Come In Out Of The Rain

Nobes looks at the rehabilitation process of former England coach Steve McClaren after he replaces Billy Davies at Nottingham Forest.

Steve McClaren endured a difficult spell as coach of the England national team

It's a night that is forever etched into the memory of English football fans: the sight of Steve McClaren shielding himself under an umbrella on the Wembley touchline.

"The Wally with the Brolly," was the barb aimed in his direction, after a 3-2 defeat to Croatia saw him fail in his attempts to steer England to Euro 2008.

While the umbrella may have protected the 50-year-old from the elements on a miserable - in every sense of the word - night at Wembley in November 2007, it couldn't stop the barrage of abuse that came McClaren's way.

Nor could it halt the inevitable sequence of events. The former Manchester United assistant was swiftly dismissed by the Football Association for failing to take the national team to a tournament for the first time in fourteen years.

Now, he is in danger of joining the likes of Burgess Meredith and Patrick MacNee on a short list of people most readily identified for carrying around an umbrella with them.

However, his appointment as Billy Davies's successor at Nottingham Forest provides him with the chance to continue rebuilding a reputation which took a severe knocking and get a once promising managerial career back on track.

His arrival in the East Midlands comes via a spell on the continent enjoying mixed fortunes as he embraced the European game.

First in Holland, he took unfashionable FC Twente to the first Eredivisie crown in their history. In doing so, he followed in the footstep of Sir Bobby Robson, who left England to enjoy similar success at PSV Eindhoven in 1992.

Last season he spent a few months at German side Wolfsburg, but found himself unable to replicate success in the Low Countries in Lower Saxony.

Now, with parts of the country officially declared as being in drought last week, it's tempting to suggest that he couldn't have chosen a better time to return to the English game. He's unlikely to need any shelter in the current climate.

In many ways, the move to Forest, when a return to Twente was also a possibility, is a reflection of a man with a point to prove - and who's confident he can do just that. Returning to Holland would have been the easy choice.

He should also be applauded for choosing to return to the English game outside the Premier League. Albeit, the expectation on him will be to swiftly take Forest back into the top flight.

This from a man roundly chastised by the press during his time as England manager. From unconvincing displays and bizarre tactical choices to his habit, at times, of acting more like the players' friend than their boss.

His almost ubiquitous smile - when most of the country were feeling like doing anything but smiling - also provided further ammunition for media hounds just waiting for the Yorkshireman to fail.

However, he didn't become a bad manager overnight. History forgets that the England side that took to the field against Croatia were missing many of its key men.

Had they managed even a draw then the national side would have gone to Austria and Switzerland the next summer.

McClaren would probably have remained in his post and his reputation would be no worse than any other England manager who has failed to win a tournament.

As it was though, there was something almost poetic about the way the curtain came down on his reign during an evening of mishaps in the rain at Wembley. Not so much God's tears, as England's.

The nation held its breath - as attention turned to how rivals Russia were doing and the grim reality dawned that England were now relying on a favour from minnows Andorra. Unsurprisingly, none was forthcoming.

McClaren began rebuilding his reputation by taking FC Twente to the Dutch title

He will receive no favours at the City Ground either. While managing Forest will attract nowhere near the same media scrutiny he received as England coach, he is under great pressure to deliver promotion.

Not since 1999 have Forest played in the top flight. It's been a spell which has seen the two-times European Cup winners even spend three years in League One.

His predecessor Billy Davies, a volatile figure at the best of times, seemed to be navigating the club back on a course towards the Premier League, with back-to-back play off finishes.

However, defeat in successive years to Blackpool and Swansea at the semi final stage - allied to a fractious relationship with chairman Nigel Doughty and the board at the City Ground - saw Davies relieved of his duties.

The Scot - who has never failed during a full season to guide a side into the Championship's top six - is a formidable act for McClaren to follow. At the very least, Forest will be expected to finish in the top six again.

Not that they're assured to. He is entering arguably one of the most competitive divisions in European football - without any prior experience of managing at that level.

A sound time in charge at Middlesbrough in the top flight - including taking them to League Cup glory in 2005 followed by the UEFA Cup final in 2006 - should offer Forest fans cause for optimism.

None of it will be any guarantee of success on his return to the English domestic game though. True, Kevin Keegan returned from his time with England to lead Manchester City to the second tier title in 2002.

However, Graham Taylor - the last manager before McClaren to not take the national side to a major tournament - failed to guide Woverhampton Wanderers to top fight promotion on his return to management in 1994.

As Taylor found on his arrival at Molineux, McClaren's first mission may well be to simply win around some Forest fans who will hold his failings as England manager against him.

If rumours are to be believed both Blackburn and, most recently, Aston Villa decided against appointing McClaren fearing a backlash from supporters.

