Pre Season Starts Here

The first game of the pre season gets underway tonight at Ilkestons’ New Manor Ground (KO,7.30). This will be the first chance Calderwood has had to check out his new look side in competitive action.

How strong a side the manager will put out though is anyone’s guess, but with three friendlies in a week fans can expect to see the squad with a mixture of youth and experience. The game with the Robbins’ last season, saw Calderwood put out a different team for each half, ala Sven, in a game Forest comfortably won 5-0. Much of the same can be expected tonight. Calderwood told the official site. ‘This is a chance for the youngsters to catch my eye. Players such as Alan Power and Felix Bastians have a better chance of getting in the team.’

Ilkeston are managed by former City Ground favourite Nigel Jemson and may also include in their line up former player Ross Gardner.

Tomorrow Forest travel to Rushden and Diamonds, followed by a game at Chesterfield on Saturday.