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 4th 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.
