Perspective crucial as Forest secure European football

 Perspective crucial as Forest secure European football 

A rather strange spectacle was Saturday afternoon; the odds were on Forest’s side - despite recent poor form - to secure some form of European qualification, and so the Reds did. But that wasn’t the strange part: a match ending in boos, the owner entering the pitch, and a tirade of social media rants from fans — have some lost perspective?

This season, the odds were against Forest. Countless ‘pundits’ had Forest as down, back to the championship, some believing their time in this division was simply a “honeymoon” period. In fact, after finishing on just 32 points last season (almost half of their tally this season to date), even most Forest fans were uncertain over the future. The players didn’t have the same connection, Nuno and the fans hadn’t gelled to the standard Cooper had with them, and some big signings just weren’t performing. This was all just over a year ago. In football, and sorry to put it informally, and very Notts, but bugger all time.

Everything was against Forest this season. Some say pressure creates diamonds, others say it is for tires; but what Forest have done despite the pressure has been outstanding, and having now secured European qualification, fans shouldn’t lose sight of just how far this side has come in such a short period of time. 

Why did Sunday feel, perhaps, somber?

As I had put it on X, or as it was formerly known Twitter, this was my thought on the day, and European qualification:

“Frankly, the reason we are all disappointed with today is because we saw the potential with this team. We’ve seen it with our own eyes, good football, good tactics, etc, and we’ve come short of what WE know we can achieve.

The pressure is off with getting European football, but the pressure for these last two games is on for more, and the other stuff after the game adds even more pressure.

Getting Europe shouldn’t feel this way, but really, it’s because we saw the vision, and it just hasn’t been maintained.

Need to give our all these last two games, then rest, recover, and prepare for a massive season next season.”

I still echo these thoughts, and after a long nights rest, I still support it. When you come short of achieving something as marvellous as Champions League football, which is very unlikely now, it hurts. It hurts to know our talented squad couldn’t achieve what they have proven they could have. Failed potential is painful. However, this is no play-off loss, this is no Stoke, etc - Forest have achieved. Forest are in Europe. The fact, as fans, we can discuss, and some bemoan the moment, shows perhaps how privileged some have become. I don’t wish to dig anyone out, as opinions are opinions, and everyone has the right to have them - however, it is so easy to look at the slight dip toward the end of the season, without looking at the ridiculous upturn in form at the start of the season. 

On the game though, another reason Sunday was so disappointing was because, that game was for the taking. With respect to Leicester, who came back and did their job, they are not good enough to play in this division. Forest matching that standard was horrendous viewing. Another example of missed potential - everyone knows how devastatingly good Forest have been this season, to not show that quality, despite some injuries, isn’t good enough. That is another reason Saturday was a real jab to the side.

Then came the owner; very rarely will I criticise the ambitious, passionate Evangelos Marinakis - not because I’m partisan, but because I feel his winning mentality, deep pockets, and belief has been a huge part of our recent success. Without him, this journey doesn’t happen. However, after a game which secured European football, seeing him enter the pitch caused anxiety. Why? Because it makes you worry that not all is okay. The noise it will create, feeding the lazy media, is an issue. Forest have gone under the radar for most of the season regarding negative stories, and I am firmly on the train that believes it should stay that way. Additional noise adds pressure, and more unnecessary pressure is never a good thing. That being said, context has been added, and despite not agreeing with Mr Marinakis’ action of entering the pitch and speaking with Nuno in - what appeared to be - a rather frustrated manner, I do agree that the injury situation with Taiwo Awoniyi was appalling. How anyone could witness that incident and declare him fit to carry on is beyond me. Some investigation needed there - hoping Taiwo is okay. Followed up by a well-timed statement, I think the damage done by the owner coming on the pitch was neutralised to some extent, and we can move on. He is passionate, we all know that - and it comes with its pro’s & con’s. Above all, it is nice to see an owner who is passionate — some would give everything to have that (see Manchester United, etc).

