Billy v Nigel

[PSR]

I must admit that when I was shouting for the head of Calder-Clump I was hoping for a return of Nigel Clough.

I now have to admit "I'm glad it didn't happen" There are still a few doubters about that Billy is "The Man" but looking at what he's done and is doing I'm convinced that the club made the right decision.

Clough earned is new name of Non League Nigel by the fans of Forest for the simple reasons of all the no hopers he's brought in.

Forest may not have actually signed or brought anyone at this moment in time but you can bet whoever comes in during this summer they will be far better quality players than NLN has already signed - James Bailey (undisclosed, Crewe Alexandra), John Brayford (undisclosed, Crewe Alexandra), Tomasz Cywka (free, Wigan Athletic), Dave Martin (undisclosed, Millwall)

All we need now is for Forest to announce our first Big Hit to get the ball rolling.

Nearly forgot - Good Luck Nige - you're going to need it.

​

 

[TheDude]

 

[bakeri666]

was i being stupid expecting a comparative breakdown or a fight?

 

[lemonforest]

Derby's signings are an embarressment, the only thing that saved them last season was Rob Hulse, and if he goes they're definantly screwed. How can Derby expect anything other than relegation when they're signing above average lower league players, the step up to the championship from those leagues is huge, as i think we found out the hard way.

 

[Brolin]

I don't rate Nigel Clough as a manager, but the gulf in class in the signings the two clubs are chasing is more to do with spending power than managerial nous.

If the thread has to be given a versus title, it should probably be 'Doughty v them yanks'.

Even Nigel himself would probably privately admit that Cywka, a couple of unknowns from Crewe and Millwall are weaker acquisitions than (our potential bounty of) Whittingham, Pratley and Shorey.

 

[Col]

I'm so glad that common sense prevailed and we never gave in and appointed Clough. Yes, he's the son of a legend, but he's a manager that has managed solely in non-league and who's contacts in the game seemingly only end up in crappy no-name lower league players joining the club.

Billy Davies is of course not everyone's cup of tea, but he's a million miles better than Non League Nige.

 

[Davie]

Tomasz Cywka (free, Wigan Athletic)

Am I very wrong in thinking that's a decent aquisition on a free?

 

[Bridgfordred79]

Calder-Clump?

 

[It's Baggio]

Am I very wrong in thinking that's a decent aquisition on a free?

Who knows, he's never kicked a ball for Wigan.

Before going to Derby, he'd only ever made 4 sub appearances on loan at Oldham in 2006.

 

[Ravi]

Am I very wrong in thinking that's a decent aquisition on a free?

Could be one for the future..

 

[uredsuns]

I see Nigel has signed 4 more players than us. I know theres a while to go yet but at least they are actively doing something to show their fans.

Also isnt a managers job based on results and seeing as the new season has yet to start surely this is jumping the gun a little bit.

 

[Ravi]

I see Nigel has signed 4 more players than us. I know theres a while to go yet but at least they are actively doing something to show their fans..

.

...that they have no ambition yet again this season.

 

[uredsuns]

...that they have no ambition yet again this season.

Really? I see 4 new signings as ambitious. I dont know the extent of what transfer kitty they have down the road but at least there trying to convince their supporters they are trying to improve.

 

[Col]

Not really a massive improvement on what they already have though. I'm all for ambition, but if I were a Derby fan, I'd be a bit peeved at these top drawer signings!

 

[RufusTFirefly]

I don't rate Nigel Clough as a manager, but the gulf in class in the signings the two clubs are chasing is more to do with spending power than managerial nous.

If the thread has to be given a versus title, it should probably be 'Doughty v them yanks'.

Even Nigel himself would probably privately admit that Cywka, a couple of unknowns from Crewe and Millwall are weaker acquisitions than (our potential bounty of) Whittingham, Pratley and Shorey.

I think the board at Derby has pulled off a brilliant PR job. The club is clearly flat broke but they've managed to stay out of the headlines like cardiff etc. Nige is no doubt cheap and non league players are even cheaper. However, if they can't make money with their ground (in my opinion) full every week they're in serious trouble. They either need a bigger ground or to raise ticket prices.

 

[Ravi]

Really? I see 4 new signings as ambitious. I dont know the extent of what transfer kitty they have down the road but at least there trying to convince their supporters they are trying to improve.

They've let go of championship standard players like Connelly and McEverly and replaced them with unproven players whose main attraction is that they are happy on much lower wages. How is that being ambitious?

