I thought i'd get this preview up nice and early! Time: 19:45 ko Tuesday 21st October 2014 Where:Vicarage Road Brief History of Nottingham Forest FC Like Watford with former manager Graham 'God' Taylor; Nottingham Forest owe a massive nod to former manager Brian Clough, who, managed the team at their most successful period in their history during the late 70s and early 80s. The 1976-77 season saw them getting promoted in despite finishing third in the old Second Division. The subsequent season following promotion saw Forest finish English First Division champions, a huge feat almost replicated by Watford a few years later. Forest then went on to win the European Cup in 78/79 season by beating Swedish team Malm* 1-0 in the final. Trevor Francis scored the decisive goal in that encounter following a great run and cross from John Robertson (who had been transformed into a very potent winger by Clough). Forest then went on to retain the European Cup the very next season by beating Hamburg in the final thanks to a herculean effort by goalkeeper Peter Shilton. Nottingham Forest continued to play in top flight football until 1993 when they were relegated from the newly installed Premier League, Teddy Sheringham and Des Walker were sold and Clough's alleged off the field problems were blamed for this decline in fortune. During those years they managed to win the League Cup after beating Luton 3-1. They retained the League Cup in 1990 by beating Oldham Athletic in the final. Brian Clough ended his glorious managerial reign with Nottingham Forest in 1993 after 18 years at the helm. Clough died in 2004 but his legacy lives on and although fierce rivals, Nottingham Forest and Derby County acknowledged his contribution to both teams with statues erected in his honour, Pride Park's statue acknowledging Peter Taylor's contribution as his assistant. The A52 between Derby and Nottingham was renamed Brian Clough Way as well. Former player, Frank Clark took over following Forest's relegation from the top tier but they made a swift return and he guided them back into Europe in 95/96 season following a 3rd place finish in 94/95. They reached the Quarter Finals after beating the likes of Lyon and Auxierre but were battered by a Klinsmann inspired Bayern Munich 7-2 on aggregate. Clark left the club the following season when Forest started to slip into a relegation battle. Forest stalwart Stuart Pearce took over but he and latterly Dave Bassett were unable to prevent Forest getting relegated to what is now The Championship. They however made another quick return to the Premier League but Bassett was sacked with Ron Atkinson coming in but again Forest were relegated (the last time Forest would appear in the top tier (1998/99)) Forest remained in the second tier until 2004/5 season when they finished second from bottom and where subsequently relegated to the third tier (League One). In their maiden season in League One, Forest flirted with the relegation zone until Gary Megson left the club and then they took an upward turn culminating in a 7th place finish under management duo McParland and Barlow (Sounds like a solicitors) Despite their success, Colin Calderwood was appointed in the close season. In his first season in charge Forest were defeated by Yeovil Town in the semi-finals of the play-offs but they would seek their revenge the next season in the 07/08 season defeating Yeovil Town in the play-off final to end their exile of the Championship. Newly promoted Forest struggled in their return to the second tier and Calderwood was sacked with Forest languishing in the relegation zone. Billy Davies came in as Calderwood's successor on new year's day 2009. Davies helped Forest secure their Championship status with one game to go, finishing in 19th place. In the next two seasons Forest secured play-off spots but were defeated by Blackpool in 09/10 and Swansea in 10/11 who eventually went on to secure promotion to the Premier League. In Feb 2012 Forest chairman, Nigel Doughty passed away and ownership passed to current owners; the Al-Hasawi family. Sean O'Driscoll was appointed by the Al-Hasawi family as manager but despite securing a win over Championship rivals; Leeds Utd he was sacked, to be replaced by former Villa manager, Alex McLeish. Unfortunately (and somewhat predictively by Forest fans) McLeish's reign lasted a mere 40 days (McKinlay can only dream). Forest entered a period of instability (mirroring Watford's current predicament) Billy Davies was re-appointed but his reign was to last just over a year after Forest were defeated 5-0 by fierce rivals Derby County. Stuart Pearce was appointed as manager on 1 July 2014 – which brings us up to date, phew! Statistics Who doesn't like some good 'ol stats eh? Highest aggregate score: 6 Forest 4-2 Watford 2013/14 Gabriele Angella with a nice back-heel flick the highlight of Watford's goals but the Hornets squander a 2 goal lead as Forest