Emotions run deep when it comes to the national team - and arguably even deeper for club sides. It's the nightmare at Wembley, not Middlesbrough's success at the Millennium Stadium, which will be freshest in some Forest's fans minds.

Hitting the ground running will be essential in convincing supporters that he is a better manager for his time abroad, and than his time with England showed.

In doing so, he will seek to restore Forest to the level they feel they belong at, as well as his reputation. His task now is to do what Davies couldn't - and take Forest the extra step.

To do so he'll have to hold off the challenge of the likes of former club Boro, as well as resurgent forces in the guise of fellow former top flight sides Leeds, Ipswich, and Southampton.

The relegated trio of Blackpool, Birmingham, and West Ham United will all hope to be in contention for an instant Premier League return too.

There's sure to be added spice as well as he competes against local rivals Leicester, under the management of his former England mentor Sven-Goran Eriksson, one of the favourites for promotion.

If he succeeds in his recovery mission, then this corner of the East Midlands, if not the rest of the country, will be ready to forgive him for his England sins.

Who knows, if the sun shines for him at the City Ground, he may even be tempted to bring out the parasol.

Big Match Review - Nottingham Forest 3 Reading 4

Nottingham Forest 3-4 Reading

Saturday April 9, City Ground, (Att: 22,495)

An goal in injury time from Simon Church handed Reading a crucial victory over top six rivals Nottingham Forest as they edged an enthralling encounter at the City Ground.

The visitors took the lead on 19 minutes - Ian Harte once again showing his skill from a dead ball situation to swerve a free kick past Forest's Lee Camp and into the net.

However, Billy Davies's side drew level just before the interval when Kris Boyd converted a penalty after Lewis McGugan was tripped in the box by Mikele Leigertwood.

And six minutes into the second period Forest were ahead. Rob Earnshaw's shot across goal beat Alex McCarthy and went in off the post.

Reading's riposte was almost immediate though, with Jem Karacan looping a header over Camp from a corner to restore parity.

Just past the hour mark, the Royals were back in front courtesy of Jimmy Kebe pouncing on a loose ball in the box after Camp could only parry an earlier shot.

It seemed like the East Midlands side had saved a point with two minutes of normal time remaining though. This time McGugan netting from the spot after a foul on Chris Gunter in the area.

Brian McDermott's team were to have the last say though, when Church got in front of Luke Chambers to knock home a cross from the right during added on time.

There was still enough time, too, for Shane Long to see a penalty for the Berkshire side saved by Camp after Gunter had handled inside the area.

It lifted Reading up to 5th, now six points ahead of a Forest side whose nine game winless streak leaves them 8th and in danger of missing out on the play offs.

Big Match Preview - Nottingham Forest vs. Reading

Nottingham Forest vs. Reading
Saturday April 9, 15:00, City Ground

There's a critical game in the race for the Championship play offs this weekend as Reading make the trip to the East Midlands to face top six rivals Nottingham Forest.

It's a clash between two sides who, despite sharing a common goal, are in vastly contrasting runs of form as the season reaches its all important climax.

For Forest, now eight matches without a win after their 4-1 loss at Leeds last weekend, they have hit their poorest spell of the season at the worst moment.

Given they're managed by the wily Billy Davies - who has an enviable track record of getting teams into the play offs - their loss of form has been a surprise as they have slipped out of the top six.

However, the Scot will take great heart from his side's first half performance at Elland Road where they were comfortably the better team before a shocking refereeing decision arguably cost them the game.

He will also be encouraged by the fact that, although no longer unbeaten at home this term, Forest are still formidable opponents on their own turf and sure to provide difficulties for any visitors.

Just one defeat from 18 matches is an indication of their superiority at the City Ground, although they're without a win there since mid-February's success against fellow top six candidates Cardiff.

With striking talent of the likes of Lewis McGugan, Rob Earnshaw, Marcus Tudgay, and Radoslaw Mawjeski too, Davies will know he has a side who, while famed for their organisation, are packed with match winners.

Brian McDermott's Reading have hit form at just the right time of the season

While Forest come into the game off form however, their opponents from Berkshire have propelled themselves into the top six off a great unbeaten nine match unbeaten run.

Once again, they have used a run to the last eight of the FA Cup to help generate momentum in the league and have won their last five matches.

That's helped them hit a season high of 6th place with just seven games remaining, and they will hope to claim a place off spot in order to reclaim the top flight status they lost in 2009.

With only five losses on the road all term and 28 goals notched away from the Madejski Stadium, McDermott's men are one of the most dangerous opponents to host in the second tier.

Much of their recent good form has been aided the goalscoring exploits of Shane Long, with the Irishman finding some long-awaited consistency to accrue over 20 strikes to his name this term.

With the likes of Noel Hunt and set piece wizard Ian Harte in the Royals' ranks too, McDermott will be confident he has enough in his arsenal to extend their season in the end of season lottery.

