1. Darren Ward - 7
Darren got a fair amount of criticism for his performance at Bramall Lane but it would be unfair for this game to leave a negative slant on his, and the teams season as a whole. He once again showed his talents between the sticks, displaying his excellent shop stopping and handling. There are still question marks over the way he deals with crosses but I feel this side of his game has improved, and I also think he is starting to stamp out the unforced errors which he used to make. This season I can only think of the time when he dropped the ball against Portsmouth at home to gift them their second goal. If he continues to improve and stamp out the errors Darren should continue to be a key part of this Forest team.

2. Mathieu Louis-Jean - 8
It has been well documented that the full backs are a key part of this Forest side, and Matty fulfilled this role to a very high standard. He used his pace and positional awareness to good effect and despite his comparatively diminutive stature he got up well to win his fair share of headers. Still needs to improve his crossing, which is very inconsistent. 

3. Jim Brennan - 8
Until the emergence of Andy Reid in the first team Jim faced the burden of left sided attacking duties almost single handedly. He coped well with this responsibility, and later when Reid came into the side he linked up with him well. Defensively he was strong on the ball, was composed, and used his pace well. Like Louis-Jean he could also improve his crossing.  

4. Des Walker - 8
There were a few eyebrows raised when Des was signed up by Paul Hart and was handed the captaincy, however in my eyes this decision was vindicated by Des' performances. He added some much needed experience to the side and helped to ease the prodigious talents of Michael Dawson into the first team. He surprised me in that despite his age he still possessed a touch of the old pace, and he was also good in the air, something that was never a strong point during his first tenure at the club. Unfortunately his season will most likely be remembered for his own goal in the play off second leg, but that is a shame as after a slow-ish start in which he found his feet des rolled back the years to have a very good season. His injuries will be a worry for next season, but he can still contribute to the side both on and off the pitch.

5. Jon Olav Hjelde - 7
With the pairing of Michael Dawson and Des Walker coming to the fore 'Big Jon' lost his starting berth. He was always on hand to deputise if either was missing, although tellingly was superceded by John Thompson at the end of the season. Despite not being a first team regular for the majority of the season he did contribute well to the squad providing experience and strength in depth for the defensive. His performances contained his usual blend of physical strength and aerial ability that often comes in handy at this division. He can however seem a bit cumbersome when running over the ground, and does have a lack of pace but he makes up for up by playing to his strengths.

6. Riccardo Scimeca - 9
After forming a formidable partnership with Jon Olav Hjelde at the centre of defence last season many fans were looking for more of the same this term. However the arrival of Reds legend Des Walker to take his place as centre back and captain left many wondering what role Riccy could play in the team. He made the step from defence to midfield effortlessly soon becoming the lynchpin of the side, freeing up David Prutton and Gareth Williams. Much of Forest's play comes through him, and his passing is a key to the way the team operates. The defensive attributes he nurtured last season stood him in good stead, especially in games where the midfield battle was a physical test. Many people moan to me about my praise of Riccy's performances and say that he frustrates them by excessively passing the ball backwards (that's you Lorna), but for me keeping hold of the ball is a necessary part of Forest's play and if a ball isn't on to go forward then surely its better to keep possession. For me these people should watch the Portsmouth home game, Forest without Riccy Scimeca were devoid of their calming influence in the middle of the park. They were disjointed, lacked shape and were overrun by Nigel Quashie of all people!! In my eyes Riccy is one of the unsung heroes of the Forest side, a player that seems to get better as each season passes he deserves more plaudits. (Especially from you Lorna!!)     

7. David Prutton - 7
Carried on his progress of recent seasons drawing on his first division experience to once again figure as a prominent and flexible member of the starting line-up. His only flaw was, as in past seasons, his disciplinary record, as he picked up too many yellow cards for silly challenges. Forest cashed in on his talents, getting £2.5m from Southampton in the transfer window. It proved to be a shrewd move as Paul Hart realised that the rising young talents in his squad could fill Prutton's boots and that the cash raised freed up funds for the loan capture of Darren Huckerby. David benefited from the move as well as he was able to realise his dream of playing in the Premiership, however he has found first team opportunities limited in Gordon Strachan's talented Saints side.

7. Darren Huckerby - 7
The main benefit of the sale of David Prutton was that Forest were able to bring in Darren Huckerby on loan. Darren quickly fitted in to the first team using his electric pace and direct running. At first he filled in for the injured David Johnson and then upon Johnno's return he slotted into a role just behind the front two where he proved particularly effective. Picking up the ball and running from deep, he terrorised the defences of Norwich and Derby in two devastating individual, as well as team, performances. Unfortunately he picked up an injury and never looked quite fully fit for the play-offs, his performance at Bramall Lane, likely to be his last in a Forest shirt, was disappointing as he struggled to get into the game. 