complete fight-back thanks to subs Mackie and Cox. Forest 2-4 Watford 2009/10 Tommy Smith inspired performance from the Hornets with young loanee Tom Cleverley getting on the scoresheet. Forest 5-1 Watford 1983/84 Forest have the lion's share of the wins in the head-to-head, especially at the City Ground. At Vicarage Road last season a superb Lewis McGugan free-kick silenced the Forest support as the two sides had to settle for a 1-1 draw. One to forget: 24 September 2011 – Watford 0-1 Forest. The Samaritans get a number of calls from both sets of fans feeling particularly suicidal. Dour. Prior to last season's 4-2 win for the home side, The City Ground had been a good stomping ground for the Hornets with 2 wins and 1 draw. Ex-Players Nottingham Forest boast a couple of notable ex-Horns with ex-academy prospect Britt Assombalonga plying his trade at the City Ground. As of mid-October (at time of writing this) he has scored 8 goals already for the Tricky Trees. Will no doubt want to add to that tally against his old club. Britt moved to the City Ground for a reported £5.5m and Watford managed to receive a good portion of that fee thanks to a hefty sell-on clause. The other notable ex-Horn is former loanee Henri Lansbury. He enjoyed a productive stint with the Hornets which helped him garner a contract extension at parent club Arsenal. He eventually moved to Forest in 2012 signing a four year contract. So far he has scored 13 goals for the club. For Forest there's Lewis McGugan who spent many years at the City Ground and made 202 appearances in their first team, though he was much maligned by the support. He also has similar reactions from the Watford faithful although I am not one of them. So far, he has weighed in with some notable goals from midfield but seems to be overshadowed by players such as Almen Abdi and Daniel Toszer. Ones to Watch Forest: Signing from Sheffield Wednesday for £1.5m is London born winger Michail Antonio. Antonio was a key player for Wednesday last season with 9 goals but injury put paid to an excellent season. Forest obviously saw something in him and so far, he has been in good form weighing in with some good goals and assists. I'd say he is my pick of the Forest team and could give our back-line a torrid time. General team news, predictions and general ramblings from me Watford have been getting a lot of press lately in relation to changes at Head Coach level. Billy McKinlay will no doubt feel hard done by after being given the job and then Gino Pozzo reportedly trying to demote him in favour of Serbian Slavi*a Jokanovi*. McKinlay was sacked and Jokanovi* instated the same day. Watford will need a period of stability after a period of turmoil but still remain third in the table, all credit to the players for keeping their heads. Jokanovi* favoured a 4-3-3 formation against Wednesday which sparkled as he played Fessi and Vydra. Deeney may come in for Ighalo for a mouth-watering front line for this game. Jokanovi* could opt for a different formation in his first home game in charge. Watford Team News Should return to action: Fernando Forestieri Current doubtful players: Troy Deeney, Craig Cathcart, Keith Andrews. Definitely out: Gabriel Tamas, Gabriele Angella (out until end of October) Seb Bassong – the new centre half on loan from Norwich City will hopefully add some much needed muscle in defence. He is built like a brick ****house. Unsure what to expect from him but Spurs did splash out £8m not too long ago for his services (they do like to over-indulge sometimes) so I'd expect him to be half-decent. As it stands Watford are sitting pretty at the top of the table with Forest 3 points off. The form table currently has Watford in joint 3rd (with Ipswich) thanks to their win over Sheff Wed. Forest drop down to 13th. Last 6 games: Watford - (3W, 3D, 0L), Forest (1W, 4D, 1L). Nottingham Forest were unbeaten in the league prior to Saturday where Cardiff ran out 2-1 winners. They will be hoping to get back on track at The Vic. Prediction: Ok, things have changed slightly since my last prediction. Signs are pointing favourably towards a home win for Watford because Forest are showing a decline in form and will be without some key players. However they will be no pushovers, so a scoring draw could still be on the cards. Famous Architecture The obligatory architecture picture – this one is smack bang in the centre of Nottingham. If anyone has visited the city, this is in the main central square in the city centre. Thanks for reading!
We've not been convincing at home? We're undefeated! Fair enough, we weren't great against Bournemouth or Brighton but I think that's a tad harsh Stuey.
I stand by my statement. Ok we are undefeated in the league but we did lose to Doncaster. Plus those games you mentioned are hardly the sort of performances of a team with promotion credentials. If we beat Forest then I'll give you a more favourable statement.