The Championship is a notoriously tight division with sides very evenly matched. This game is one of sides in hugely contrasting form, but both teams are laced with great quality.

I'm going to go for Forest in this one though. They outplayed Leeds until the referee robbed them and, back on home soil looking to right the wrong of last week, I'll back them for all three points.

Nobes' Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2 Reading 1

More Than Words

Does what managers say really make a difference? Nobes looks at psychological warfare as the season enters its final straight.

Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies is playing down his side's promotion chances

It's not as snappy as Homer Simpson's "D'oh!" or as recognisable as Victor Meldrew's "I don't believe it."

However, so often has Billy Davies uttered the words that his Nottingham Forest side are "great candidates for the play offs," you'd think he was attempting to coin his own catchphrase.

It's classic behaviour from the Scot who, throughout his managerial career, has been quick to downplay his club's chances despite a managerial record in the Championship that's almost unrivalled.

At Preston he twice took the Lancashire side to the play offs, including losing in the 2005 final to West Ham. At Derby he went one better, guiding the Rams into the Premier League in 2007 during his first year.

Last season he turned Forest from relegation strugglers to the third best team in the Championship before bowing out in the end of season lottery to eventual winners Blackpool.

It's a record which is notable not only for the manager's ability to bring instant success, but also in how it has been accompanied by Davies's almost constant dialogue that his team is overachieving in challenging.

Going into the 2005 play off final, the 46-year-old spoke about how Preston were in "bonus land" against a West Ham side he branded as favourites due to their size, tradition, and history.

The reality was that the Lilywhites had beaten the London club home and away that season and finished above them after 46 games. Preston were no more the underdogs that day at the Millennium Stadium than West Ham.

Again, taking over at a Derby side that only narrowly avoided relegation the previous season, he spoke about having a three year plan for challenging for the play offs.

However, with six games of the season remaining the Rams were top of the division before a late stutter saw them finish third behind Sunderland and Birmingham.

Davies described it as "no disgrace" and remarked that whatever happened in the play offs the season it had been "a fantastic achievement."

For the manager though, another play off contest meant he had to postpone a planned vacation in Dubai as the Rams saw their season extended.

It begged the question if, when making his reservation in the Middle East believing his side's season would already be over, did he do so because he thought they wouldn't be in the top six or, rather, they'd have already clinched promotion?

That's the thing with the Scot, you never know whether he's actually telling the truth. Does he really believe his side isn't good enough or is he actually simply engaging in some managerial mind games.

Along with the phrase "squeaky bum time" it's a phrase which inevitably crops up at this time of the season in context with words emanating from Sir Alex Ferguson.

Leeds boss Simon Grayson believes his side are under no promotion pressure this term

The Manchester United supremo is apparently the master of the mind game, seeking to psyche out opposition managers and teams with the comments he puts out to the media.

Mind you, like the censorship of a Soviet state, history only seems to record the times his mind games worked. Nobody mention Devon Loch.

So what about his fellow countryman, Davies? Just last month, after beating promotion rivals Cardiff to move second, he was still playing down Forest's chances - bemoaning the size of the squad at his disposal.

Since then, the East Midlands side have failed to win in seven - their worst run of the season. In the process they lost their 36-match unbeaten home run and have slipped down to sixth.

Going into the two week international break - something welcomed by the Forest boss - he has been quick to point to Blackpool's late form last season which ended in promotion and has declared the race to be "far from over."

He's not wrong. Forest are only seven points shy of the automatic promotion spots, and still have crucial six pointers to play at Leeds and Norwich. However, why now is he choosing to be positive?

True, he's looking to restore confidence and belief within his ranks after a poor run. Why though, when these particular assets were already high, did he decide against boosting them further instead of continually talking down his side's chances?

It's the delicate psychological balance between confidence and pressure. Too much confidence can be dangerous, but too little can be debilitating. Too much pressure can crush a team, too little can lead to a lack of urgency though.

Davies's track record portrays a man who is keen to downplay expectations, deflecting any pressure off his players and looking to move it elsewhere, preferably to rival clubs.

It's little surprise the driven, yet diminutive, Scot wants to keep his side's feet on the ground. There will be no getting carried away under his watch.

However, while avoiding over-confidence and complacency is important, would there have been so much harm in declaring that Forest were at least the equals of their opponents and had every much a chance as them to earn promotion?

While nobody argued with his assertions that they were way behind Newcastle and West Brom last term, his comments this season don't ring as true.

Forest finished third last season and have a highly talented squad with a blend of both the mental and physical qualities required for promotion.

It's hard to use their current sticky spell as evidence to support Davies's earlier warnings too when the same manager is now declaring himself still bullish over his side's chances of going up.

Forest's seven match run has included dropping points to struggling Preston and Middlesbrough, as well as losing to relegation haunted Sheffield United. They're the kind of results which smack of the kind of complacency he was desperate to avoid.

