Paul Gerrard, please don’t go
29/04/04 | by Daniel Hawkins

Not long ago we were contemplating half a season having to rely on a keeper named Barry Roche – a keeper who has languished in the reserves for many months, if not years; a keeper that we believed should be given a chance to show us how talented he was. He got his chance. With Darren Ward injured for the rest of the season and Pascal Formann being too inexperienced to make the step up to the first team, we were shouting the cries of "Barry, Barry Roche". It was time for him to make a stand and put his mark on the first team.

He certainly did make his mark, with the most inept and under-confident displays seen from a keeper since Bobby Mimms. Brave he was not, skilful as a coffee cup and about as much use as a chocolate teapot. Maybe I am being a bit harsh, but since the display at D*rby and the mistake involving a certain variety of hot drink, action had to be taken – and sure enough, the manager didn’t disappoint. After trying to chase the services of old favourite Norm (Mark Crossley) and being refused, he opted for out-of-favour Everton shot-stopper Paul Gerrard. 

Now our manager has already been applauded for probably the shrewdest signing of the season in Paul Evans – very cheap and extremely useful, but this was the icing on the cake. Taken on a three-month loan and thrown straight into the first team line up, I can’t remember such a commanding keeper in a Forest shirt. Calm on the ball, constantly shouting at defenders, class oozes out of this keeper and we must pull out all stops to sign him. 

Since his debut in the Crewe game, we have conceded six goals in six games – more importantly, we haven’t lost any of them. We are aware that Joe will be rebuilding a team around the defensive qualities of Michael Dawson and Wes Morgan, but surely Paul Gerrard can see that if he committed his future to us, he could be the integral part of a developing team and a team that will go full throttle for the Premiership next season.

Paul, I ask you, on behalf of all the fans, please, please, please, have a think – you can become the greatest goalkeeper in a Forest shirt since Mr Shilton! Help us out of this Division. We can’t offer you a load of money, but what we can offer you is the full support of the fans and, I am sure, the team alike. 

We are playing Wigan on Saturday and I would like to ask all fans to show their appreciation to this man that has helped us survive after such a torrid season and chant his name throughout the match – let it be known to him that he is a hero; let him know that if he signs this is going to be the best club he has ever played for.

I personally hope that Gerrard can remain a Forest player for a few years to come and I am sure many of my fellow fans will agree Let's hope the support from the fans is enough to persuade him to sign a deal.