Player Ratings 2003/04
13/05/04 | by Tony

1. Darren Ward
More of the same from Wardy, excellent shot-stopper but once again has looked very vulnerable when it comes to crosses and doesn’t really command his penalty area that well. With his contract being up in the summer, I can’t see him wanting to play second fiddle to Gerrard.
Rating: 7/10

2. Mathieu Louis-Jean
Has failed to match last season’s vintage performance, but this is partly not his fault, as he received no help down the right-hand side whatsoever until the arrival of Impey. Still, a respectable year and an important member of the Forest side.
Rating: 6.5/10

4. Des Walker
A very mixed season; some his performances in the first half of the year were shocking, but he proved his doubters wrong with some vintage performances since the turn of the year. It’s a shame we won’t see him in the Garibaldi again and hopefully he’ll stay on as a coach. If not, all Forest fans will wish him the best of luck for the future.
Rating: 7/10

5. Michael Dawson
A real shame that he had his season wrecked by that large fore-headed c**t, but when he has played fully fit, he’s looked as awesome as ever and hopefully he’ll be with us for a long time to come.
Rating: 8/10

6. John Thompson
Poor season, looked very shaky at the back (especially when paired with Des) and lost in midfield. Hasn’t figured that much under Kinnear - he’ll be nothing more than a squad player next season.
Rating: 4.5/10

7. Andy Reid
Fantastic season; without him the Reds will undoubtedly be looking forward to Second Division football. Not only did he score 13 himself, he also set up 12, the highest number of assists in the Division. If he goes it’s monumental that he’s replaced adequately.
Rating: 10/10

8. Gareth Williams
A massive transformation. Under Hart he was lazy and uninterested, just playing out his contract. Now he is one of the best box-to-box midfielders in the league and he seems to enjoy his football a lot more under Kinnear. If he stays, he’ll be a key-man in our promotion push.
Rating: 7.5/10

9. David Johnson
Oh how we have missed him this season. Five goals from four starts just goes to show what we lost when he broke his leg. Next season, injuries permitting, Johnno will be surely the most feared striker in the first division.

10. Gareth Taylor
Another player who taken massive leaps forward since the appointment of Kinnear, six goals in 13 appearances compared to two in 21 says it all really. Next season, expect him to form a prolific partnership with Johnno.
Rating: 7/10

11. Marlon King
A massive disappointment to say the least; five goals in 24 league appearances is simply not good enough. He looks very half-hearted and uncommitted at times and unless his work-rate improves vastly, he’ll struggle hold down a place in the starting 11.
Rating: 4/10

12. Barry Roche
Waited years for his big chance and blew it big time. Looked nervous at all times, and even though he took a bit unwarranted flak over the Derby game, he still isn’t good enough and I don’t think we’ll be seeing him between the sticks again in a hurry.
Rating: 1/10

14. Eoin Jess
Has improved well, now Kinnear’s given him a fair run in the side, something Hart never did. Is a tidy player, who can pass it well and will be a useful squad player next season should he re-sign.
Rating- 7/10

15. Eugen Bopp
Disappointing. Has a lot of talent, but doesn’t have the attitude to match it, meaning Kinnear has little choice, but to get rid of him.
Rating: 3/10

16. Chris Doig
Very much overlooked in my opinion. What Hart was doing playing Morgan or Robertson at left-back over him, only he will never know. Doig has looked highly competent in the limited number of games he’s played and will be a useful squad player next season.
Rating: 6/10

17. Michael Stewart
Looked a good signing on paper, but frankly I have no idea why he bothered coming here in the first place as he clearly didn’t want to be here.
Rating: 0/10

18. Paul Evans
Has to be the bargain of the season! Has added some much-needed bite and steel to the midfield and I foresee him being a key man in our promotion push next season.
Rating: 9/10

21. Danny Sonner
Simply not good enough; tries his best, but his pathetic footballing abilites make him of little use to the team.
Rating: 3/10

22. Paul Gerrard
Inspired signing by Joe Kinnear, he commands his box well, is just as competent as Ward at shot-stopping and is basically far superior to any other keeper we’ve seen in a long time. Hopefully he’ll stay and be our number one for years to come.
Rating: 9/10

23. Wes Morgan
Another young star come out of the academy, Wes has been superb and has looked an absolute rock at the heart of defence. Was lost at left-back, but playing him there was just stupid. Definitely one for the future.
Rating: 8.5/10

24. Gregor Robertson
Shocking. What the hell was Hart thinking of playing this waste of space at centre-back? I’ve seen him many times for the U19s and reserves and he’s never impressed me there either. Hopefully he’ll never be seen again.
Rating: 1/10

34. Alan Rogers
Has looked OK since his return, and was certainly a lot better than previous left-backs this season. Hopefully he’ll stay, but if he doesn’t I won’t be loosing that much sleep over it!
Rating: 6/10

35. Andy Impey
Pretty much the same as Tank - looks competent and if he stays will be a useful squad player.
Rating: 6/10

Conclusion

All in all a season to forget really. However, the future looks a hell of a lot brighter under Kinnear than it did four months ago under Hart. If Kinnear signs up Gerrard, Impey, Rogers, Williams and Jess, replaces Reidy adequately, and adds an experienced striker, an experienced centre back and an experienced midfielder, then anything less than a top six finish next season will be unacceptable.