If so, his words clearly didn't have the desired effect. Or, had he issued more positive re-enforcement of Forest's prospects, they may have walked out believing they would comfortably see off their opponents and done so.

Paul Lambert is striving to find the right balance between positivity and relieving pressure

Nobody knows of course, and I'm the last person to want to point a finger of blame towards Davies who, in this writer's opinion, is the best manager in the Championship.

It's also the case that he's not the only manager looking to suppress expectations and take the pressure off his players as the season reaches its climax.

Simon Grayson claimed recently that there were no nerves in his Leeds United camp and has encouraged his squad to enjoy finding themselves in the promotion mix.

The Yorkshire side were in League One this time 12 months ago, so Grayson's belief that they have exceeded expectations has some validity. He has also suggested the budgets spent by rivals clubs demands they win promotion.

It's a brave statement from a man whose chairman is Ken Bates, but it would be fair to say that, whatever happens in the remaining few weeks, it has been another positive season at Elland Road under Grayson's stewardship.

Down in East Anglia, it's a similar story. After clinching the League One title last term, Norwich are sitting in second and are firmly in the race to secure back-to-back promotions.

Despite being in the play offs at Christmas though, boss Paul Lambert was still talking about just staying up. He then described the club's lofty position as "unthinkable."

He has been quick to dismiss claims his side are in "the driving seat" to finish runners-up to a QPR team whose march to the Premier League has been unflagging.

However, he seems to have found the right balance between keeping expectations suppressed while bullishly declaring he has no fears over his players who he thinks are strong minded enough to handle any pressure.

Contrast that with Davies though, who has consistently lamented Forest's transfer policy and how his squad is lacking.

Politicking with his bosses or just some clever reverse psychology maybe, but one wonders how the Forest players feel when their manager is telling people he doesn't think they can deliver promotion.

After all, you can read a lot into what a manager does and doesn't say and the motivation behind it. It's what makes taking seriously Lambert's recent claims that he "can't influence any other club's players" a bit difficult.

It all comes down to handling the pressure and the less there is to contend with, even if it's just a perception, the better. That's why managers like Grayson will be keen to shift it elsewhere in the run-in.

The fight for promotion has a new front. The war of words has started, the downplaying begun. Don't believe all you hear.

That's because if, come the end of play, one of them does win promotion will they, like Mr Meldrew, really be unable to believe it?

Big Match Review - Preston 1 Nottingham Forest 2

Preston North End 1-2 Nottingham Forest

Saturday January 8, Deepdale (Att: 9,636)

A Luke Chambers goal two minutes from time saw Nottingham Forest come from behind at Preston North End to secure a place in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup.

With new Preston boss Phil Brown overseeing his first match in charge, the hosts began brightly and went in front just past the half hour mark.

Darren Carter, back from a loan spell at Millwall, curling a fine left footed shot from outside the box low past Lee Camp.

It meant North End went into the interval ahead, but the visitors from the East Midlands were back on level terms just five minutes into the second period.

A swift counter attack saw the ball played through for Paul Anderson to run onto. He outpaced the Preston backline and clipped the ball over Andy Lonergan to restore parity.

Forest pressed for a winner, but the game appeared to be heading for a replay at the City Ground until, with time running out, Billy Davies saw his team earn a trip to West Ham in the next round.

When Preston failed to deal with a corner, Chambers was on hand to lash home the loose ball - ensuring Brown's tenure got off to a losing start and North End left to focus purely on Championship survival.

Big Match Preview

Preston North End vs. Nottingham Forest

Saturday January 8, 15:00, Deepdale

So, after my now notorious broadside levelled at how the magic of the Cup was dying, the draw for the third round went and handed Soccer AM/MW a real treat.

The prospect of a clash between Preston and Forest is one that gets the whole team here pretty excited - not least because the chances of such a match occurring next season is becoming increasingly less likely. Cheers Darren.

Still, we might as well enjoy this one while it's here as North End and Forest prepare to do battle for the second time this season.

The pair have already met at Deepdale in the Championship - Forest running out 2-1 victors back in September to register their first away of the campaign.

That's one of eight home defeats Preston have suffered as the Darren Ferguson regime managed to systematically dismantle Fortress Deepdale and convert it into the home of some kind of philanthropists. Come round for a game - and make sure you take all three points with you when you leave.

Mind you, league form can go out of the window at this time of the season. Indeed, 12 months ago after a poor run of form led to the bizarre sacking of Alan Irvine, North End thumped Colchester 7-0 in the third round.

That was under the caretaker charge of Rob Kelly and, after Fergie Junior's long-overdue departure, Preston have been under temporary control - this time with David Unsworth in the dugout.

He began his reign with a defeats to Derby and Crystal Palace, although the former Everton man may well have relinquished to an as yet unknown full time manager before the weekend.

