Dave
Beasant
Goalkeeper
Forest's veteran 'keeper continued to turn back the clocks in the
2000-01 season by holding the number one shirt for the 4th season
in a row despite celebrating his 42nd birthday in March. And he
is still proving to be a 'Golden Oldie', despite the odd classic
Blooper, and has made many a key save for Forest. Odds on 'Lurch'
playing out his 43rd birthday for the Reds are getting better
with every game he plays.
Jim
Brennan
Defender/Midfielder (L)
Jim hasn't had the best of times since he arrived at the City
Ground last season in a £1.5m move from Bristol City. He didn't
live up to expectations then and he hasn't had much more success
during 2000-01. Not only does he now face competition from Alan
Rogers for his left wing-back position, but emerging youngsters
Edds and Foy have also been snapping at his heels, meaning he has
only made a few first team appearances.
Alan
Rogers
Defender/Midfielder (L)
'Tank' was at Forest last time they mounted a Promotion campaign
in 1998, but he had to sit most of the 2000-01 season out on the
physio's couch. Injured during Forest's 3-0 win at Gillingham,
Rogers only got back to action in the closing weeks of the
season. Forest have missed his creativity dearly, not to mention
his goals - he had scored 4 before his injury in November,
including a typical stunner in the 5-0 demolition of Burnley.
Riccardo
Scimeca
Defender/Midfielder (C)
Riccy is still finding his feet at the City Ground. The former
Villan and England U-21 captain was also captain here during the
1999-00 season, but surrendered his armband to Chris
Bart-Williams. This seems to have taken some of the pressure off
his shoulders, and his move from defence to midfield has let him
flurish somewhat and he has even chipped in with a couple of
goals, the best of all came in Forest's 5-0 win over Burnley in
October.
Colin
Calderwood
Defender
(C)
Forest's veteran defender has hardly had a look-in during the
2000-01 campaign. He missed 6 months with a broken leg and since
then hasn't been able to fight his way out of the reserves.
However, Colin does play an important role at Forest - his
experience will be a great help for all the young players at
Forest willing to learn from him.
Jon
Olav Hjelde
Defender (C)
Perhaps it would be a good idea if Forest's Norwegian back was
wrapped up in cotton wool all year - it would be the only way to
stop him getting injured. Jon Olav has been in and out of the
physio's office more times than Gazza and his local kebab shop in
his 4 seasons at Forest, and this was no exception. Add to that
his tendency to give away penalties and it's been a disappointing
season, but on his day Hjelde is one of Forest's best players and
when he's been fit he has served Forest well.
David
Prutton
Midfielder
(R, C)
One of the shining lights at the City Ground at the moment, and
another to emerge from Paul Hart's youth acedemy. Prutton was a
revelation last term and through-out 2000-01 he hasn't let us
down. The 19-year-old held a first team place all season and only
missed a few games through suspension, evidence of his
'passionate' approach to the game. But it is Prutton's ball
control and passing that has made him a star and a target for a
number of Premiership sides.
Jack
Lester
Striker (C)
Everything seemed to be going well for Jack until he was injured
in the game against Portsmouth in December. He was top scorer
with 7 goals, he had won over the fans' support, and, in his own
view, he was playing the best football of his career. But a leg
injury has seen him sit it out since and his absence has been
obvious, not least because Forest have only had 1 penalty since.
But Jack can do more than win penalties: his work rate is second
to none and he always puts 100% in. He is sure to boost the team
on his return to action.
Stern
John
Striker (C)
Last season's injury meant Dwight Yorke's Trinidad and Tobago
strike partner made a slow start to 2000-01. He made the start of
the season, but was soon injured again. However, a good run in
the first team over the last leg of the season, and a return to
form with 2 important league goals has shown Forest fans that he
still has the ability he displayed when he first arrived at the
City Ground.
Andy
Johnson
Midfielder (C)
Johno nearly played 2000-01 in the blue of Birmingham City, but
his pre-season transfer broke down in the late stages. Since
then, he has proved himself yet again to be one of Forest's
hardest workers, never afraid to get himself stuck in. Andy has
also scored 3 goals, endearing him to the Forest faithful even
more.
