Can Edgar Davids stamp his mark on the Football League?

Davids was capped for the Netherlands 74 times.

After a glittering career spanning almost twenty years playing at the highest level of world football, veteran Dutch midfielder Edgar Davids has hit the headlines again by announcing a return to the game as player coach at League Two side Barnet.

For me, and indeed many other football fans, Edgar Davids is a man that epitomises that sentimental admiration we still hold deep inside for the players that were viewed as ‘the untouchables’ throughout the footballing word in the 1990s. Players that were plastered in every magazine, all over the television and even on the packaging of the food we ate.

Because of course, the multi-talented midfielder was not just famous for his skills on the pitch. His famous dreadlocks and later protective glasses to guard against glaucoma also made him one of the most recognisable players in the history of the game.

After leaving Ajax in 2008 following a return to the Amsterdam club where he began his career, Davids slowly fizzled out of the limelight for a while. And it wasn’t until 2010 when the Dutchman resurfaced, this time at Crystal Palace on a pay-as-you-play deal that saw him feature in just six games before announcing his retirement at the age of 37.

Two years on from that and the creative midfielder is back at his local football club Barnet. However, it is a world away from the glitz of Ajax, Juventus, Tottenham and AC Milan, with the Bees currently slumped bottom of the League Two table with a mere three points from their first 11 games.

Davids has signed for the London club in a one-year deal as joint coach with current manager Mark Robson. The club’s website revealed that the contract could see Davids deployed to the field of play and said that Davids had ‘expressed a serious intent to become a member of the playing squad.’

With results escaping Barnet at the moment the arrival of a player with such an illustrious career behind him can only boost morale around the club. Davids will not only bring experience, but will also set a fine example to what is a young Barnet side.

Some may argue that his playing days are over, but at what age does the body decide it is too fatigued to compete professionally anymore? If players like Alessandro Del Piero, Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Ryan Giggs can still compete at the highest level, then surely Davids can make the fourth-tier of English football look like a walk in the park.

In terms of management the 39-year-old is new, but he does hold an important backlog of knowledge learnt under multiple managers, not just in this country but abroad too. If Davids can transfer his expertise quickly then Barnet will find they have discovered a hidden gem.

However, it may just be another tale of a player who is tired of twiddling his thumbs after leaving the beautiful game. For Barnet’s sake at least, let’s hope Davids is made for management.

Nottingham Forest Season Review 2011/12

The 2011-12 season has proved to be an emotional one for the Reds both on and off the pitch, and although it ultimately led to Forest securing their Championship safety, it was far from a walk in the park for both players and supporters.

The season may fail to rank high in the memory of most Reds fans, and understandably from a campaign that was marred with stumbling blocks and left the club looking all but relegated at one stage. Furthermore it was often hard to hide from the fact that failures on the field of play did at times lead to some hostility amongst the supporters.

In addition, the heartache on the pitch was coupled with the sad passing of Chairman Nigel Doughty in February, leaving a huge void at the City Ground and bringing the financial future of the club into question.

However, spirits did improve at the back end of the season and in turn the squad united under manager Steve Cotterill, who helped the Reds to secure another opportunity at Championship football next season.

A season that began with a play-off semi-final defeat to Swansea still fresh in the minds of many Forest fans was eased slightly with the appointment of Steve McClaren, yielding fresh hope following the departure of Billy Davies.

However, things failed to go quite to plan for the former England boss who managed only two wins during his 111 day stint in the hot seat. McClaren eventually resigned in October with the Reds dangling just a point above the relegation trap-door. And in turn Nigel Doughty stepped down as Chairman after ten years in charge at the City Ground.

Although McClaren made five signings during his time at the club he was criticised for some of the players he decided to bring Trent side, and his most memorable match during his short spell at the helm was the League Cup win over Notts County. McClaren’s best work behind the scenes was acquiring the services of former Reds legend Andy Reid from Blackpool, who later proved a vital cog in the midfield engine.

