I have gone through a
number of opinions about Platt over the last 8 months, but my
current stance is that of a seemingly growing majority, that
Platt is not the man for the job. However, I am still aware of
the arguments that his supporters use. And I am also slightly
ambivalent about the matter. I like Platt and admire his
enthusiasm. I also admit he might well have the potential to
become a good manager in the future. My main concern is how long
will it take? If Platt doesn't learn quickly, he may only be a
good Second Division manager! Looking at the league table, Forest
are currently just 2 points clear. For a team that last year,
even if they did it very badly, were playing teams like Man Utd
and Chelsea, being just above relegation at this stage of the
season is quite a drop to say the least. Yes, the club was in a
pretty bad state last year when Platt took over, but surely
things weren't as bad as being 19th in Division One.Some say that the reason why we are in such a perilous position is becasue this is David's first proper job. Fair point, but being his first job doesn't excuse what a poor job he's made of it. And let's face it, he has made a bad job. Forest should have been competing for a play-off place at the least, but now we find ourselves on the brink of relegation to the "third" division. The way I see it, Platt has made a very poor attempt at managment. The only positive aspect I see so far has been his activity on the transfer market. Although we have seen some naff signings (the Italians, anyone?), in other business Platt has shown a good eye for talent. He stuck to his guns to bring Stern John here, he signed up Jim Brennan who I rate, Jack Lester could prove to be a valuable asset in the near future, and Scimeca and Vaughan will provide a good back line providing they stay fit. He's also let the young players shine through with Prutton, Doig and Merino all making impressions on the first team. And there is no denying that Forest have quality in the team. But that is what makes Platt's biggest fault so obvious.
This where I start to disfavour David. With such great resourses as those which are available at Forest, it is amazing at the way Platt has applied them. He may know what he is doing, but I don't really think David's tactical knowledge is as high as you would expect from David Platt the player, a player who always showed his awareness of what was going on around him. But from the touchline, Platt the manager seems to have no insight into the way a group of footballers should play together as a team. A few examples (and a few of many at that) come to mind. For starters, Nigel Quashie. He has his critics, and since his move from QPR 18 months ago, has not fulfilled his potential. And recently he has been just plain rubbish. I think that Nigel could be a good player, were he to be applied properly on the field. But instead of being played as a defensive anchor, Platt continues to stick him on the right wing. Why he does this is beyond me. Why put our least attacking minded midfielder in the position where most of our attacks should be coming through, when we have the likes of Petrachi and Merino (or even Gray) able to play that role with much more effect? And it's not the only error of judgment he's made in tactical decisions. For example, playing one up front against Portsmouth when Marlon was waiting on the bench to partner Lester. And continuing to plump for long ball tactics when Forest look their best when passing the ball on the floor. Maybe this is not the way Platt wants to play, and the players are just ignoring him, but either way, it needs to be sorted out. It is so obvious from the stands, yet the manager can't pick up on the glaring fact that Forest's style of play is extremley misjudged.
This isn't the only thing he hasn't picked up on. In fact at the moment, every decision he makes seems to be wrong. So far Calderwood has proved to be a dissapointment, and even if he was only braught in to stem the loss of all our defenders, he still should be up to the same standard as what we've got. And also it is rumoured that he has chosen Alan Rogers as the player to be sold in order to raise transfer money. In my opinion (and many other's) Alan is our best player, and a great prospect for the future. I would much rather see Chris Bart-Williams sold while we can still get some cash for him. These are just a few examples of mistakes he has made recently, and I could go on.
I still beleive that Platt could well become a good manager, but at the moment he isn't. I would want at least some other party to be brought in to help him with the tactical side for a while. Let's face it, Dennis Booth is useless, and has to take some of the blame. If someone with good tactical knowledge could form a joint partenership with Platt I'm sure we would see an improvement. My favourite for the Forest post has always been Joe Kinnear, and although he is unlikely to want to come, I would like to see someone of that style come in as an equal number two to Platt.
But whatever happens, I stilll beleive that while Platt remains in totall charge, Forest will not improve. I hope I am proved wrong, but if we end up in Div 2 then I know who I will blame. I also wonder what it would be like if Dave Basset was given 12 million and a bit of faith from the board. Would we be here now? Of course not. Like I said before, I want Platt to prove me wrong, but I remain of the view point that he is not the man for the job.