Chris
Bart-Williams
Defender/Midfielder (L, C)
Undoubtedly Forest's player of the year. Bartman's 2000-01 has
proved to be his best season in his long stay with the Reds. He
has established himself as club captain, scored 15 goals (7
penalties and numerous free-kicks) and been ever-present in the
league with a wide range of positions. Unfortunately, this may
also have been his last season trentside, as many Premier League
clubs will be keen on signing up his talent.
Barry
Roche
Goalkeeper
The young Irishman was hitting the headlines with his very first
touch for Forest. Roche replaced Dave Beasant after he saw red at
Crystal Palace in August, and immediately saved a penalty to
retain Forest's slender 3-2 lead, winning them the game. He also
kept a clean sheet on his full debut against Sheffield Wednesday
and has been learning a lot during 2000-01 from Forest's veteran
number one on the training fields.
Andy
Reid
Midfielder/Striker (L, C)
18-year-old Reidy marked his debut with a goal in front of the
home crowd against Sheffield United in November. The forward/left
winger has already shown huge potential with great confidence on
the ball and a powerful shot. He helped fill in during Forest's
injury crisis and is a name to look out for in the future.
Tony
Vaughan
Defender (C)
Tony was having a great season, impressive in his authority on
the pitch, and becoming a popular figure with the crowd who still
pine after the irreplaceable Stuart Pearce. But Vaughan's
discipline has landed him in trouble with David Platt who has
become frustrated by having his star on the suspended list more
often than not and transfer listed him. TV will now have to prove
himself to the manager and get back in the team.
Gary
Jones
Defender/Midfielder/Striker (C)
Gary hasn't won over much support during 2000-01. Signed on a
free transfer from Tranmere in the summer, Jones's lack of pace
has led to him rarely featuring in the games, his only strength
coming from his talent winning balls in the air. However, his
taskman status has meant he has always been available to fill-in
should Forest be short of numbers.
Mathieu
Louis-Jean
Defender (R, C)
Has only made 10 appearance during 2000-01, and seems to be out
of Platt's plans. Mathieu is good when it comes to pushing
forward, but is often caught short defending. Has had to live the
season on a staple diet of reserve football and could be on his
way out in the off-season to cut him from the wage bill.
Marlon
Harewood
Striker (C)
Despite last season's vast improvement, Marlon is still
struggling to make the grade with Forest. His pace and strength
often frighten defenders, but it's a great pity that his shooting
doesn't frighten goalkeepers much. He only scored 3 goals all
season from 34 appearances and many feel that he will never live
up to the full potential that he has often shown.
David
Platt
Midfielder (C)
No matter how much his management skills have come into question
through 2000-01, in his 4 appearances as a player, the ex-England
skipper showed that he still has the talent that made him one of
the world's best - he scored in Forest's 3-2 win over Palace in
August, but has since been out with a leg injury, probably never
to play again, sadly.
Chris
Doig
Defender (C)
Chris was another player hit with injury in 2000-01. He made a
good start to the season and was beginning to impress, but like
so many at Forest this season he was cut short by a series of
injuries. He only returned to fitness towards the end of the
season and has again showed great promise. He will hopefully play
a greater part in 2001-02's campaign.
Richard
Cooper
Defender (C)
With only 2 substitute appearances all through 2000-01,
21-year-old has failed to make an impact for Forest. He showed
great potential as he worked his way through the youth academy,
but will be joining York City in the summer on a free transfer.
Bernard
Allou
Midfielder (R)
The Frenchman put in a transfer request at the end of 2000-01
claiming that he was getting "kicked too much" in the
First Division. Not sure how he reached that conclusion, as he
didn't make a single appearance over 2000-01. Bernard will
probably released in the summer and be remembered for little more
than his somersault celebration.
Christian
Edwards
Defender (C)
'Swanny' was one of the few players who managed to stay
relatively injury-free during 2000-01. He established a good
partnership with Tony Vaughan at the back and has proved many of
his doubters wrong this season. But his future with the club lies
in the balance as he negotiates an extention to his contract
which expires in the summer.
Gareth
Edds
Defender (R)
Another of Forest's promising youngsters, this Australian U-21
International has been a great asset this season, filling in on
both wings. With 14 appearances and 1 goal, he has built upon his
debut in 1999-00 with some good showings. Still has a lot to
learn, but is a good prospect non-the-less.
