A season of relief but disappointment rolled into one

Last updated : 29 April 2004 By Daniel Mounser
The Reds were tipped by many as promotion contenders following their playoff experience last season where they reached the semi-finals before going out to Sheffield United. For one reason or another we didn't push on from last season and have had to suffer a relegation battle instead.

Many factors contributed to our downfall - players leaving, transfer market agony and a long-term injury to our 30-goal-a-season striker are maybe a couple of so-called reasons as to why we have struggled this term.

I remember travelling to Crewe Alexandra away earlier in the season where a victory could have put us top of Division One. We were even winning 1-0 by a Harewood goal but eventually slipped to a 3-1 defeat which, looking back, was probably a significant turning point for the worse.

Having said that, this season has seen a lot of positives for the club. The appointment of Joe Kinnear following Paul Hart's sacking after the Coventry game certainly raised a few eyebrows at the time but what a fantasic job he has done?

One thing that you can always guarantee is that the Forest faithful will turn out in huge numbers to back their team win, lose or draw. Kinnear has already commented on the great away following at games such as Sheffield United and Ipswich along with consistant home attendances of 20,000+ every match.

Kinnear believes the Reds have a good chance of competing at the top next season with the addition of a couple of players. Who would bet against him? I certainly wouldn't and as a Forest fan you feel obliged to believe every word the man says. He tells it how it is and is the most honest manager I've ever seen. A new Brian Clough perhaps? Let's not get carried away but you get the idea.

We'll certainly have to strengthen in depth but if we can add Paul Gerrard and Andy Impey alongside the permanent signing of Paul Evans then who knows what we could achieve?

That victory at Ipswich felt like a double decker bus had been lifted off my shoulders so it must have felt just as good for the management, staff and players at the City Ground. Mission completed and what a day out it was.

Here's to next season Mr Kinnear...although I don't drink guinness, I'll have a pint for you!!

You Reds