Former Reds player and manager Frank Clark was appointed the new Chairman by Nigel Doughty and his first job was to appoint Steve Cotterill as boss. Things began brightly for the former Portsmouth manager, not only did he solve the long running left back crisis by bringing in Greg Cunningham on loan from Manchester City, but he also won his first game in charge against Middlesbrough.

Cotterill’s men then went on to move clear of the drop-zone winning three of their next five games. Frontman Marcus Tudgay finding good form at a time when it was vital he did so. But the success failed to be maintained and the Reds soon found themselves victims to a string of seven games without a win or even a goal.

Forest’s New Year began well at the start of 2012 when they ended their dreadful streak with a win at Ipswich, but this proved a blip of good form as they went on to lose to both West Ham and Southampton before a crushing defeat to local rivals Leicester in the FA Cup.

In January it was time for the transfer revolving door to swing into action with Wes Morgan leaving for Leicester and youngster Patrick Bamford securing a dream switch to Chelsea. In the other direction Cotterill secured four loanees; Danny Higginbotham, Adlene Guedioura, George Elokobi and Scott Wootton.

On the 4^th February the Reds were shocked by the tragic news of the death of Nigel Doughty, a man who had provided huge financial support to the club saving it from the claws of administration. Tributes were left outside the City Ground and the squad united promising to remain in the division to honour Nigel.

Although the Reds only managed a draw against Watford in a game dedicated to Nigel Doughty, they did grab all three points a week later against Coventry, a match which began the goal-scoring prevalence of a man who would go on to win player of the season – Garath McCleary.

Cotterill’s men then went on to beat Birmingham against the odds with Dexter Blackstock back in goal-scoring form. However, the Reds had what looked to be a hiccup when they were defeated by Doncaster at home before securing a win at Millwall the following week. But fans were left deflated again after the Reds were beaten by a single goal at Pride Park against Derby, despite a closely contested match.

The game that followed was not only the game of the season for the Reds, but also contained the goal of the season, a 7-3 victory away to Leeds at Elland Road finished with McCleary finding himself on the score sheet four times. And the winger did indeed score a couple of great goals, but none quite as sweet as the 30-yard drive from Adlene Guedioura that sailed straight into the top corner, eventually winning the supporters goal of the season award.

Two draws then followed against Brighton at home and at Leicester before a trip to Selhurst Park which led to Radi Majewski having his chance to shine - the Polish midfielder scoring a hat-trick in the 3-0 drubbing. However, the Reds were left with a difficult end to the season after defeat at home to Bristol City left them only four points clear of relegation with five games remaining.

A vital three points away at Peterborough along with a point at home against Blackpool was enough to leave Forest to face a trip to Reading with the chance of being able to secure their league survival. Although they lost the game the Reds put on a fantastic performance and results elsewhere left them mathematically safe.

And the season came to a climax with a poignant game at the City Ground for Steve Cotterill against his former side, the already relegated Portsmouth. Forest ran out 2-0 winners with two Blackstock strikes and the players ended a disappointing season with some fleeting comfort of staying in the Championship.

Reds denied late penalty as Saints march on

Pretty Rickie: Lambert scores the first of his three goals at St Marys

Southampton 3 (Lambert 8, 24, 82)

Nottingham Forest 2 (Derbyshire, 7) (Majewski, 42)

Nottingham Forest were left with nothing to show from a much improved performance on Saturday as Southampton striker Rickie Lambert fired home a hat-trick to win his side all three points.

The Reds had taken an early lead but struggled to defend their penalty box allowing Nigel Adkin’s men back into the game. Although the sides were level at the break it was the Saints who marched on in the second half after Forest were denied a late penalty - Lambert capping a fine performance with all three goals to give the home side their strongest start to the campaign for 76 years.

The Reds got the match off to the perfect start following a strong run by Ishmael Miller down the left, the former West Brom striker picked out fellow new boy Matt Derbyshire who converted his first for the club from close range.

Yet some slack Forest defending allowed the home side back into the game less than a minute later. Brazilian Guly Do Prado was given far too much time to pick out Saints frontman David Connolly in the area – and although Forest keeper Lee Camp blocked his shot, he could do nothing about the follow-up from the lively Lambert who made it all square.

