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.
I think what he did with the club last year was exceptional, steering them away from relegation convincingly as he did. New owners unfortunately have new ideas.
This just like Sean Dyche’s departure from Vicarage Road can only be another clubs gain.