lost that loving feeling - Give Wardy a break!

I can't believe I have to write an article defending the performances of Darren Ward. However, I'm so incensed by some of the comments made by a small minority of Forest fans, I feel it is necessary for me to talk about this subject, which has made me very, very angry along with many other supporters. Wardy has been playing brilliantly this season so why is he getting unfair criticism?

At Millmoor on Saturday there were a few fans that criticised Darren Ward for his mistake that led to a goal in the clash at Bradford a couple days earlier. Wardy held his hands up and apologised for the error and that should have been the end of the matter because in so many matches this season he has saved us and earned many valuable points. He's also got a little bit a stick from some fans on certain internet forums, but most supporters are 100% behind him.

So for a player to be getting abuse from a small group of idiots when his performances throughout the season have been absolutely fantastic is very disappointing. I must however highlight that it is a very small minority of fans because the rest of the Trickies, including myself, are fantastic towards Ward and all the other players. It is vital that we all get behind the players, and the people that were firing abuse at Darren Ward have to ask themselves, is it helping his and the teams confidence? I think you'll find the answer is No.

I know people pay good money to watch Forest and everyone has an opinion, but we have to remember that the team is young and they need our backing and support, not abuse.

This season we've only conceded 35 goals in 37 games. As I've said many times before in past articles, we have the third best defence in the league. That's due to the performance of our back four, but most of all it's the fantastic performances produced by Darren Ward. On many occasions he has made some superb saves at crucial times and those have gained many valuable points for the Reds. Now without Wardy, our defensive record could be worse and with us not scoring many at the other end, it's vital we have a solid defence and a good keeper, and that's what Forest currently have.

I don't know what the small group of boo boys are trying to achieve, but if they want to lose another valuable player then there going the right way! There's a lot of pressure on Ward and the rest of the defenders at the moment because the strikers aren't scoring many goals and in my opinion they are doing their jobs very well. It can't be easy being a keeper when your team isn't hitting the back on the net.

Many of the people that are criticising Ward for his performances say that they'd prefer Beasant. Now I know that most people liked him because he was a character, but many fans realise that Wardy is better. I don't want to criticise Big Dave too much because he was one of my favourite players, but he did make a number of costly errors. The one that stands out in my mind is the Worthington Cup game against Darlington last season when he kicked the ball out from the corner of his box straight to the feet of the attacker and he hit home the winner to knock us out.

I know he produced some superb saves as well, but so has Ward. There really isn't much of an argument. The fans that want to live in the past can, but this club is moving forward and that includes bringing players in that can help Forest achieve that aim and Darren Ward certainly has a massive part to play now and in the future.

There's no doubting Dazza's ability because many people believe he is one of the best keepers outside the Premiership. Forest did well to acquire the services of the Welsh international in the summer on a free transfer because there wouldn't have been a shortage of takers, that's for sure.

Knowing Wardy, and speaking to him on a couple of occasions, I know he is desperate to do well for Forest and help move us into the Premiership. He also wants to secure his place in the Welsh squad and earn the number one jersey. In my opinion he is one of the best keepers we have had for many years and there's no reason why he can't go on to achieve great things under the leadership of Paul Hart because he certainly has the desire.

Darren Ward has become a fans favourite amongst nearly all Reds but there are a few people that still aren't convinced. The supporters that aren't sure about him: are you watching a different team to me? He has had a brilliant season so far in my opinion.

I know he has made a couple a mistakes, but it happens to most keepers including the world-class goalies. The majority of Trickies can see that without him our defensive record would probably be worse and they have taken to him and there's no doubt he will be a fans favourite for many years to come. To the supporters that believe Wardy isn't the right keeper for Forest, can you justify your argument? Because I believe you can't. I realise everyone has their own opinion but criticising a player over a few mistakes when he has saved us so many times is wrong in my opinion.

I hope this article has made some of the idiots think again. Like I said, every single player needs support. I'm sure most Trickies will agree with me when I say we need everyone to be a 100% behind the team, especially when there are so many youngsters in the squad.

The people who still aren't convinced by my argument, think long and hard about Darren Ward's performances this season and if you still don't agree, why don't you pay more attention at matches?! For those of us who realise how important Wardy is, let's continue to get behind him like we have done throughout the season.

I would just like to say well done to all fans that made the journey to Rotherham on Saturday and the many more that have travelled to away games this season. The noise created by us Reds has been fantastic throughout a difficult campaign off the pitch and I'm sure it will continue for our remaining away games. On Saturday I felt so proud to be a Tricky, as I know many other people did and Forest supporters are truly the best fans in the country!

This article isn't meant to offend anyone but if you have any comments don't hesitate to e-mail me.