that one David Platt was a pupil of the Gradi school of football. After leaving Crewe, Platt went on to be involved in over £20M worth of transfer deals. Unbelievable. The rest as you know, is history.



Vital Quotes:

Nottingham Forest Team News:

Forest have no fresh injury worries. Wes Morgan was looking hopeful of making the squad, but the game may come to soon for the defender.

Player to watch: Kris Commons

KC is on fire at the moment and is quite simply a joy to watch. He looks hungry and looks like scoring every time he gets the ball. Looks like he has found his best form of the season and some might say, not before time.

Crewe Alexandra Team News:

As with the Reds, Crewe have no injuries to report. With a mid table finish a certainty, it would seem they have nothing to play for, but the players will want to give Gradi a good send off, so they should not be expected to roll over for us.

Player to watch: Luke Varney

Varney was one of many names in the transfer window to be linked with Forest, but then again, who wasn’t? The striker has hit the net 25 times this season and will be a genuine threat.

Match Facts & Stats

Back in early December, Forest put in one of their best displays of the season as they beat Crewe 4-1, with a Nathan Tyson hat trick.

The two sides have met a total of 13 times in the League. Forest have won 8, drawn 3 and lost 2.

Next Fixtures:

With a lot of luck it will be in the Championship. But something tells me, we aren’t quite finished yet.

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Gone But Never Forgotten