| About Rish... | A Nottingham boy, I went to my first match at Wembley to see Jemmo knock in the winning goal against Oldham in 1990. Cut me open and I bleed red and white! |
Forest’s recent form has been a source of concern to everyone connected with the club. The pinnacle of our season so far has to be when we were seven points clear at the top of the table; the slump since then has led to many of our so-called 'supporters' calling for CC’s head.
 | | Forest fans at Chelsea |
The mind boggles. I am as disappointed as anyone else with the results, and of course I want to see the Reds at the top of the table; I also strongly believe that, with the playing resources we have, we should be annoyed if we do not achieve promotion. But, in response to the howls of derision, I would play 'Devil’s Advocate' and argue the following: • As long as we go up, it doesn’t matter if we finish first or sixth in the table. Ask any Man City fan. • While I also disagree with some of CC’s team selections, I don’t think it helps the likes of Gary Holt or Scott Dobie if you boo them while they're on the pitch. • Likewise, it is an odd way to show your 'support' if you boo the team for not being in the lead at half-time. • Which would you rather have? A manager who bemoans every bit of bad luck that we have, for whom nothing is ever his fault (we have had a number of those), or one who (outwardly at least) tries to maintain a positive outlook and be optimistic, while still taking responsibility for the results? • What good does it do to change manager? We have had too many to count in the last 15 years, and where has it got us? Even when Joe Kinnear saved us from relegation, it was only delaying the inevitable (although I would not deny that David Platt was an expensive mistake). • Who would you get as manager anyway? Of course I would love to see Stuart Pearce or Nigel Clough as manager (for proof, see some of my previous articles), but anyone who seriously thinks that they would want to come here as manager while the club are in the Third Division is either relentlessly optimistic, or more likely deluded. I know that sounds harsh, but do you really believe that it could happen? • Nicky Southall has gone. Most of us agree that it was not a good idea to let him go, but you don’t know what was going on behind the scenes, and no amount of moaning about it can magically bring him back. "Less proud" of Forest fans It does not make me proud to say this, but while I am proud to be a Forest supporter, I am less proud of the club’s fans. If you take out the 15 years between 1977 and 1992, historically, Forest have not been a high-flying club. Under Sir Brian, we massively overachieved. Of course I want to see us back in the Premiership; in fact, I really think that if we get promoted this year, we will probably do it again next year (and it is very rare for me to make such optimistic pronouncements). As paying supporters, we all feel justified in voicing our opinions, but I am fed up of the moaning. Do we have a right to be in the Premiership? No. Do we have a right to be top of the Third Division? No. A quick questionnaire If you are still unsure how you feel about this matter, here is a quick questionnaire for you: • For those of you with kids, when they were learning to walk, and fell over, did you:
A) Reassure them and encourage them to have another go?
B) Shout and scream and call them stupid for falling over? • When you are at work, if your colleagues say you are doing a rubbish job, when in fact they wouldn’t be able to do it themselves, do you:
A) Feel that it is not very helpful?
B) Think: “Wow, that really helps me”? • Do you believe that:
A) Enthusiasm is infectious, and negativity only breeds further negativity?
B) Yelling at people is great motivation? • Do you feel that “Forest belong in the top division”?
A) No, it would be great if they get there though
B) Yes. We are one of England’s greatest clubs, and have a right to be there. • As supporters, should we:
A) Try and stay optimistic, after all no lives are at stake?
B) Bleat about the manager and players, and boo them when things don’t go our way? Answers: Mainly As - You would be a great person to have around, as a friend, colleague or family member.
Mainly Bs - See you at the City Ground. | 
