"Remember, darkest is before dawn."

Nigel Doughty 1957-2012

 As a Nottingham Forest fan, I have felt many emotions during my countless visits to the City Ground, from the gloom of relegation in 2005, to the ecstasy of promotion in 2008 and the misery of many failed play-off campaigns since. But none of these sensations were quite like the feelings I felt amongst the fans at the City Ground on Saturday.

It was always going to be an emotional day for everyone involved at the club following the unexpected death of Nigel Doughty just last week. But I never quite imagined these emotions would be laid as bare amongst us all, as they were at the weekend.

As the fans poured into the City Ground just before kick-off there was a feeling of solidarity like never before. Many fans gathered to pay their own respects to Nigel beside the Main Stand, and the soft silence there was a poignant tribute to a gentle man who gave his all to the club he loved.

Just walking towards the many tributes left by the Main Stand I myself felt a lump in my throat, the realisation that Nigel had gone had already brought a tear to my eye. Nigel was a man who was from the town I grew up in, a man who had been first of all a fan, and more importantly a loving husband and father. Some would say Nigel had it all, and he certainly deserved it. 

Nigel celebrates with the players following the 2008 promotion to the Championship

 As the fans trickled into the ground I opened the match day programme and began to read Mark Arthur’s piece on Nigel, Mr Arthur was the one who inspired me to write this article myself, with his high praise for the man whom he worked alongside for many years.

Mr Arthur spoke of Nigel as a man whose ‘generosity knew no boundaries’, a man who was ‘big in stature’ and ‘big in heart.’ And I think that it how most Forest fans will remember him too. The minute’s applause before the game followed by chants to the tune of Nigel’s name provided a striking homage to the man who saved our club and continued to back us over the years.

And the game itself, against Watford, was an exhilarating match full of chances that Nigel himself, as a fan, would definitely have enjoyed. The fact that the Reds put in a performance we can build on, might have produced what Mr Arthur said was Nigel’s favourite saying when times were hard – “Remember, darkest is before dawn.”

For Forest this season, there is hope, and on Saturday we were shown that. The fans were magnificent for the entire game and the players responded accordingly, earning a point that could easily have been three. The feeling of unity in the City Ground was immense, and the volume of the Mull of Kintyre song, sang by Reds’ fans prior to kick-off, emulated this.

I think that the biggest honour we can all pay to Nigel is to continue our fantastic support through these hard times for the club we all love, just like Nigel did. As Nigel’s favourite phrase preached - even in the worst of circumstances there is light at the end of the tunnel, and we saw that belief in action on Saturday, both in terms of the play from our players, and the support from all of the Forest faithful.

I would just like to thank every Forest fan, and indeed those that are not linked with the club, that have paid their respects in their own way over the last week to a man who has left us far too soon. This unison between us all has created an atmosphere for success which Nigel would have been proud of.

Now it is time for us all to step up and continue to remember Nigel by doing what he did best; supporting the Reds through thick and thin.

Let’s paint the city red.

R.I.P Nigel.

A tribute left by one fan outside the City Ground

 

Tudgay ends Reds 10-hour goal drought

Marcus Tudgay is congratulated by his team mates after his early strike

Ipswich Town 1 (Leadbitter (pen) 75) 

Nottingham Forest 3 (Tudgay, 5, 78, McCleary, 26)

Nottingham Forest began 2012 in fine fashion on Monday as they finally put an end to a run of games that had stretched to seven outings without a goal - beating Ipswich to move level on points with fellow Championship strugglers Bristol City. 

Prior to Marcus Tudgay’s early opener Forest had gone 635 minutes of football without a goal. The Reds’ frontman had finished neatly to put his side ahead before Garath McCleary added a second just before the half-hour mark. 

The match was in no way one sided however, and the Tractor Boys could have been level at the break but for their lack of finishing in front of goal and the safe hands of Forest keeper Lee Camp. 

The second period provided some good end-to-end football and although the visitors began well it was Ipswich that scored from the spot through Grant Leadbitter. But Tudgay ensured Forest avoided a tense finish as he headed home his sixth goal of the season to round off the scoring. 