Andy
Gray
Midfielder (R)
Gray still has critics, and 2000-01 hasn't done much to prove
them wrong for the youngster. Although he often shows good skill
on the wings, it is very obvious that he lacks confidence and
rarely asserts himself on a game. Gray made 18 appearances for
the Reds.
Kevin
Dawson
Defender (C)
Made his one appearance for Forest in the 3-0 defeat at Ewood
Park in September of 2000. Since then, 19-year-old Dawson was in
the wilderness until he joined Barnet on loan for 2 months at the
end of the season.
Gareth
Williams
Midfielder (C)
Williams has made a promising start to his Forest career: He
added to his previous 3 shows, with an impressive 12 starts and 6
sub appearances in 2000-01 and showed good quality in all of
them. He has a quality touch and can also pass well. Yet another
name to keep an eye out for in the future.
Keith
Foy
Defender (L)
The 19-year-old made his debut against Grimsby in September and
since then has made 17 starts for Forest, covering for Alan
Rogers on the left. He is a similar kind of player, with good
pace and touch. He also netted his first goal against Tranmere in
November. Foy has represented Ireland at Youth level since he was
14 and will be a key figure in Forest's future.
Ben
Olsen
Midfielder (R)
In his 13 starts for Forest, David Platt's inspirational
loan-signing of DC United's US International winger impressed a
great deal, adding a new creative flair to the side. But injury
put pay to his season not once but twice during 2000-01. Forest
have been offered a deal to buy him permanently, but lack of
funds may mean that Beninhio may not be seen in a red shirt again
which is a great pity.
David
Johnson
Striker (C)
Following his £3.5m move from Ipswich in January, DJ has made 19
starts for Forest but will perhaps be disappointed with only
scoring 2 goals in this time. However, he is developing a good
partnership with Stern John, and if he can regain both confidence
and fitness over the summer, he will find no problem in scoring
the goals Forest need so much, just as he did for Town 2 years
before.
Steve
Collis
Goalkeeper
Didn't make a start in 2000-01, but the 20-year-old reserve
goalkeeper who was signed from Barnet in August earned a place on
the bench in a few games
David
Freeman
Midfielder/Striker (C)
In his 6 appearances during 2000-01 (4 as a substitute), the
Irish 21-year-old showed himself to be confident on the ball and
able to hit the ball well. Could well find himself following in
the footsteps of Keith Foy and Andy Ried from the Youth squad
into the first team. He also spent a month's loan with Port Vale.
Jermaine
Jenas
Midfielder (C)
The cousin of the famous Nottingham youngster Jermaine Pennant,
Jenas was only 17 when he made his Forest debut in the FA Cup
against Wolves in January of 2000-01. He only made one more
appearance, but that and another impressive season with the U19s
have shown him to have great talent in the centre of the field.
Francis
Benali (Southampton)
Defender (L, C)
The Southampton veteran spent 3 months with Forest on loan, in
order to help David Platt cope with an injury crisis. He made an
impressive 15 starts in this time, adding some experience to the
backline which at the time was made up of youngsters. Benali may
return to the City Ground in the summer on a free transfer.
Robbie
Blake (Bradford City)
Striker (C)
In his 3 months with Forest in the first half of 2000-01, Robbie
helped Forest to a good run of form despite only 1 goal in his 13
games. He made a good partner for Jack Lester, and their combined
pace and skill was a successful match. But Forest could not
afford to buy him, and the change of manager at Bradford saw him
bid farewell to the City Ground in November.
Dougie
Freedman (Crystal Palace)
Striker (C)
A lack of confidence haunted Dougie's Forest career and after
just two years trentside, he was sold to his former outfit
Crystal Palace in October where he started to score the goals
again. Dougie had been top-scorer in 1999-00's relegation battle,
but had been forced out of the first team making just 2 starts
before he was sold for £600,000.
Matthew
Upson (Arsenal)
Defender (C)
The young Arsenal defender only managed one game for Forest
before an injury ended his loan spell with the Reds. He started
in the 2-0 win at home to Portsmouth.