Promotion Is Still The Goal

One win in the previous five games is not the sort of form that is going to win any side in any division promotion. Forests' recent blip has now officially turned into a slump and if we aren't careful, that will turn into a slide. The 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Oldham is the latest in a series of bad performances by the Reds', that has seen them relinquish a 7 points lead clear of the rest, to 3rd place and one point off top spot.

The seven point cushion we had at the top of League 1, is what may save our bacon come the end of the season, if we can arrest the current form. It is amaising that despite our poor run, we are still only one point off the top. That is also a sad reflection on the standard of football in League 1. The fact is, things could be a whole lot worse.

It would have been naive of us all to imagine going the entire campaign without losing some form, so it should come as no surprise that we are suffering this now. What is so galling though is the way this has come about. It would appear that some of our 'heroes' are not deserving of the garibaldi shirt and do not wear it with the same enthusiasm and passion as supporters. When 1700 fans travel to an away game, the least they can expect is that the people they idolise put in a minimum amount of effort. It would be fair to say this did not happen today.

Whilst i am loathe to criticise a game i did not attend, i have seen enough of Forest home and away to know that the problems of last season are not far enough in the past. Colin Calderwood has done a magnificent job so far and deserves our gratitude and support for returning some pride in the team. We have said all along that he is working with the same failing squad that failed to win promotion last year and that it needs strengthening. If he didn't realise this before then he does now. Nigel Doughty today said 'We've hit a bit of a wobble at the moment. It happens and was going happen at some stage of the season. Lets hope to get back on the right track today. Mindful of what happened to Swansea last year who were top at this stage, went out and bought some players in January, form slipped and ultimately failed to win promotion to The Championship.' This will not happen so long as we buy wisely, which i am sure we will do.

The good news is that we still have plenty of games to play and investment in the team looks likely. The current problems we are enduring are solvable if acted upon quickly and so long as they are there is no need to press the panic button. Now is the time for calm heads and time to get behind the team. Promotion is still the goal and is achievable so long as the players match the desire and commitment of the fans.

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