So Far, So Good.

Even the most die-hard of supporters could not have hoped for a better start to the season than we have had to date. The quality of the football may not quite have the fans on the edges of their seats just yet, but already it seems that Colin Calderwood is moulding his charges into a side who play a passing style, rather than the ‘hoof ball’ we have had to endure over the last couple of seasons.

The biggest criticism of the manager so far, has been his insistence on playing his favoured 3-5-2. Most fans agree we don’t have the quality of players to do this and that up until now, we have ‘got away with it’ in games and had our fair share of luck. Both Bradford and Brighton left the City Ground without so much as a point, even though they would argue that was the least they deserved. But the fact is Forest have developed a winning mentality now, they no longer roll over and die as under previous managers.

One of the biggest influences Calderwood has had at the club since his arrival, is the sense of togetherness and team spirit, that was so lacking during the Megson era. Players want to play for him and do genuinely respect him. His big test in this department will come when the club has everyone at full fitness and he has to leave people out. That is when we will hear the first dissenting voices.

Calderwood has done a magnificent job to date and should be applauded for helping fans remember why they support this club in the first place. I think most of us are keeping our feet on the ground, because those bad times were only a short time ago, but it is good to be able to talk about the Reds’ in a positive light again, even if it is early days.