The Saints then turned on the attacking flair they have shown at home all season – the resolute Wes Morgan denying Saints midfielder Dean Hammond with a great block before Lambert went close with a free-kick from just outside the area.

The south coast men continued to press and soon had their second goal. The observant Jack Cork finding Connolly who flicked the ball on to the waiting Lambert - rising to head past Camp with ease at the back post.

Camp then had to be alert again moments later as the highly-rated Portuguese defender Jose Fonte connected for a free-header following a Danny Fox free-kick. Fox was then at the centre of some controversy after he brought down Miller in the box - despite appeals from Steve McClaren’s men referee Iain Williamson failed to award a spot-kick.

Miller was at the centre of everything the Reds did well in attack and played a part in the Forest equaliser three minutes before the interval. The powerful striker found Derbyshire in the area and the former Olympiacos man calmly squared the ball to Radoslaw Majewski who finished coolly from eight yards.

Before half time Forest could have taken the lead with what looked like a move straight from the training ground. Andy Reid’s corner found Majewski on the edge of the area who struck a neat cross to Reds’ skipper Luke Chambers whose header was deflected marginally wide.

McClaren may have had a few inspiring words for his side in the dressing room at the break and it showed as the away side started the second half well. Saints keeper Kelvin Davis called into action immediately to deny Miller’s header from a pinpoint Chris Cohen free-kick.

Miller then caused more problems for the Southampton defence as Cohen pulled the ball back to allow him time in the area – however unfortunately for the Reds the ball was soon scrambled to safety.

At the other end, Fonte nearly restored the Saints lead as he headed against the post following a corner. Northern Ireland international keeper Camp then had to dive to keep out a powerful long range shot from Frenchman Morgan Schneiderlin.

Although the second half was not as lively as the first there was more controversy late on as the Reds were denied what looked to be a clear penalty by the referee’s assistant. Derbyshire tangled with Davis in the box and the Southampton keeper appeared to trip him, but astonishingly the Forest striker was booked for diving.

To rub more salt into the wounds of the Forest faithful the Saints restored their lead less than a minute later. Again McClaren’s men were undone by another set-piece as Fox’s free-kick found the dazzling Lambert who headed home his third to take away the match ball and a club record 12^th successive home league win for Southampton.

Forest now sit fourth from bottom in the Championship and play bitter rivals Derby County next at the City Ground on Saturday 17^th September. Kick-off is at 1pm.

Will Steve McClaren walk away if Forest fail to back him?

Even the most optimistic Nottingham Forest fan would agree it has been a turbulent few weeks at the City Ground. Just last week Steve McClaren was rumoured to have been on the brink of exit following frustrations with the lack of signings in the transfer market, and fans were worried it could spell disaster for the remainder of the season. However the tides of the River Trent could still turn in the coming weeks but that is not dependent on McClaren himself, but the infamous transfer acquisitions panel.

Last week’s McClaren quit rumours were soon ousted following crisis talks with chairman Nigel Doughty when the ex-England boss, seemingly rather reluctantly, agreed to voice his ambitions to stay at the club and help guide the Reds to the Premier League while still admitting his aggravations.

The notion conjured up in the press was that McClaren was guaranteed loan signings, three Premier League quality players to be precise. The 93-day emergency loan window swung open today and McClaren is believed to be hot on the heels of a few much-needed stars already.

Danny Collins is one of the names that has been thrown into the transfer-panel mixer. The 31-year-old defender was on the bench for Wales as they lost 1-0 to England at Wembley last night and McClaren is hoping the Forest panel agree to pay his £25,000-a-week wages to land the full back ahead of Ipswich. Tony Pulis is keen for Collins to get game time elsewhere and has not featured the former Sunderland man in his 25-man Premier League squad.

However, the man who is at the top of McClaren’s wanted list is former Forest loanee Ryan Bertrand, who had a spell at the City Ground last season. The Chelsea left-back has yet to be given a squad number for the Champions League and is believed to be falling out of favour with Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas. During his time with the Reds previously Bertrand found fine form and along with Collins could help bolster a lacking Forest defence who have let in eight goals in their first five Championship games.