8. Gareth Williams - 7
Gareth had a slightly indifferent start as he came to terms with a new role in the midfield. He worked his way through his loss of form however and was able to rediscover his slick passing and cool temperament to feature heavily in Forest's play-off push. I was impressed with the way he put in a marked effort to try and improve the physical side of his game and although he is still not the best tackler he doesn't pull out of as many challenges and is trying to improve.

9. David Johnson - 9
Johnno's days were seemingly numbered at the City Ground as he was written off as an expensive flop and loaned out to Sheffield Wednesday and Burnley. At the end of last season it appeared he was on the brink of a permanent move to Burnley and many Forest fans were resigned to never seeing the best of David Johnson. However he put in a lot of hard work over the close season, was told he was part of Paul Hart's first team plans, scored goals in friendlies, and then never looked back. Despite a lean spell in the second half of the season he went on to get 29 goals, an excellent return considering the numerous niggling injuries that dogged him throughout the season. His goal scoring form rubbed off on strike partner Marlon Harewood, and his influence in the team must not be underestimated. Broke his play-off duck by scoring in both legs against Sheffield United but his effort was in vain. Has seemingly taken to the set-up and fans at Forest and it showed by the emotional state he was in after the defeat at Bramall Lane.

10. Jack Lester - 7
Showed his form in patches, having a great month in November scorning four goals in six games including a devastating display against Sheffield United. December proved a different case however as he scored no goals and was sent off against Reading, and his subsequent suspension saw him drift out of the side. His disciplinary record is poor and is said to be part of the reason why his contract will not be removed. For me Jack is a good player to have on the bench as his all-action style of play is difficult to maintain, and often sees him drift in and out of games. He always puts in maximum effort but never gets quite enough goals.

11. Marlon Harewood - 8
Was absolutely on fire throughout the middle third of the season lighting up the division with a series of fantastic displays. He was finally able to put together his pace, skills, height and add in some composure and consistency to crack the twenty goal barrier. I was also impressed with the way that even when he wasn't in top goalscoring form he was still able to have an impact in games, getting better at setting up chances for his team mates, and keeping his head up. He did drift off a little in the last few games but perhaps he was feeling the ill effects of a grueling campaign, in which he gave his all to the cause. His crunching challenges and blocks always bring a reaction from the fans and has formed a bond with them that is only bettered by Stuart Pearce in his heyday. For me one of the highlights of the season was his reaction to the win at Ipswich, it showed just how much the club means to him.

12. Barry Roche - 7
Yet again saw his first team opportunities limited as he was cast in the role of Darren Ward's understudy. His only start came in the last game of the season in which he put in a mature and accomplished performance.

14. Chris Doig - 6
Chris Doig failed to impress me in his first team showings this season. In the past I have often thought that he deserved to be given more of a chance because he seemed to have all the necessary qualities to succeed at first team level. This season however, whether its down to inexperience or possibly being outshone by Michael Dawson, he has looked decidedly average. Is one of a few players that will be pushing hard to make a more substantial impact on the first team scene next season.

15. John Thompson - 7
The sale of David Prutton brought John Thompson into the limelight. He amassed twenty first team starts and showed himself to be a useful asset to the club able to fill the right back, centre back or midfield roles to a good standard. His performances in midfield were a little mixed and although he had some brilliant games, Ipswich away for example, there were others in which he got overran in the middle. He showed, in the second leg of the play-off semi-final, that his best position is probably centre back with a commanding and mature performance.

16. Eugen Bopp - 7
This looked like being his breakthrough season as he established himself in the first team with a run of nine consecutive first team starts. An injury at the hands of Derby's Robert Lee put paid to his first team opportunities though, and when returning from that injury he was never able to re-discover the swashbuckling form of September.

17. Michael Dawson - 9
No-one could have predicted the meteoric rise that Michael Dawson made this season. He went from being one of a bunch of talented youngsters to a first team regular, a target of many Premiership clubs and part of the England training squad. Apart from a lack of experience 'Daws' has shown all the attributes of a top quality centre-back. He is commanding in the air, strong in the tackle, yet usually accurate, pacy and is able to pass the ball out from defence. His raking diagonal balls have become something of a trademark as has his ability from corners. For the first time in many seasons Forest have an aerial threat in the box when taking corners, and he contributed an impressive five goals to the cause, including the unforgettable tension-breaker against Burnley. Has learnt from the influence of veterans Jon Hjelde and Des Walker and will hopefully continue to improve and become the top class centre-back he has the potential to be.

