It’s understandable how there’s a lot of Wembley talk going on, indeed, the prospect of a trip there is a really really compelling one. But there seems to be a worrying attitude amongst the fans, and even hinted at by Luke Chambers in his post-match interview at the weekend, that somehow that’s where we’ll end up – because we got “the easy draw” in the playoffs.
Of course, the conspiracy theory lovers suggest that we drew on purpose, knowing that Bristol were uncatchable and Blackpool were winning. I presume that the two Crewe defenders who cleared our shots off the line were in on this little conspiracy, and indeed, Scott Dobie’s accuracy of shooting must have increased tenfold if he deliberately picked out the post after beating the keeper with his shot late on in the game!
I’m sure – like most of us – upon finishing and seeing the results the players were probably at least a little glad we ended up in fourth. Oldham, wobble in form or not, would represent a tough opponent – and having them either tire out, or be tired out by rampant Blackpool is no bad thing. Certainly before the game I’d singled out Yeovil as the preferable opponent. But don’t read that wrong – I’m not saying easy – I’m saying preferable.
Having made the trip down to Huish Park earlier in the season, it certainly wasn’t a walk in the park and we were quite lucky to walk away with three points – which was rather a character of that time of the season for us – and whilst at our place we deservedly beat them, I think if there’s any danger of our players taking these two games for granted, then we’ll be in a lot of trouble and might well not get that trip to Wembley so many people are already talking about.
You see, a 5th place finish and a playoff tie against Forest is a massive success for Yeovil, I doubt many fans were expecting to finish there – so it’s huge credit Russell Slade who’s picked up Gary Johnson’s side and carried on the momentum. This means there’s very little pressure on them, you see, even if they lose to us – they’ve not really failed. If we lose to them, the media and our expectant fanbase will consider it a failure (and I would too!). That equals pressure for us. A lot of it. Forest haven’t played well under that so far.
So, if you see me writing misty-eyed about trips to Wembley before the semi-final fixtures are over, then pull me up on it – because I don’t think we should be thinking about it until we know we’re there. It is an exciting prospect – it is for me, and I’ve been to Wembley before (well, the old one) – for the younger fans who’ve never had a chance to see Forest there it must be incredibly exciting – but let’s curb that until we know we’ve made it…
Filed under: Thoughts
It’s a good old saying don’t count your chickens until they hatch……and its fair to say if you have done this in recent years (In football terms) the eggs have never matched the eggs you started out with when it comes to forest.
lets get the next 2 fridays out of the way first……then think about the trip to the big smoke…..
Just a thought….Linclon on the Saturday, Forest on the Sunday, Derby on the Monday….I wonder if we will all enjoy being in the same Hotels and on the same trains? lets hope if this happens we fly the flag for the East Midlands and get on with the Football.
If the above happens what are other peoples thoughts on this possibility for the playoff weekend and the possible teams?
I don’t think Derby will get there somehow. Perhaps that is just wishful thinking but I predict WBA vs Saints final. I’ll go for Forest v Blackpool and Bristol Rovers vs Milton Keynes in the others.
The article below entitled ‘Forest in trouble if they miss out’ is an interesting read.
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1798_2112482,00.html
The author says what we probably all know that if we don’t get up we will lose Commons, Prutton, Tyson and erm, Smith and will continue to struggle to attract suitable replacements. I wonder if any of the other 3 teams have similar concerns?
I’ve got to say I haven’t looked forward to a match like this for ages. I can almost taste the city ground atmosphere. Everyone will be up for it.
As always with the play offs, we start looking for favourites. By now, we should all know that play off football is an absolute lottery and as such we have no better or no worse chance of going up than Blackpool, Yeovil or Oldham.
Think back to our last play off experience – a harsh sending off and a dubious penalty in the home leg eventually cost us a place in the final. Would Sheffield United have come back from 2-0 down with half an hour to go if Michael Dawson had been in the heart of the defence?
Colin Calderwood himself alluded on Saturday to the fact he was beaten in the play off’s at Northampton by a wrongly given penalty. What odds Wes Hoolihan getting a dodgy penalty for Blackpool at some point during the proceedings?
The form team does not always go up, the big team does not always go up (although the size of the club DOES become a factor once they reach the final, possibly due to the level of support. I can only think of a handful of instances during the history off the play offs where the bigger team does not win the play off final…Sunderland vs Charlton being possibly the most obvious example). Contrary to play off folklore, the team finishing sixth does not always go up either!!
Some other thoughts…
- Blackpool have won seven in a row. It is rare for a team to win ten in a row. If they do, then they deserve to go up but a local derby against Oldham could go either way.
- We’ve had two close games against Yeovil. Law of avergaes suggest it will be their turn to nick one at some point. If so, I hope it’s this Friday and not the following week. At least then we would have an opportunity to put it right.
- We have a number of players playing for their futures. I do honestly believe Jack, Kris and Prutts all want to stay at Forest but not in Division One. (I’m not going to enter into the loyalty over ambition debate here).
We are in for two really close games against Yeovil, a team who give very little away. I just hope we carry our recent form into the games and show a suitable level of desire and commitment. If so, as supporters we can ask for no more.
An excellent comment, you’re quite right that it’s a lottery to an extent, which is why we must do all we can to make the most of our advantages. And that, my friends, is where we the fans come in!
alrite guys, im a Yeovil fan and what you fans will see are two cracking games of football. Yeovil play football the way it should be played and whoever makes it will deserve it. The second game is always most crucial in a two legged affair and this is no different, especially as Yeovil have been the better side away from home. Yeovil also have excellent away support so i expect one hell of an atmosphere at the city ground!
If Yeovil dont win then i hope Forest go up because you guys are too big to be down in the doldrums of league one!
Good luck!
Cheers for that, Gaz – if you’re expecting cracking football, then don’t expect it from us!
I am looking forward to the semi finals though, with the obvious sense of dread and fear, but also excitement. Indeed, should we fail to get through, then the Glovers would have my blessing to go on and go up!