by Daniel Widdowson

Firstly, it would appear I owe all readers and loyal followers of the Daisy Cutter a sincere apology. My last article on the Nottingham Forest takeover appears to have been dashed into pieces. My claim that Steve Cotterill has remained the manager – and I didn’t expect to see any significant change – was today proven completely incorrect when the new owners, the Al-Hasawi family, met with the coaching staff; and Steve Cotterill departed the club.

The owners claim it is all part of a long-term vision for the club and hopefully will allow them to shape the club into something that, once again, resembles a strong and powerful championship side chasing promotion. I will refrain from fuelling speculation about potential new managers; no doubt the national tabloids will cover that for me. I think all that’s left to do is thank Cotterill for his efforts, even if we didn’t entirely agree with what he did all the time. He was left with a shambolic side after the departure of Steve McClaren and who knows what the future holds for the new manager. I did warn you pre-season at Forest is never a smooth or gentle one.