18. Brain Cash
- It would be unfair to give Brian a rating based on just two substitute appearances. He has found it hard to make the breakthrough from the reserves and will be looking to make the step up next season, you would have to think that if he doesn't do it soon he will have to drop down the leagues to get his career going.

19. Craig Westcarr - 6
The success of the partnership between David Johnson and Marlon Harewood meant that Craig watched most of Forest's campaign from the sidelines. Did, however, make three first team starts, against Kidderminster in the Worthington Cup, in the Coventry home game and on the last day of the season away to Rotherham. He showed plenty of potential in these and his substitute appearances, showing good link-up play and pace. He did however look as if he lacked the physical attributes to cope with the rigours of regular first team football. Against Rotherham he found it hard, coming up against a physically adept central defensive pairing, but to his credit stuck to his task and opened his scoring account for Forest.

20. Andy Reid - 8
One of the most improved players of the season, Andy Reid finally turned the potential that he'd shown in fleeting glimpses into a sustained period of form. Tricky runs, clever passing, determined tackling, pinpoint crosses and clever link up play with Jim Brennan became regular features of his game as he established himself in the first team. Is now an integral part of the Forest line-up and if he can add more goals to his game he will grow from strength to strength.

21. Davy Oyen - 6
Came to Forest with a good footballing pedigree, but was never really able to force his way into the first team. He may find a starting berth more forthcoming next term if Jim Brennan leaves.

22. Eoin Jess - 6
Was never really able to settle in to the first team and came under much criticism for his below par first team showings. Playing behind the front two he showed that he had a good passing ability and showed that given the opportunity he can score goals. However he drifted in and out of games and was caught in possession too often. Needs to go through a 'David Johnson' transformation next season in order to show us the ability that he displayed at Bradford.

23. Marcus Hall - 6
Was only part of the squad for a short time, moving on to Southampton after just one start, on the opening day at Portsmouth.

Who's going?

At press time Jack Lester, Jon Olav Hjelde, Mickael Antoine Curier, Jay Birch and Tony Vaughan have all been released. The decision to let Lester and Hjelde go has been somewhat controversial. I feel that although Hjelde has been a good servant to the club it may be time to move on for him as he must be on a fairly high wage and we are not short of centre backs. I may have been tempted to keep Jack Lester on though because his departure and the unlikelihood of getting Darren Huckerby on a permanent deal leaves us worryingly short up front.

At the moment Mathieu Louis-Jean, Jim Brennan and Riccardo Scimeca have all yet to sign new contracts. As the unsung heroes of the last campaign, it would be ideal if we were able to sign all three up to new deals. With the squad already very small and finances not in the best of conditions I think it would be best to hold on to the resources we've got unless cheaper alternatives are readily available. I think it would be a huge mistake to get rid of Scimeca, a player who was a vital part of the team this season.

Other rumours have circulated regarding Southampton wanting Marlon Harewood for 2.5 million. With the clubs finances still not in the best of shape, despite the efforts of those currently running the club, I think that if offered Forest would probably accept this offer. This would leave us woefully short of resources up front with only David Johnson, Craig Westcarr and possibly Eoin Jess to call upon.

Who should go?

The only player apart from those already gone that is not needed in the squad is Christian Edwards. I have never really rated him and if we can find someone who wants him should take the chance to unload him from the wage bill.

Who should we buy?

With the loss of Lester and Huckerby, strikers must be the priority. Added squad depth in all areas apart from the centre of defence would come in handy as would some more experience, perhaps in the midfield, but overall strikers must be top of the list.

Final Comment

This season has been a thoroughly enjoyable one to watch for all fans of Nottingham Forest, and once again we have a side to be proud of. To achieve a play-off space was a massive achievement, unforeseen by anybody... or was it? I don't like to be smug but if you refer back to my article 'Season to be Cheerful' yours truly was optimistic of the play-offs! Everyone laughed at me for drawing that conclusion so I think its payback time now!!

In all seriousness, however, Forest must look at this season as one of progress and achievement, but mustn't get too carried away. After all, ultimately nothing was achieved. Players such as Andy Reid, Gareth Williams, Michael Dawson and John Thompson must continue their progress to ensure that the team continues to strive forward.