by Daniel Widdowson
It’s not often I will pen (or type) a response to a fellow contributors articles; often the Cutter is filled with top quality articles and ramblings on numerous topics and altogether I hold those to take the time, and effort, to create a piece of work in the upmost respect. This is not untrue about the article I respond to now either. https://www.thedaisycutter.co.uk/2012/04/dont-look-back-in-anger-why-forest-need-to-learn-from-the-past/
Whilst I respect the fact the contributor took the time to write about my club and share her views however, I frankly share very few of them. Hence this piece in defence of Nottingham Forest, its history and its supporters.
Rest assured that the current generation of Forest fan is spread over a large age range. Remembering that we won the European Cup in 1979 and 1980 a large number of fans linked with the club still have strong memories of our successes that continue right into the 1980’s and early 90’s. Even the ‘younger’ generation of supporters who clearly never experienced these monumental victories have seen us rise from League One, hold our own in the Championship and battle in the play-offs. Over the last couple of seasons we’ve been presented with a team that will fight and battle to the end, not merely lie down in defeat. Certainly it would be foolish to claim that the results Clough brought in could be recreated with any manager, at any club, in the modern game. Also the tactics wouldn’t hold any success in the modern game; it’s now a team game where everyone can fill in for any position. Clough formed a team around each player, getting the best out of each player, knowing that “John Robertson couldn’t run 20 yards” but “you give him a ball and a square yard of grass and he’s the best player in the country”. He also used these same techniques to success at other clubs, such as Derby with players such as Alan Hinton, who Clough described as “petrified”, but if someone got him the ball he could “plonk it anywhere you like”.
Without directly attacking the article, as I don’t believe that would be fit or right, I will note that although Nottingham Forest are no longer at the lofty heights where they once resided we are far from a struggling, scrappy, free falling side that faces little hope of recovery and regeneration. In the modern game there is little hope of f major success for teams without big budgets and clear plans. Frankly, Forest haven’t had the huge budgets to compete with some of the ‘big boys’ for many years, and I wouldn’t want to.
Forest are who we are; we try and play some decent football, we pride ourselves on our fan base and as they will happily remind you “we went to Europe, we won the cup twice”. The history we have is not something to compare us to, it is something to hold up high and say “this is what we achieved”. And for now, and the future, Forest fans will remain behind our club, we shall hold our heads high and we will support whoever is wearing that beloved Forest shirt knowing the history and the fact that those successes in the past were created with a great man – a footballing God – and a team and tactics that simply would not succeed in the modern game. What we achieved was magic, Nottingham Forest are magic. That is why Forest supporters hold our heads high in pride.
Good article & clearly more coherent than the previously written Forest piece – Forest fans however as a whole I find the most fickle fans I have come across, far worse than the modern Liverpool or Arsenal fan whom would give you a run for your money, but in my opinion would come up short against Nottingham Forest supporters.
Fantastic club with a great history, which of course you should never let be forgotten. I have myself written many articles on and about Forest, the supporters are not renowned for their ability to accept their current position – Or critic from outside.
Nottingham Forest are magic – Well as much as that was a great call & song in the 1970s stroke early 1980s the truth is they are not currently magic – no illusions just Deluded.
chritobinsings you must be basing you opinion of only having seen Liverpool & Arsenal!
If you think Forest Fans are fickle you should try to get out bit more.
I have followed Forest all over the country and have seen home support get on thier teams back after the first misplaced pass!
We are no better or worse than any other club’s fans – we reserve our right to crticise when required but there is no better place to be then the City Ground when the Reds are up against it and the CG is rocking!!
Regarding our status, yes we have a great history and are very proud of it, however all Forest fans except we are where we are and after this season lucky to still be in the Championship
I am sure you will not begrudge us the right to dream of better times
Snipes about fickle fans are normally due to jealousy over our envious fan base I suspect!
There is nothing to defend …
The article wasn’t having a pop at Forest, far from it just really making the point that over the last few decades there has been no stability at the club, which has seen you yo-yo between leagues. And just that it’d be good to get new owners and find the right manager, finally a balance to gain some stability and see you compete.
No where does it state your history should be ignored or you fans not be proud as you should, of course you should. Supporting Forest is always something to be proud of. But at the same time the reality is you should always want more and expect more .. Especially after these last few decades.
So it was simply outsiders view hoping Forest and it’s fans have a better decade than the last.
Thanks ChrisBiggins, would you be able to provide some links to your articles regarding Nottingham Forest please?
As a fellow journalist, I find your remarks with regards to the “fickcle” Forest fans is somewhat myopic.
The evidence should first be analysed, then tested with a medium. Where, I ask is your medium? Nottingham Forest fans are no more fickle than your average supporter, and actually looking at their consistent fan base through the good times and the bad times, I’d suggest your evidence gathering skills as a reporter need to be questioned.
I for one, am proud to be associated with Nottingham Forest, and happy to report facts.
Oh and they refuse to accept any sort of critic on themselves or their club, unless they are doing so themselves.
Whilst being happy to want Nigel Doughty to leave the club – but on his death days later to suddenly change their minds.
You clearly have a misunderstaning toward the meaning of myopic. I have no medium to gage, however as stated I do have a personal opinion – hence “I Find” …..
As for facts take off your rose tinted and perhaps read exactly what my comment suggested….nothing actually factual in my comments, they are my thought as yours are clearly yours.
Chris Biggins
“Whilst being happy to want Nigel Doughty to leave the club – but on his death days later to suddenly change their minds.”
at no point did any supporter say they wanted him dead. The man did everything he could for the club, invested his time, effort and money into us and sadly he never achieved his goal. a section of forest fans wanted him out. However no one can ignore what he gave to the club and frankly i resent the above statement.