Before the trip to Portman Road the last goal the Reds scored was Tudgay's injury-time strike in a 3-2 victory in the reverse fixture at the City Ground on November 19. So it was fitting that the former Sheffield Wednesday man broke the duck. 

Andy Reid put Tudgay in on goal with a great through ball to find the striker in space down the right. And the man who began his playing days at Derby County made it look like he had been scoring every week as he rifled the ball into the top corner from 15-yards. 

Soon after the hosts missed a chance to go level when a Carlos Edwards’ free kick fell to home defender Damien Delaney - the Irishman teed up Jay Emmanuel-Thomas but he headed straight at Camp who collected comfortably. 

George Boateng was back in the side for his first appearance under Reds’ boss Steve Cotterill and the veteran midfielder tested Town keeper Arran Lee-Barrett with a shot from 25-yards that the keeper pounced on well. 

And it was the Reds that doubled their lead when Delaney failed to clear the ball before it fell for McCleary who spun past one man before firing the ball into the corner of the net from 22-yards. 

Moments later it could have been three when former Premier League veteran Lee Bowyer gave the ball away in midfield and Lewis McGugan tried to capitalise with a rasping half-volley from 30-yards that flew just over. 

Celtic loanee Daryl Murphy missed another golden chance for the home side to get a goal back when he found himself unmarked and struck straight at Camp from six yards out. 

And Emmanuel-Thomas shuddered the crossbar as he struck a superb effort from around 35-yards that bounced back out to Bowyer who mis-kicked his effort but was offside anyway. 

Former Forest winger Lee Martin then produced a great low cross to find Murphy moments before the break – but the visitors had luck on their side again and the Irishman headed over the bar from close range. 

After the teams emerged for the second half the Reds had two early chances – the first following a Reid corner which found Tudgay whose headed effort was cleared off the line. Soon after a shot from Reid was blocked and fell to McGugan but the midfielder blazed wide. 

Ipswich also continued to pile the pressure on and former Derby striker Nathan Ellington headed just wide of the left-hand post following a great ball from former Arsenal youngster Emmanuel-Thomas. 

And the Tractor Boys did get back into the game from the spot when Emmanuel-Thomas ran into the box amongst a crowd of red shirts and was brought down by Boateng. Leadbitter stepped up to score - the ball striking both posts before going in. 

The goal lifted the home side and they looked to have got a foot back in the game until Reds’ veteran Reid found a weighted cross to Tudgay who rose above his two markers to loop a great header over Lee-Barrett and into the net. 

Leadbitter had the final attempt for Ipswich in stoppage-time but his effort was put out for a corner by Camp and the Reds held out for all three points. 

Forest remain in the relegation zone but are now level on points with Bristol City who sit just above them in safety. The Reds play table-toppers Southampton next at the City Ground on Saturday 14th January. Kick-off is at 3pm.

Cotterill's Fratton Park return ends in disaster

Huseklepp celebrates a brace with his team mates

Portsmouth 3 (Huseklepp, 45, 84, Kitson, 76)

Nottingham Forest 0

Nottingham Forest’s impressive form under new manager Steve Cotterill was brought to an abrupt end at Fratton Park on Saturday as Portsmouth bagged three goals to send their ex-manager a stern message.

Although the Reds dominated for long periods they were unable to convert any of their opportunities and the home side struck just before the break – one of Cotterill’s last signings, Erik Huseklepp breaking the deadlock.

In an end-to-end second period both teams came close before Pompey made their pressure count when Dave Kitson nodded home from close range following a well-delivered corner.

And six minutes from time Huseklepp secured the points for the hosts scoring his second goal of the game and condemning his former boss to a second defeat in five.

The Reds looked dangerous from the opening moments of the game and USA frontman Robbie Findley could have given the away side an early lead – but his effort fizzed wide from 25-yards.

Forest continued to threaten and missed a golden opportunity to take the lead when Chris Gunter found space to cross from the right – Reds starlet Lewis McGugan got on the end of the cross and took a shot in the area but failed to control the ball properly and Pompey keeper Stephen Henderson quickly pounced to clear the danger.

The home side did begin to come into the game after the twenty-five minute mark when Kitson’s shot was deflected off Guy Moussi - However the ball skewed just wide for a corner.