Preston's chances of survival were dealt a huge blow this month by the departure to Cardiff of burly striker Jon Parkin, whose cumbersome build ensures he's the only professional footballer who can gorge himself silly over the Festive season and nobody will bat an eyelid.

He was their top scorer with seven and his leaving may well have provided the final nail in PNE's Championship coffin.

The striking burden now falls on Chris Brown, who you may remember from such movies as "The Great Escape: PNE 2007/8," and that Sunderland sex tape. Unfortunately, his scoring record on the pitch is not as good off it - he's yet to register a single goal this term. Reasons to be fearful.

Wide man Keith Treacy, one of the few positives of the Desperate Darren era, has been one stand out performer for the team this season. Much-travelled Canadian striker Iain Hume has also signed permanently from Barnsley after a fruitful loan spell.

The outspoken Billy Davies continues to cast a shadow over former club Preston

In his, and North End's, way stand a Nottingham Forest side managed expertly by ex-Preston boss, Billy Davies.

It's fair to say we love the wee little Scot here at Soccer AM/MW. However, whenever he returns to Deepdale with a team it's the kind of occasion which seems to require the music from The Apprentice, you know the one, to proceed it.

Billy seems to rub some Preston fans up the wrong way. Perhaps it's the fact he likes to claim he's the best PNE manager in modern times. Mind you, I wouldn't disagree with him. However, he seems to revel in the role of the pantomime villain.

The truth, too, is that North End fans would carry him back from the East Midlands if he said he would return to Deepdale - although when asked about links to the vacant post on Monday he declined to comment.

In the Championship, he's arguably the best manager around, and he's working his magic at Forest again - with them sitting on the edge of the top six.

Forest are unbeaten at home since around the time the dinosaurs roamed earth and away from the City Ground they provide resolute and obstinate opponents - albeit wins have been hard to come by.

Things are looking up for the club all round, with months of pre and post match moaning from Davies finally bearing fruit with the permanent capture of forward Marcus Tudgay from Sheffield Wednesday after a promising loan spell.

Their recent form has been decent too - thumping local rivals Derby 5-2, then recovering from two goals down to draw with Barnsley. They then followed that up with a win and clean sheet at Ipswich. Reasons to be cheerful.

You never do know when it comes to the Cup though. It can sometimes just come down to who wants it more on the day. Do either side even want a Cup run when they have much bigger fish to fry in the league?

I'm tempted to go for the upset in this one, but Preston are a side so short on confidence and quality that I just can't see it happening. Unless Billy decides to throw the game and stick out Forest's youth team.

For a man with such an ego that he only refers to himself in the third person though, I can't see him wanting to ever go back to a former club and losing - so he probably won't.

Nobes' Prediction: Preston North End 0 Nottingham Forest 2

FA Cup: Preston/Forest Histories

As part of our build-up to Saturday's FA Cup third round clash between Preston North End and Nottingham Forest, Nobes reflects on the two sides and their rich history in the competition.

Preston's second FA Cup triumph was a revenge mission over Huddersfield

I don't think I'd be sticking my neck out too far to suggest that neither Preston North End or Nottingham Forest will, this year, become the first team outside the top division since 1980 to win the FA Cup.

Indeed, it's hard to imagine either having a shot of winning the old trophy even if they were in the top flight next season - a prospect distinctly more likely for Forest than North End.

It's a sad reality that some of the smaller clubs in the higher divisions will probably never again win the Cup. However, once upon a time, both Forest and North End enjoyed moments of glory in the competition.

Preston made their first of seven appearances in the final all the way back in 1888. During their run, they defeated Hyde 26-0, a record in the competition which still stands today.

So confident of emerging victorious against West Bromwich Albion in the final, the North End players even asked to be photographed with the trophy before the game kicked off, when they wouldn't be so muddy.

Pride came before a fall though, as West Brom emerged 2-1 victors in front of 19,000 at the Oval - which was the regular venue for the occasion back then.

A year later, and PNE - newly crowned unbeaten Champions of the Football League, were back to try and make amends. In their way they faced opposition from the Black Country again in the form of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Invincibles team didn't make the same mistake twice, and a 3-0 victory saw Preston become the first ever side to win the FA Cup and League double.

Their triumph had been the brainchild of ambitious chairman and manager, Major William Suddell, whose team won 18 of their 22 league games and didn't concede a goal throughout their entire FA Cup campaign.

North End would have to wait all the way until 1922 until their next appearance in the final though.

There they faced Huddersfield Town, in a match which has become a strong candidate for the worst final ever. Played at Stamford Bridge, it ended 1-0 to Town thanks to a controversial penalty.

It was the first time a spot kick had won the trophy, although the ref appeared to award the penalty for a foul which had occurred just outside, rather than in, the 18-yard box.

Fifteen years later, and Preston made their fourth final - and first at Wembley stadium. Over 93,000 were there to see Sunderland come from behind to win 3-1 and be presented with the trophy by the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth - wife of George VI.

