I’ve been sheepishly (arf, geddit?) avoiding my Derby supporting associate for some time, given their ascendency in the Championship and our, well, shit form in League One over the festive period. But as they went joint top on points and signed an impressive selection of players, unfortunately my sheep-bothering friend turned the tables and gave me a call to initiate our next interview.
So, you’ve been a bit quiet lately – wouldn’t be anything to do with the mighty Rams storming up the table would it?
I can’t deny that I’ve been watching with abject horror as you seem to maintaining some kind of form – I’ve heard that the performances are still not quite up to scratch though, any truth?
There’s been a fair few games where we’ve snatched a result without playing particularly well, but well, the league table speaks for itself, doesn’t it?
I have some empathy with that, afterall, we had a pretty poor run in terms of performances AND results over Christmas, then another below-par performance but win against Yeovil has put us back on top – I’ll never fathom this league out!
So, have you had a busy transfer window? We’ve signed a number of decent players – and spent some money! I’m pleased we’ve strengthened but feel concerned about the finances if we don’t go up…
Surely you’re not going to go up? We’ve been quiet – we’ve chopped some deadwood from the squad, but as yet have made no additions at all, which is – as ever – driving us all mad. I would be surprised and disappointed if we didn’t purchase some players before the window closes, there is talk of not being held to ransom, and potentially relying on loan players as there is obvious uncertainty about our league form now.
That’s what surprised me, I thought we’d get more loans in or ride out this season with what we had – but it seems that Billy and the board are keen to improve the quality of the squad from a position of strength – shouldn’t Forest be doing the same?
You would think so really, Smoulderwood has talked of wanting to add quality rather than bodies to the squad, he’s very keen not to upset the balance he has in the dressing room – which is understandable. Forest also seem to play transfers very close to their chest these days, so other than outlandish rumours you never really get an inkling of what they’re up to, cheeky buggers.
So you’re back at the top after your blip – is that it, are you all sorted again? I’ve not really been keeping tabs too closely, I read you’d beaten Yeovil in a scrappy game (Yeovil! Ha ha!)…
I wouldn’t go that far, the Yeovil game was tricky – and could, in all honesty, have gone either way. Scunthorpe get to build a few games advantage over us over the coming weeks – they have a midweeker this week and will be playing in the league when we face Chelsea in the FA Cup fourth round, so we could find ourselves down the table with games in hand after that weekend, not a position I’d like, as it puts pressure on those fixtures in hand – and so far this season, pressure isn’t something Forest have thrived under.
Chelsea! I’d forgotten about that – I was jealous when I saw the cup draw, I must admit – although they’re going to tear you apart, surely?
I can’t see past a solid beating, to be honest – and on live terrestrial TV to boot – but it will be a great day out, and a rare opportunity to visit a decent sized ground and make a bit of racket – but who knows, Wycombe managed to hold them to a draw (admittedly at their own place), so you never can tell what magic the cup will weave.
It’s on the Beeb? I might pop down the pub and become a Chelsea fan for the day, although a small part of me would be quite amused to see an upset, but I’d never hear the end of it from you if you won!
I always knew you were a closet Forest sympathiser. Whilst winning would be a fantastic achievement, I can’t help but hope we either force a replay (more money!), or maybe go down but put in a decent performance – cup runs are great, but the league is really all that matters this season, so I’d rather us concentrate on that.
Sounds sensible, I’m starting to think the same – although I never dreamed promotion would be a possibility this season at all.
Surely it can’t happen? I suppose if it did it’s about time somebody took Sunderland’s record of shame away from them – do you think you’d make double figures in your quest for the Premiership? On a serious note, I’d be gutted if we managed to get promoted this season and then the Sheep weren’t there to play – it’s been too long since we’ve had a match.
That’s true, but I’d take promotion over the promise of a local derby any day of the week, I’m afraid – it’s all down to how our new signings bed in, if we can start to perform well regularly and get results then we’ll have a good chance.
I most certainly hope that doesn’t happen, then! I can’t be doing with making do with Les-da as our local derby of the season – it’s just so pointless (mind you, even that would beat playing Chesterfield as we have been this last couple of seasons!).
Ain’t that the truth – oh well, with a bit of luck Leicester will drop in form and end up getting relegated anyway!
That would be hilarious – surely fate can’t be that kind, though? Anyway, I’ve waffled on for long enough – surely you’re due a Cardiff style slump in form sometime soon?
More than likely – you’ve had yours already, although from what you’ve said it may not be over!
We shall see – we have a few players to come back from suspensions etc – particularly in midfield. We should be alright, I hope.
Damn gloating sheep fans! Still, I suppose I’d be the same if I were invited to partake in interviews which strangely dried up just when Forests’ form dipped and the molesters of sheep form picked up. Here’s to their new signings all proving to be flops and seeing them tumble back down to the mid-table obscurity that they belong!
Filed under: Thoughts