The Reds might even have snatched a goal when McGugan hit a signature free kick towards Henderson’s goal moments later - but his long-range shot was tipped over the crossbar well by the Irishman.

Yet it was Portsmouth who took the lead against the run of play - former West Ham man Hayden Mullins drilled a free-kick towards goal which crashed off the corner of the crossbar and post before falling to Norwegian international Huseklepp who curled the ball into the top corner.

Forest shot-stopper Lee Camp was then called on to stop the home side doubling their lead straight away – Pompey striker Luke Varney squared the ball to David Norris whose shot was well saved by the Northern Ireland number one.

The Reds then came close to an equaliser when the on-form Marcus Tudgay found Findley in the box - he turned well to fire a shot towards the top corner producing a fantastic save from Henderson.

And Gunter could have put the away side on level terms when a clearance fell to him in the box – but the Welshman got too much on his effort and sent the ball high and over the crossbar for a goal kick.

With little time remaining the home side converted their second goal of the game from their first corner of the second period. Kitson rising high at the near post following a great delivery to convert past a helpless Camp and double his side’s lead.

With nine minutes remaining the Reds brought on striker David McGoldrick to replace Joel Lynch in hope of forcing a late equaliser.

However the hosts were rampant and put the result beyond all doubt six minutes from time as Norris found space to tee up Huseklepp who turned in his second and Portsmouth’s third to seal the victory.

The Reds now have the international break to regroup before they play Ipswich at the City Ground on Saturday November 19th. Kick-off is at 3pm.

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.

Miller on target as Forest sink Chairboys

Nottingham Forest finally found their attacking finesse on Tuesday evening as the Reds cruised past League One Wycombe to go into Saturday’s draw for round three of the Carling Cup.

Forest bagged two goals in the opening six minutes at Adams Park through Ishmael Miller and a Lewis McGugan penalty.

Robbie Findley scored a magnificent third after the break and although the Chairboys pulled one back from the spot, Radoslaw Majewski put the result beyond all doubt with a neat finish 15 minutes from time.

Steve McClaren’s decision to make a double change up front ahead of the game in Buckinghamshire proved to be a wise one as the Reds began the game confidently - USA international Findley partnering Miller who caused Wanderers problems from the off.

Within the opening two minutes Majewski teamed up well with Chris Cohen in the middle of the park – Cohen thumped in an early ball which flashed across the face of goal towards Miller but unfortunately the former West Brom man was unable to get on the end of it.

However Miller did not make the same mistake twice as shortly after he fired in Forest’s first following a perfect through ball from Majewski - Miller was quick to latch on and slid the ball past the standing Chairboys shot-stopper Nikki Bull.

The Reds continued to showcase their attacking flair and won a penalty minutes later after a through ball from Jonathan Greening sent Miller through on goal – he shrugged off the Wycombe defenders but was brought down unfairly by Bull.

Lewis McGugan stepped up to score his second spot-kick in as many games.

McClaren’s men continued to pile on the pressure as again the lively Miller was denied his second thanks to a great reaction stop by Bull.

For the hosts Swindon Town loanee Elliot Benyon’s shot took a wicked deflection and nearly had Forest keeper Lee Camp beaten but the Reds were saved by the inside of the post.

Forest continued to pose a threat and Findley got the Reds an excellent third just after the hour mark - Majewski fed a ball through to the rapid American who fought off two defenders to turn and curl a shot into the bottom corner from 16-yards.

Wycombe were then awarded a spot-kick of their own when Joel Lynch needlessly brought down Chairboys midfielder Stuart Lewis. Benyon stepped up and sent Camp the wrong way to give Wycombe a glimmer of hope.

Yet it was the Reds that continued to attack, substitute Joe Garner went close with a header before having a hand in Forest's fourth.

The frontman - who spent much of last season on loan at Scunthorpe United - beat the tackle of Dave Winfield before unselfishly squaring the ball to Majewski who applied the simple finish.

Nineteen-year-old prospect Kieron Freeman made his first team debut in the closing stages replacing McGugan in midfield. The hot-prospect went close to scoring in the final minute when Chris Gunter pulled the ball back for the youngster who slipped when set to strike.

The draw for round three of the Carling Cup will take place just after 12 noon on Saturday 27th August. The last 32 will include the Premier League teams involved in Europe.