Just as in the last century though, North End bounced back from a defeat in the final to win the next one. In an ironic twist, their opponents were Huddersfield, who had beaten them in the '22 final.

This time, it was Preston who were on the winning side, thanks to a penalty of their own in the dying seconds of extra time. It was the first time a Wembley final had been decided from 12 yards - and North End had exacted their revenge.

The '38 final was also the first to be shown live on BBC Television with an estimated viewing audience of 10,000 added to the 93,497 spectators at the national stadium.

PNE made two more final appearances after the Second World War, but ended up on the losing side on both occasions. The first was in 1954, when their conquerors in 1888, West Brom, returned to haunt them.

North End had been 2-1 up with less than half an hour to play, but the Baggies staged a late comeback and with three minutes left on the clock scored what proved to be the winner at 3-2.

Ten years later, and it was the same scoreline as Second Division North End saw West Ham United come from behind to beat them. Little did Preston fans know at the time that, nearly 50 years on, they'd still be waiting for another final appearance.

Forest captain Jack Burkitt holds the trophy aloft after their 1959 success

Nottingham Forest, like Preston, are also twice winners of the FA Cup. However, they have only appeared in the final on three occasions.

Their first appearance - and victory - came in a memorable 1898 final against bitter East Midlands rivals Derby County.

Forest were the underdogs going into the game, having been beaten 5-0 by the Rams in a league fixture just a few days before the final. However, on the day, they were the better side.

Over 60,000 at Crystal Palace saw Forest run out 3-1 winners to secure their first major honour.

It wasn't until 1959 that they made the final again. However, once again on the big stage, Forest rose to the occasion to make it two triumphs out of two.

Their 2-1 win over Luton Town at Wembley was also notable as they became the first ever side to win the Cup despite being down to ten men.

Forest had raced into an early 2-0 lead, but then suffered a blow as winger Roy Dwight - the uncle of Reginald Dwight AKA Elton John - broke a leg and was stretchered off.

With no substitutes being used at the time, Forest had to battle on with a numerical disadvantage. They restricted Luton to just one goal back though to win the match officiated by one Mr J. Clough.

There was a different Clough, and no relation to the ref in '59, involved in Forest's third and final FA Cup appearance in 1991.

The inimitable Brian had transformed the East Midlands outfit into English League Champions and twice European Cup winners during his time at the City Ground.

He had also taken them to four League Cup triumphs, and the '91 FA Cup final against Tottenham Hotspur was the chance to add the missing piece to his managerial honours jigsaw.

Things couldn't have got off to a much better start, with Stuart Pearce's free kick giving Clough's side a 1-0 lead. Then, Forest keeper Mark Crossley became only the second keeper to save a penalty in the final when he kept out Gary Lineker's spot kick.

It saw Forest go into the break ahead, but Paul Stewart drew Spurs level ten minutes after the interval. The match went into extra time, where an own goal by Des Walker proved to be the winner for Tottenham.

Clough was never to win the FA Cup, and Forest had suffered their first heartbreak in the final. In truth, they have never reached the same heights in the almost 20 years since.

For one of Preston and Forest though, a place in the Fourth Round awaits - and a trip to Wembley in the final potentially only four games away. Well, I say "only"...

Return Of The Mick

With Mick Wadsworth confirmed as Hartlepool boss until the end of the season, Nobes looks at other managers who've made a return to the game after a long absence.

Mick Wadsworth was last in charge of a League club back in 2003

The longer you're gone, the harder it is to return. So goes the theory when it comes to football management.

Stay on the sidelines rather than the touchline, and you'll soon disappear altogether - doomed to some kind of coaching or scouting role or, even worse, a TV pundit.

However, seven years after leaving his last League manager's job at Huddersfield - albeit he had a brief spell in charge at Non League Chester - Mick Wadsworth is back in management at Hartlepool.

After a successful spell as caretaker following the resignation of Chris Turner, the 60-year-old has been handed the reins until the end of the season with the, long-overdue realistic, brief of keeping Pools in League One.

It's an unexpected opportunity for the Yorkshireman, who has never managed to follow up initial success at Carlisle in the '90s at the likes of Colchester, Oldham, and Scarborough.

However, he's not the only manager to make a return after time away. Here's my top-10 rundown of some of football's returnees - and how successful they were on their comeback.


10. Nigel Spackman

Spackman was fired from his job at Barnsley in 2001 with the Reds struggling towards the foot of the Championship.

He spent the next five years working as a TV pundit but, in 2006, was the surprise choice as new boss at Millwall.

The Lions had been relegated to League One and Spackman rebuilt the squad during the summer.

A slow start saw the 49-year-old sacked with the Londoners near the foot of the table.