Please, have some perspective

This is a topic I will not be impartial regarding. You simply cannot look forward without gently reminding yourself, and looking back.

Having to sell one of your top scorers (Brennan Johnson), the PSR debacle, eventual points deduction as a result, fallouts in the dressing room, a manager sacking, a new manager parachuted in to save the season - the lot! All in one season. 

To only achieve 32pts in a season is, well, in a normal season more than bad enough to see you relegated. However, a growing crater in football standard between the championship and Premier League means that teams coming up can only pray to stay there; for the last two season, all that have come up, have gone straight back down. While of course I am proud of Forest for staying up, and I am sure that despite the issues the club faced they have no regrets, but the situation does need to be raised sooner or later. My suggestion is some form of PSR relief, but that is for another article.

Either way, what I am trying to say is: could you even have, in your wildest, and some would have described them as ‘daftest’ dreams, ever imagined Forest in Europe soon? I couldn’t. Not a chance. In fact, I would have had Nuno down for being relieved of his position. Now look? This is the beauty of football, and by having said perspective, you can see just how far your side has come.

This team deserves the plaudits. They are not “bottle jobs”. They have achieved in fact what fans have waited three decades for. And for me, at 19, and my generation, this is simply a reality we could not imagine living in. So, so special. 

“Lower form of European football”

What an odd statement it is when we say we are happy to secure a “lower form” of European football. Albeit not factually incorrect, as the UCL is ranked top in terms of European competitions, with Europa League second, Conference after that - but all are prestigious, and are all big competitions.

Aston Villa famously, in recent times, were in - what looked to be - a relegation scrap under Steven Gerrard, with the hierarchy at the villains, I think it’s fair to say, having slipped up by hiring him. Then, appointing Emery & Monchi, the club saw a dramatic increase in form, seeing them achieve Conference league football. Since, they’ve reached a semi-final in said tournament, a Champions league quarter-final, and more. Just getting that “lower form” of European football helped them a lot. Having the brand awareness increase, greater pull for recruitment by promising such football, and of course the funds - with all this considered, Villa could sell an ambitious project, and lay the foundations for this. And for me, this is a scenario Forest fans should be looking at when feeling glum about “only achieving” a form of Europe such as conference or Europa League.

Further to the fact, like I mentioned in my previous statement, such foundations are important to support a club playing sustained European football. Forest cannot simply expect to have European football every season for the foreseeable without foundation, and structure. For me, Champions League football would be incredible, an I wouldn’t say no if Forest could make it, however, deep down most will agree that it is too much right now. The only benefit would be the money, and that badge on the shirt. In my view, we aren’t ready to make a good deal of it, and I think it could in fact be detrimental to the players mentality & fitness. Perhaps missing out could be a blessing in disguise; I will be honest, as much as it pains me to say, I am in that camp. 

Plus, while the likes of Madrid, Munich, etc all sound superb, perhaps a longer-run in another competition will offer more memories? A side thought.

What to expect now

Anything good from now is a bonus, is how I view it. UEFA Conference League is a superb competition, offering a chance to get used to the European schedule, and more - offering also some, well, interesting locations to travel to!

The next two games could go either way. While I do not feel West Ham will offer much firepower, anything can happen - Forest need to be sharp. I don’t feel any of the major issues the club has at the moment (one-dimensional in attack, and struggling with more possession in my opinion) can be resolved just yet. All that can happen is a return for Murillo, which would be huge. His presence was missed greatly on Saturday. As for Chelsea, a huge game - potentially a decider of higher-end European football if Forest beat West Ham and results around them create an entrance to a narrow path to said “higher standard” of football. 

The ambitious Forest fan in me who knows what we can achieve wants six points and nothing less. I will not doubt these players can do that, but it is going to be a heavy task. A huge reaction is needed, but thankfully the pressure of securing football on the continent is gone, now it is up to these players & staff to determine just what level they wish to play at.

Enjoy what is left of this season, and prepare those passports!

Jamie

(Image credit: Nottingham Forest Football Club)