 

[PSR]

They've let go of championship standard players like Connelly and McEverly and replaced them with unproven players whose main attraction is that they are happy on much lower wages. How is that being ambitious?

Their ambition is to get into the Blue Square League by going down one division at a time.lol

 

[Rhods]

Meh. I like Billy, he's obviously brilliant, and is entertaining in his own special way. Maybe Nigel Clough *could* have been just as successful. I was willing to give him the chance at the Forest job, but overall am very very glad that we went with Billy (who has exceeded my expectations massively).

Slagging Nigel Clough off for bargain-basement signings is amusing, but it isn't really fair. Derby are in a far weaker financial position than we are. He is being successful simply by keeping them in the Championship and keeping their finances on an even keel. Personally, I think that Nigel Clough *has* improved Derby's squad. He's gradually weeding out their over-the-hill players and the ones who can't be arsed to put effort in. Sure, his replacements are journeymen footballers at best, but they are players who he knows will work hard.

I anticipate that Derby will have a great next season. They may even finish mid-table, and if they do then Nigel Clough will deserve praise for his achievements. He might be even in with a shout at a bigger job. Coaching at our academy perhaps?

 

[Tutts]

They either need a bigger ground or to charge ticket prices.

Amended.

 

[Marino Rahmberg]

Think we'll wait until we see them play first... Nothing wrong with signing young, hungry English players though. Reports are all good though but we're not expecting anything major in the coming season. Mid table probably, slow rebuild job as we all know. From what I saw of Cywka last season he is a very good player, and one I predict will come good this season.

How do you think you will do with Billy this season?

 

[B Block Red]

Crewe have been a conveyor belt of talent. Before Id dismiss them as "no hopers" Id wait and see what they do.

The Sheep have no money, so NLN has no choice. At least he goes about his work quietly and efficiently. I sometimes wish our manager would STFU moaning and get on with the job.

Sadly, I think NLN will do a good job there - long term - if given the chance. We can only hope the board lose patience and sack him - bringing in another tosser to cock things up further.

Id gladly take lower league players if they have the right attitude rather than players who want 20k a week and dont give a toss.

You only have to look at the work ethic of the Germans in the world cup vs our overpaid tossers to evidence this.

 

[joely22]

Ram fan here.

Hopefully a brief post and not hoping to intice but do you really think that we would be making free / cheap signings if Nigel had the same sums of money at his disposal as what Billy does? And do you honestly believe that Billy would still be with you if he was guaranteed x amount of million?

As for the signings made, the two from Crewe were a combined feee of between £800k-£1mill. Brayford, right back, is expected to start the season there, Bailey is one for the future. Cywka from Wigan is decent free. Had him on loan last season and put in some very good performances. Martin is there in hope of development and is a backup and Roberts, a left back you haven't mentioned from Doncaster, is there to replace McEveley - a pile of dog shit signed by you know who.

Clough's doing alright with the money he has to spend.

 

[Beasty]

Agreed

 

[Kier]

Ram fan here.

Hopefully a brief post and not hoping to intice but do you really think that we would be making free / cheap signings if Nigel had the same sums of money at his disposal as what Billy does? And do you honestly believe that Billy would still be with you if he was guaranteed x amount of million?

As for the signings made, the two from Crewe were a combined feee of between £800k-£1mill. Brayford, right back, is expected to start the season there, Bailey is one for the future. Cywka from Wigan is decent free. Had him on loan last season and put in some very good performances. Martin is there in hope of development and is a backup and Roberts, a left back you haven't mentioned from Doncaster, is there to replace McEveley - a pile of dog shit signed by you know who.

Clough's doing alright with the money he has to spend.

Fair points. I still think that you will be in for a season of struggle though as several of the players may struggle to make the step up to Championship football.

I would expect the three promoted sides to survive this season so it will be much tougher at the bottom of the league.

 

[joely22]

Fair points. I still think that you will be in for a season of struggle though as several of the players may struggle to make the step up to Championship football.

I would expect the three promoted sides to survive this season so it will be much tougher at the bottom of the league.

Fair point, we could struggle next season but so could a lot of sides. We could excel. That's the beauty of this division.

I think we're pretty light in midfield but the defence is pretty much sorted. Up front should be ok. Hulse will go and hopefully we can bring in one of Hooper, Cox or Sharp - all of whom we have been linked to. All would be good replacements for Hulse. Hopefully players can stay fit this season, that was the problem last season. At one stage having 14 players out. Ridiculous. Consistency is key in any division.