Verdict: A long time out of the game was followed by a brief and hugely unsuccessful return to the dugout. Best to stick to the TV studio in the future.


9. Gary Peters

The Londoner led the renaissance of Preston North End when the Lancashire club had been toiling in the basement division.

However, he was exiled from management for five years after leaving Deepdale in 1998.

On his return he walked into the mess at Exeter City - fighting for survival in the Football League.

Despite an almost miraculous end of season run, he was unable to save the Grecians from the drop and departed weeks later.

Verdict: Did extremely well to almost save Exeter and then went on to guide Shrewsbury to within 90 minutes of League One in 2007 before being harshly sacked soon after. A proven lower league manager.


8. Bryan Hamilton

After ending a second spell in charge at Wigan in 1993, Hamilton took over as national team manager of Northern Ireland.

He spent four years in that role and was out of the game for another couple until gaining a surprise return at Norwich in 2000.

The Canaries were struggling in the Championship and Hamilton steadied the ship. However, before the end of the year he had resigned his position.

Verdict: Instantly forgettable return to club management following an undistinguished spell in the international game. Management days are well behind now, which is why he's working in the media.


7. Gary Johnson

Johnson earned his reputation leading Yeovil from the Conference to League One at the start of the last decade.

However, he had first sampled League management at Cambridge United before departing in 1995.

After a brief spell at Kettering he then moved abroad - taking charge of the Latvian national team and laying the foundations that saw them qualify for Euro 2004.

He returned to England at Yeovil in 2001, winning promotion with them in 2003 - and managing in the League again a full eight years after his last crack.

Verdict: The time away worked. He thrived on his return and after leaving Yeovil he subsequently guided Bristol City to promotion from League One and the Championship play off final. Now at Peterborough.


6. Kenny Jackett

First as a player and then later a coach, Jackett served under Graham Taylor at Watford before assuming the top job in 1996.

However, a poor League One campaign saw him relegated back to Taylor's assistant and he later had a spell as Ian Holloway's right hand man at QPR.

He returned to try his hand as the main man at Swansea in 2004 - and took the Welsh club to promotion in his first full season.

Twelve months later, he secured the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and only a penalty shoot out in the League One play off final prevented the Swans from making it successive promotions.

Verdict: Watching Millwall, it's not hard to see the influence of Taylor and Holloway on Jackett's style. However, he has proved successful in guiding both the Lions and Swansea to promotion as a manager. Deserves respect.


5. Brian Talbot

Talbot began the 1991/2 campaign as Aldershot boss - he was gone after a few months, and the club were as well not long after.

After time overseas in Malta he returned home to join the coaching staff at ambitious Rushden & Diamonds - eventually becoming manager in 1999.

Maybe it was those eight years away, or maybe it was the ridiculous money being spent, but he led Diamonds into the Football League in 2001 and two years later they were in the third tier.

Verdict: It was the money. Talbot's subsequent struggles at Oldham and Oxford were more illustrative of his managerial capabilities. In truth, he landed on his feet gaining the Rushden job when he did.


4. Nigel Pearson

Along with the help of one Jimmy Glass, Pearson helped rescue Carlisle from relegation to the Conference in 1999.

However, he didn't stay on at Brunton Park and instead spent the next nine years on the coaching staff at the likes of Stoke, West Brom, and Newcastle.

Once his next managerial role came along though - he once again found himself in a relegation scrap.

However, a final day escape act at Southampton in 2008 proved he hadn't lost his skills in brinkmanship.

Verdict: Left Saints that summer and then took Leicester to League One glory followed by the Championship play offs last season. Now at Hull, he seems to have benefited from learning his trade as an assistant.


3. John Barnes

Okay, I'll hold my hands up, Tranmere's appointment of Barnes last summer was not technically a Football League management return.

However, any chance to recount that hilarious decision - as well his legendary Soccer AM/MW status - must be taken.

Barnes was, of course, installed as part of a dream managerial ticket alongside Kenny Dalglish at Glasgow Celtic in 1999.

It turned into more of a nightmare, albeit a short-lived one. Much like his time at Prenton Park nine years later.

Verdict: First place in the 2008 Caribbean Championships as Jamaica coach will, you feel, always be the pinnacle of Barnes's managerial career. Tranmere's gamble was always doomed to fail - they were lucky it didn't cost them their League One spot.


2. Paul Hart

The proverbial London Bus boss, at one point Hart had to wait a full decade between managerial jobs but then got through three just last season.

Hart was fired from basement division Chesterfield in 1991 and reverted to youth team football at Leeds and then Nottingham Forest.

He got his chance at the top job at the City Ground in 2001 after the departure of David Platt and, after a slow start, guided Forest to the Championship play offs in 2003.

There, they lost to Sheffield United, and a dreadful sequence of results that left them fighting relegation the next season saw him dismissed.

