Dare to Dream?

[gamble]

Now we have finally got Gunter (well almost subject to a medical) McKenna seems to be on his way we have a strong strikeforce, and not forgetting all the other potential signings i.e Blackstock, Fox Mills Ward is anyone now daring to dream that we may actually be challenging this season rather than just settling for mid table obscurity?

I am starting to get that itchy feeling of anxiety that this may well end up being a damn good season i was hoping for 10-14 place but now with the players we have and the ones we may get i feel top 6isn't far from our reach

I just hope Forest don't let us down, it feels good to be a red again.

 

[Strummer]

I just hope Forest don't let us down, it feels good to be a red again.

Absolutely - I think the last time I was so looking forward to a season was under Frank Clark, when we'd just come up to the Premier League and signed Bryan Roy!

 

[Gary]

It's looking very very positive so far. The great thing is (should Dex come in) we have 3 players who've worked together with the team last season (Ando, Gunter and Dex) followed by Mckenna, who's worked with Billy for 2 years.

It just doesn't strike me as a "we need people in x, x and x positions" situation. It strikes me more as Billy getting people in who can slot right in without much jiggling at all.

This is why I think we're now in the best possible position to aim for the stars in what feels like 7 or 8 years.

 

[andyred]

It's looking very very positive so far. The great thing is (should Dex come in) we have 3 players who've worked together with the team last season (Ando, Gunter and Dex) followed by Mckenna, who's worked with Billy for 2 years.

It just doesn't strike me as a "we need people in x, x and x positions" situation. It strikes me more as Billy getting people in who can slot right in without much jiggling at all.

This is why I think we're now in the best possible position to aim for the stars in what feels like 7 or 8 years.

Don't forget Camp.

I'm trying to resist getting too excited but signs are good so far. If Mckenna and Majewski sign it gets even better.

 

[gamble]

Oh yeah forgot about Camp,meaning we have to very competent keepers for the first time since ive been a st holder unless you count Pederson and Gerrard

 

[FBS]

A top 6 finish could be a real possibility this season.

 

[king_congo_red]

Ordinarily, I'd look at a team with so many new players coming in and write off their chances, as it takes time for so many newcomers to gel. However when you take into account that a lot of these players have already played together for us last season, I think we'll be more than OK.

If we can avoid injuries and suspensions at key times, I really think we can kick on and reach for the play-offs.

 

[trickyphilbert]

Great news indeed - what a close season this is turning out to be!! We've not spent the rumoured £20m budget yet, but (if rumours are to be believed) we might end up getting close to half way there. Could the rest have been the wages budget for the new signings?

Going to have a 'promotion' bet on us now for sure (before the odds disappear totally!) and can't wait for the opening match @ Reading.

I can't remember being so excited (compared to previous season) ever before - and my first ever match saw Forest get presented with the Championship trophy in '78 (glory hunter I know )

 

[birkin youth]

I think a few are getting a bit carried away?

Based on McKenna & Gunter signing then I reckon Top Half of the table is likely, Top 10 is wishful thinking, Top 6 quite unlikely.

I've said it many times before but I would settle for a mid-table season this time. Year after year, I've been stressed about the close of the season.

Honestly? I'd rather have a steady 8th-12th position all season, than just miss out on the play-offs on the last day.

 

[winnits]

Totally agree!

 

[Al LeftLion]

As good as safe by christmas will do me, anything after that would be a big bonus. I'd love to see us getting close the playoffs but i'm not going to get excited about it until we've played a dozen games or so. Remember it's forest after all, changes of disappointment can never be under played!

 

[Strummer]

Based on McKenna & Gunter signing then I reckon Top Half of the table is likely, Top 10 is wishful thinking, Top 6 quite unlikely.

Exactly - whilst it doesn't hurt to aim high, with the squad we currently (as of 1600 today) have, I can see us in the top half of the table at the end of the season, and making a push for the playoff places.

Billy said it is all about building a team - we're doing that, and I would rather see a season of consolidation, with the young lads we have gaining experience, then maybe next year make a serious push for promotion? Granted, if we get into the playoffs this season I'd be ecstatic, but for me, a top-half finish would be an indication of significant progress in the right direction.

 

[T.B.T.]

I think a few are getting a bit carried away?

Based on McKenna & Gunter signing then I reckon Top Half of the table is likely, Top 10 is wishful thinking, Top 6 quite unlikely.

I've said it many times before but I would settle for a mid-table season this time. Year after year, I've been stressed about the close of the season.

Honestly? I'd rather have a steady 8th-12th position all season, than just miss out on the play-offs on the last day.

We're entitled to celebrate our good news and spare our ears and eyes of the whingermongery for a while. ;D

On paper I already believe we have every chance of making a good run for the playoffs but nothing short of automatic promotion should be the objective and intention for Billy this season. And, I don't think Billy's done yet. Last season, I was expecting mid table and was happy, not to mention relieved, to finish where we did in 19th place.

Sure it's going to take a little time for the squad to train and play together and learn the strengths of each others game only Billy is the right man to do this, and he will pending the kind of injuries which haunted us for almost the entirity of last season.

Realism is good but I'm choosing optimism because I'm that kind of gal! ;D

 

[Randy Bumgardener]

I've not got this 'we need to stabilise' throey. Lets face it, it achieves nothing ! Rather than lurk round mid table, then lose our top players to promoted clubs then lets go for it !

Most of our team (if not all) have plenty of championship experience. Why will more be beneficial !

 

[RedDogChris]

With the addition of a left back and a centre half I don't see no reason why we can't be challenging for a playoff place.And I would love every minute of it as it would be a bonus to up there,not expected like in the days of league one football.

 

[Anti]

Certainly is exciting although I'd still be more than happy with a mid table or higher finish, I don't want us to become one of these muppet teams that makes the Premiership too early then gets punished for it for 3-4 seasons after.

 

[RedDogChris]

Certainly is exciting although I'd still be more than happy with a mid table or higher finish, I don't want us to become one of these muppet teams that makes the Premiership too early then gets punished for it for 3-4 seasons after.

No chance with the current board,there is no danger of us ever living beyond our means.

 

[Forever Forest]

We'll be Champions by March :wink:

 

[king_congo_red]

I'd love to get Kilburn Red's take on current goings on...or to a lesser extent Springy O' Jack...

 

[Gary]

Can I ask, because I wasn't a member of this forum this time last year.

What was the general feeling around here when we signed Earnie? Was it as optimistic as it is right now??

 

[Randy Bumgardener]

Yes, partly because earnie signed very early on there was a feeling there was going to be a rush of signings. However, when they didn't come there was a bit of anguish and the expectation level dropped noticeably !

How tough are you finding your first pre season on here ;D

 

[puds1970]

My feet are planted firmly on the ground.
But the squad on paper is the strongest I remember for quite a few years going into a new season.

 

[RRRREDUN]

Billy doesn't want a season of consolidation. He realises that every year that goes by, the gap between Championship and Prem is getting wider. Clubs who get relegated from the Prem are increasingly getting more wealthy and generally will be hard to compete with in transfer power and on the pitch. Three rather poor relegated sides (losing their best players) and us making good signings, means that this is a promising season for us. Let's go for it.

 

[TrentEndFaithful]

D*rby did it under Billy so can we =)

 

[T.B.T.]

D*rby did it under Billy so can we =)

Indeed, but when we do it, we'll do it better and we'll stay there. ;D