The latest player to catch the eye of McClaren is Baggies starlet Craig Dawson. The 21-year-old can also play at left-back and is a hot prospect for the future having already featured for the England U21s. He is also keen on Spurs winger Andros Townsend, the 20-year-old was on loan at Millwall last season and would fit in perfectly with McClaren’s style of play which includes using width to break down opposition. However it is not clear whether Townsend would prefer to remain in the London area.

The loan window will remain open until January, but as McClaren and Forest fans are well aware the players need to come immediately if this Forest team are to have any hope of challenging in the Championship, a league that has this season become more difficult than ever before.

The board must keep in mind that the bottom line is McClaren may walk if loanees fail to enter through the doors of the City Ground over the next few weeks, and few Reds fans would blame him.

Forest slump to home defeat against high-flying West Ham

Kevin Nolan leads the celebrations at the City Ground

Kevin Nolan and Carlton Cole both headed in close-range efforts as the pressure stacked higher for Forest boss Steve McClaren at the City Ground on Sunday.

A Luke Chambers own-goal had sent the Hammers on their way and the Reds were unable to find a route back into the game – although they hit back through Robbie Findley they failed to properly defend and New Zealand full back Winston Reid secured the points for the visitors with a late tap-in.

The first half began slowly for both sides but it was Forest who were asking the questions of the West Ham defence early on. The highly-rated Lewis McGugan setting up Findley with a corner in the first twelve minutes – the American did well to latch on to the ball but unfortunately it deflected off him and went narrowly wide.

Forest playmaker Chris Cohen then went close with a solidly struck free kick from 20-yards out forcing former England keeper Robert Green to jostle the ball wide for a corner.

Yet it was the East Londoners who took the lead after a great break – ex-Bolton midfielder Matt Taylor fizzed in a low ball from the left and Luke Chambers failed to connect properly for the clearance allowing the ball to hit him and deflect past Lee Camp in the Forest goal.

Three minutes later former Newcastle midfielder Nolan got a second for the Hammers after a long corner found the head of James Tomkins at the back post – he headed the ball across for Nolan who comfortably put the ball past the bemused Camp.

The home side had two chances to strike back immediately. The on-form Ishmael Miller sprang clear on the right wing but crashed his shot into the side netting, before Green tipped McGugan’s shot on to the post following Chris Gunter`s weighted cross.

However West Ham were not finished yet and scored again moments later sending a few home fans heading for early half time refreshments – Reid heading down Joey O’Brien’s cross in the box for the unmarked Cole who rose to head past Camp from a yard out.

The Hammers could have had four before the break after the Reds again gave them time and space in front of goal – Cole sending the ball across the six-yard box to Nolan who had bags of time but sent the ball wide of the far post.

In the early stages of the second half Forest pushed forward to no avail and McClaren decided to bring on summer signings Matt Derbyshire and Andy Reid in an attempt to salvage something from the game.

The change proved an effective one seven minutes later as Forest scored what was probably the best goal of the game. Cohen and Joel Lynch combined well on the left and Lynch cut the ball back precisely to find Findley who fired the ball into the roof of the net giving the Reds a flicker of hope.

The noise around the City Ground was soon subdued however as the visitors scored again. Forest failing to clear from yet another West Ham corner – allowing Taylor to loft in a defence-splitting cross to the feet of Reid – who had looked confident all game and calmly slotted past Camp.

Forest carried on until the final whistle but never looked like scoring and it was the away side that came closest in the third minute of stoppage time when Nolan’s shot was deflected just wide off Reds’ defender Wes Morgan.

Findley also came close to snatching a consolation in the dying seconds after beating Hammers’ keeper Green only to see his shot casually cleared off the line by the collected figure of Tomkins.

Forest remain without a home win in the Championship and play Southampton next on September 10^th. The game is at St Mary’s and kick-off is at 3pm.

If Forest back Steve McClaren, he may ignite those flickering embers

Steve McClaren has the ability to shine at Forest

As Nottingham Forest prepare for the dawn of a new Npower Championship this Saturday, there is one thing that is tormenting the minds of many reds fans along the River Trent.

