The Rambling Red - Issue 6 05/09/02 | by TrickyMatt

Hello and welcome to the first instalment of Rambles for season 2002/2003. My absence at the end of last season was enforced and indeed painful, but I’m back to the dismay of the Forest masses!

Well the summer is almost over, as we head towards what can only be described as the 1st Division slog, week in, week out. It’s a shame we have come accustomed to trips to hell holes like Pompey, Walsall and, do I dare say it, Rotherham! However, the optimism around the club is as refreshing as the return to the 'Forest' style of football recently seen against Sheffield Wednesday and Coventry City.

Our future can only be bright, or is that misguided optimism? It probably has a lot to do with the return to form of David Johnson who seems a different player from what we have seen previously. The same can be said for the likes of Louis-Jean and Jim Brennan who has finally added some aggression and passion to their games. Add to this the continuing development of the mecurial Gareth Williams and combative David Prutton. All in all, we have a team capable of challenging for a top six place, but only time will tell if the dream becomes reality.

The relegation of the Sheep and Leicester has certainly added spice to what should unfold as being an exciting season. More local games, and more local pride. I have already started praying for a win at the Sheep Dip, that’s for sure!

The financial futures of the pair look decidedly dodgy and I am sure I speak for all Reds when I say I’m just glad we are through it. The long term future of Forest appears in safe hands and at last a sense of defiance and pride as been restored to the City Ground. The last five years was quite frankly a waste of time and I won’t hurt anyone’s fragile emotions by recounting a well known local horror tale of bad management, financial woe and footballing dire straights. I feel sorry for fans under the age of around 10 - it's time they saw what Nottingham Forest is all about!

Derby’s defeat at Rotherham recently was funny, but not quite as funny as the brilliant Phoenix Nights TV series shown on Channel 4. For those who have seen the show, does anyone agree that Brian Potter bears a striking resemblance to ex-Forest player and boss, Frank Clark?! It would be fair to say that both have a poor record of club management! For those who haven’t seen the show, and are dazed and confused, many apologies.

Peter Kay in Phoenix Nights

Soundtracks to the new season are coming thick and fast. Coldplay’s second album A Rush of Blood to the Head comes highly recommended for the after-match analysis. If one needs some enthusiasm for the afternoon’s entertainment, you cannot go wrong with The Music’s self-titled debut album, a sort of modern day Led Zeppelin with vocals to match.

Anyway that’s enough spiel for the time being. Oasis stormed out at July's Finsbury Park gig with the cry of “Hello, hello, it’s good to be back”. It is indeed. Keep the faith.