We won very well against Bolton and Huddersfield, Brentford was an entertaining game too. I'm personally pretty happy with our home form so far but each to their own I guess.
Forest fan in peace. This will be another difficult game for us - not sure the last time we won at your place (2006 maybe?). Seeing as we've drawn our last four games, I can see another draw. The preview is very impressive. On a side note, I've been to Vicarage Road a number of times but have never driven there for a night game. In the past, we've parked at the Grammar school just down the road. Does anyone know if it will be open next Tuesday?
Most the roads in the area are free to park in after 6.30, so if you're getting there after that time just find a nearby road!
He's doing very well. He's got 8 goals so far but hasn't scored for 4 games. He was quite expensive but in the long run he looks like a great investment. Quick, strong and a good finisher. Scoring against Derby went down very well with our lot. He also works very hard for the team, something that our manager likes a lot.
For us it was a catch 22. With our current front line, odds were he wouldn't get game time here. We wanted to loan him out, but reportedly he wanted to leave for another club if he wasn't going to be 1st team time here, so he was bought for about a million and bought by you for 5 million, half of it went to us. Hopefully he doesn't score against us to break his drought.
Doncaster in the league cup that no sod cares about. We never play well in that competition. Bolton 3-0, Huddersfield 4-2, Leeds 4-1. In each game the opposition had their moments but they were reasonably convincing wins. Brighton and Brentford we were not so good but still picked up 4 points. 3 decent wins, 1 win when not playing so well and a draw. Seems very good to me
If you're willing to go a bit further out, around the town centre there are quite a few roads that are only restricted until 6.30
Yeah with Deeney and Vydra not sure you need another one, which worked out well for you. How's McGugan doing for you guys? A lot of our crowd got so frustrated with him - it was clear he has the talent but not necessarily the work rate to go with it. Always thought he was better playing as a number 10 behind the striker but the never really played consistently in that position for us.
Sounds pretty much the same! Only came 11th in our Player of the Season awards last season despite scoring quite a few goals which says something.
Really played with far more energy and selflessness in the first few games of the season. Looked a different player. Then there was some strange fallout from the end of Sannino's tenure and it looked like he wanted out. Haven't seen much since because Abdi, Tozser and Munari have been starting.
They let me in to their appallingly elitist institution but I saw right through it. How is it exactly that after all these decades they still refuse to allow their students to play the world's favourite sport? Might it be because they remain up themselves and haven't changed in all that time? The best thing for the place would be to raze it to the ground and make it a permanent match day car park.
So elitist it really isn't very difficult for tenants of council houses, tied houses etc to get in....
Well I guess it's just a pity for me then that he preceeded me so the policy was introduced prior to my arrival. I hated the bloody place and not being able to play football was a big part of that. That piece of info. regarding Rous makes me even happier that we've re-named our west stand in favour of GT then. And part of that is because Rous was an apartheid supporter I understand. The ultimate elitist regime. So it all fits in rather neatly really ...
I'm not saying their selection policy's elitist or was. I'm saying that what they try to do to you when you get there is or was. I've no idea what the place is like now, apart from still not playing football, and no particular desire to find out.
I'd be interested to know what you think they 'try to do to you'...or tried to do when you were there.
I was there late 80s-early 90s, hardly elitist they game me a good education. OK I had to play rugby in the first couple of years but don't you think it's a good thing to gain experience in a variety of sports? I did get to play football in the 5th and 6th forms down Cassiobury park on sports afternoons but I would have no idea whether that option was available prior to my time there. As for razing it to the ground, I took my oldest son to the open day last Saturday morning as I intend to apply for him to go there, it is an impressive school. What do you want a town full of Francis Coombes and Westfields?
I was there till 88. My opinion it was an exam factory that excels in oxbridge and ofsted applications (and I was beneficiary of that) but I wouldnt send my son there because the school paid scant attention to the development of children as human beings. But that was 25 years ago so things may well have changed
Whatever happens, this will be a game of football that will have one victor at the end of 90 minutes, unless of course it's a draw and there will be no Victor and no loser.
See BigRossLittleRoss. That pretty much sums it up for me. There was back then a significant degree of 'cloning' attempted imho. There seems to be more emphasis now on individualtity. Well at least that's what it says on the website. I'm sure it's changed for the better since I was there. How much is for others to tell me.