That vexation is of course, whether or not the once proclaimed “Wally with a Brolly” will be given the players needed to complete his latest mission, and guide Forest to the destine which has so far been a bridge too far for many managers.

McClaren has not been afraid  to change things around at the City Ground since his arrival in June, following the sacking of Billy Davies. And in new assistant manager, Rob Kelly and first team coach, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink he certainly as an array of experience to install into his squad of players. An experience that can only aid when times are tough this season, and believe me they will be.

Andy Reid was McClaren’s first signing, the 29-year-old will be hoping to combine his Premier League experience with that of further signings George Boateng and ex Fulham star Jonathan Greening. The three will be vital in the Championship campaign, but a quick look around the league leaves one thinking that more are still required.

In fact, it is clear that the tricky trees need to add more players to the bulk of the squad if they hope to challenge the likes of newly relegated West Ham and high spending Leicester City. Both have squads which look set to challenge for the top spots next season, and in particular those lucrative automatic spots that Forest hope to acquire.

Recent Forest target Wayne Routledge seems to have slipped the radar and tied up a deal with Premier League Swansea, and with a week to go others may follow if the reds are not quick to act. Another winger that McClaren is keen to sign is dutch star Wesley Verhoek, however he faces fierce competition from Rangers and a host of other Championship clubs.

While Forest seem unable to sign a winger, they are also blinking on signing a much needed striker following the departure of Robert Earnshaw back to home club Cardiff City. Long standing reds target Nicky Maynard is also wanted by Leicester City, the pacy forward as yet to be tied to a new deal at Ashton Gate, but Forest have not looked close to grabbing Maynard from under the foxes noses.

Andy Reid was correct in admitting in a recent interview that Forest must sign 4 or 5 more players if they hope to challenge for the automatic promotion places this season. Early signals are suggesting that Steve McClaren has the ability to guide Forest to where they want to be, he has the belief and the tactics,  however many believe he still lacks the players that will allow him to do that.

Forest Chief Executive, Mark Arthur stated when McClaren was brought in that the board are happy with the current squad, and only wish to bring in a few new faces. They may have done that, and they continue to stress to Forest fans that these faces must be the right players and not just numbers, however that vital edge is still lacking. The edge I talk of is one that both QPR and Swansea had last season, and where are they now Mr Arthur?

With less than a week to go until Forest kick off their season against Barnsley at the City Ground, it may be time that Forest fans ask the board the same question the club asked them in their season ticket campaign last season. 

We’re serious about promotion, are you?

Dutch giants too strong for Forest

Andy Reid takes on his man.

PSV Eindhoven proved too much for a well put together Nottingham Forest side at the City Ground on Wednesday, as they finished the game 3-1 winners.

The Eindhoven side started brightly and were not looking to score tap ins, as the skilful Gerginio Wijnaldum showed, curling a precise shot past Lee Camp and into the back of the net with only 9 minutes on the clock.

Forest did not sit back though and drew equal two minutes later after a fantastic pin point cross from Andy Reid found the head of Paul Anderson, the winger headed home from 4-yards out.

The sides remained level at the break, PSV seemed happy to keep possession and bring the game to the reds, who often struggled to win the battle in the final third of the pitch.

However the score did change after 69 minutes following a out of character mistake from Brendan Moloney who let in Dries Mertens to slot past Lee Camp to make it 2-1.

Soon after Wijnaldum was given far too much space and showed the forest players how dangerous he can be with it, scoring another superb goal which left Lee Camp helpless.

Although Forest had their chances, they were unable to overcome a good Eindhoven side on the night but showed great promise for the forthcoming season which begins at home to Barnsley on August 6th.

