Losing My Religion
11/04/05 | by Neil Heath

The title of this article was going to be ‘Fans on the Run’ – a critique condemning the supporters who are planning to abandon the Reds next season if we slide into League One. After the Plymouth game, the ‘if’ has turned into a ‘when’ Forest will get relegated and since then I sympathise wholly with the supporters who say it will be too painful to watch Forest next season. Briefly, I was even thinking along the same lines.

This was my worst day as a Forest fan. I’ve never felt such anger and despair. To be outclassed by Plymouth Argyle on our own turf and for the players to appear not to give a shit about it, simply hurt too much. I’ve never heard Forest fans sing “You’re not fit to wear the shirt” and boo after three minutes – reactions that were completely warranted. 

After a disaster against Coventry we wanted a positive reaction, we needed a win. With three points and then three more on Tuesday, you could see us at least pushing to the last day. “We need a miracle,” Gary Megson told BBC Radio Nottingham’s Robin Chipperfield, and after this season we’re not going to get one.

I won’t be able to resist the lure of renewing my season ticket. Maybe other supporter’s threats are empty and will be queuing for more desolation next season too, no doubt after receiving further ill-advised promotional material from Doughty and Co. We will because we care. The club is part of us, we can’t possibly sever our ties – Forest is not ‘something we do’, it’s who we are. But my fear is that empty seats will surround me next season. 

I feel so sorry for Gary Megson. His appointment has been the best decision by Nigel Doughty in his time at the City Ground, his worst being not bringing him in sooner. In his post-match interview he was at odds to explain how a team in desperate trouble, and after playing so badly on Wednesday, can perform like that in front of at least 24,000 Forest fans. Some may say that is Megson’s responsibility, but it’s been like that all season and no manager could have saved us – there’s something very rotten at the City Ground.

Gary Megson hasn’t had enough time to sort the club out and I hope he can. He’s the best man for the job and he’ll be desperate to get it right. He hasn’t failed yet as a manager and I doubt he will at Forest once he’s rid of the apathetic debris that gleefully swallow up their handsome wages, dutifully provided by the ones who really care – me and you.