Final Score: PSV Eindhoven 3 – 1 Nottingham Forest

Man of the Match: Gerginio Wijnaldum

Forest: Camp, Moloney, Chambers, Morgan, Cohen, Greening, Boateng (Gunter 61min), Reid (Majewski 45min HT), Anderson (Tudgay 72min), McGugan (Garner 75min), McGoldrick (Findley 61min)
Subs not used: Smith(GK), Darlow(GK), Lynch.
Scorer: Anderson 10min

PSV: Isakson, Manolev (Pieters 45min HT), Bouma (Engelaar 61min), Marcelo, Strootman (Bakkal, 82min), Toivonen (Zeefuik 82min), Wijnaldum, Lens, Mertens (Labyad 74min), Tamata, Ojo
Subs not used: Cassio, Menphis, Ritzmaier, Addo.
Scorers: Wijnaldum 9min, 73min, Mertens 69min

Referee: J. Moss
Attendance: 6,079 (Away: 49)

Match Preview: Nottingham Forest vs PSV Eindhoven

Steve McClaren’s Nottingham Forest side face their penultimate test before the curtain rises on the new season tonight, as they face Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven in a pre-season friendly at the City Ground.

McClaren knows only too well of the presence of the Dutch side from his days managing FC Twente in Holland, and expects the reds to face their biggest pre-season test so far.

He said: “It’s a different kind of a test because of the way they play the game – one that will be more about focus, concentration and discipline than anything else.”

Forest ran out 2-1 winners in their last friendly away at VfB Stuttgart with Lewis McGugan and Robbie Findley both getting their names on the score sheet. Both could feature tonight, along side new signings Andy Reid, Jonathan Greening and George Boateng.

The match will provide McClaren with a good marker of where his forest side are at in preparation for their first game of the season on August 6th, at home to Barnsley.

Defender Luke Chambers may also feature, the club have recently opened contract talks with the 25-year-old after fierce competition for his signature from a host of Championship clubs.

Kick off is at 7:45 pm

Match Report to follow.

The Championship Cauldron bubbles up…

With only 13 days to go until the start of the NPower Championship season it is easy to see why things are beginning to heat up in the race for the Premier League.

In my opinion the NPower Championship is the second best league in the world, and this year it will be closer than ever. West Ham and Leicester are joint favourites with many bookmakers to win the league and (some believe) run away with the title.

Leicester have certainly flexed their muscles in the transfer window so far accumulating 9 new players, including former Pompey forward David Nugent. However as many foxes would tell you, it was in defence they were left lacklustre last season, and Sven-Goran Eriksson has also been quick to address that conundrum. Ex cottager John Pantsil is one of the few names looking to bolster the Leicester defence this season. City fans are adamant their side has what it takes to push for a top two spot this time around, and injuries, referee decisions and luck will all play a major part in whether or not that happens.

Pantsil also used to play for the Hammers, whom to many people’s surprise have managed to keep hold of an assembly of their top players. Big Sam has also managed to do some handy work on the transfer market, yesterday making Bolton’s Matt Taylor his  third summer signing after Abdoulaye Faye and Kevin Nolan. The East Londoners must not underestimate the league they have fell into however. Especially if Scott Parker decides to depart Upton Park, like many others, their fans could be in for a whirlwind of a season.

This is not a league however that is dependant on two teams, in fact it is usually dependant on each of the 24 powerhouses in the Championship and their individual fortunes. Middlesbrough, Birmingham, Nottingham Forest and Reading are all being backed to rise to the challenge too. So are the likes of Cardiff, Leeds and Southampton. It is often said that anyone can beat anyone in this league on their day, and that is very much true this year more than ever.

Championship new boys, Steve McClaren at Nottingham Forest and Chris Hughton at Birmingham have also quietly been badgering away behind the scenes to prepare squads which are ready for the imminent new season on August 6th, and it would not be a surprising to see a push for the top two from any of these sides.

If one thing is for sure about the upcoming Championship season, it is that it will be full of Big names. And that in itself is something that has not been quite apparent in recent years.

It is in some ways becoming a mini premier league, a pre school before life in ‘big’ school. Blackpool, as we saw could not cut it in the end after a honourable attempt, and like many before them are back where they began. But can anyone make that giant leap without falling back on their face? QPR, Norwich and Swansea may tell us, but for now… let the greatest league in the world wait. We have a Championship season to be getting on with! 

And a fine one it looks set to be too.