Verdict: After Forest came Barnsley, then Rushden, then Portsmouth, QPR, and finally Crystal Palace. Hart has the dubious honour of being sacked from a club in each of the top five tiers. Best to stick to bringing through the youngsters.


1. Richard Money

When Richard Money left his job as Scunthorpe boss in 1994 he still had a full head of hair.

In-between then and his return to English football in 2006 at Walsall it had mostly gone.

Those 12 years away saw him work at Aston Villa and Coventry before moving abroad to Sweden and then Australia.

His appointment at the Saddlers was out of the blue - but, thanks to a resolute defence, he led the Black Country outfit to the League Two title in his first season.

Verdict: A stunning return to League management. More than a decade away, but Money instantly turned around Walsall's fortunes. Now at the helm of Conference side Luton, where he is once again plotting a promotion push.

Top Of The Flops

With Gordon Strachan resigning as Middlesbrough boss following a disastrous start to the season, Nobes looks at pre-season favourites of the past who failed to live up to expectations.

Things went badly wrong for Gordon Strachan at the Riverside

Perhaps we shouldn't be surprised by Middlesbrough, most bookies favourites for the Championship title, struggling towards the start of the season. After all, they received the ultimate kiss of death when even the Soccer AM/MW backed them.

Gordon Strachan should have been preparing to pack his bags there and then - and I'm reliably informed he frequents the site often. He'll have even more time to do so now.

Granted, there's still plenty of time for things to turn around at the Riverside - but failure to do so and, after some heavy summer spending, this Teessiders team will go down in history as one of the game's biggest flops.

Not that they're the first team to fail to live up to such huge pre-season hype though. Here's my rundown of the Top Ten Flops of recent seasons.


10. Millwall - 2006/7

After relegation from the Championship the previous season, the Lions overhauled their squad - investing good money into bouncing back at the first attempt.

Alas though, they decided to hire Nigel Spackman as their manager, and he continued his woeful managerial record at the start of the campaign.

The Londoners collected just five points from their opening ten games, earning Spackman the boot and replacement Willie Donachie having to pull them out of the mire.

They ended up 10th, way short of even a spot in the play offs.


9. Oxford United - 2001/2

There was an air of gloom around Oxford United in 2001 - the club had ended their time at Manor Ground with relegation from the third tier.

Step forward former Oxen player, local boy done good, and ex-England international - Mark Wright. He had impressed in his first manager's job at Southport and seemed like the man to get Oxford moving again.

He wasn't. The squad looked strong, vastly experienced, and well capable of challenging at the right end.

With 19 games played and sitting just three points off the bottom, Wright - already suspended by the FA after alleged racist comments to a match day official - resigned.

Successor Ian Atkins inherited a shambles of a squad which ended up a pitiful 21st with just 47 points to their name.


8. Hull City - 2002/3

Tigers Tigers burning bright. The future looked optimistic for Hull in the summer of 2002.

Their money troubles behind them, a new ground on the way, and a big name manager proven in the lower leagues.

Everyone was tipping City to finally realise their potential. However, things didn't quite go according to plan for Jan Molby.

The Tigers registered just 12 points from their first 12 games and a loss at Kidderminster - the club Molby had walked out on months earlier to join Hull - saw his reign brought to a quick end.

Peter Taylor assumed control, but even he failed to turn around their fortunes. Despite resources the envy of the rest of the division, they ended the season in 13th.


7. Leeds United - 2006/7

Leeds had ended the previous campaign as losing play off finalists to Watford. Hopes were high that Kevin Blackwell's side could now go one better.

Perhaps it was a reaction to their close miss a few months earlier, but the Yorkshire side got off to a miserable start and the manager was fired after just eight games.

He left United in the bottom three, but with enough time and a squad more than capable of getting themselves out of trouble.

So you'd think. Replacement Dennis Wise failed to get the most out a team that had come to within 90 minutes of the Premier League and Leeds dropped out of the division with a whimper having entered administration.


6. Sheffield Wednesday - 2003/4

How the mighty had fallen. Wednesday had been a staple of the top flight during the previous decade, but fell down to League One in 2003.

Boss Chris Turner revamped his squad - aiming to steer his home town club back up at the first attempt.

They almost did make it out of League One - but at the wrong end. The Owls ended up 16th - just three points above the relegation zone and a place in the basement division.

Financially troubled off the pitch, perhaps, but Wednesday's squad's toiling and finishing below the likes of Wrexham and Hartlepool was embarrassing.


5. Bradford City - 2007-10

Still flopping. The pre-season choice for League Two winners of every national newspaper for the past four seasons, City continue to disappoint.

They were relegated to the basement division in 2007, promptly installed legend Stuart McCall as manager, and sold 13,000 season tickets on the cheap.

McCall failed to get them even challenging for the top seven for two-and-a-half years before Peter Taylor was appointed his successor.

Last season's positive end has been followed by a dreadful start this term though - they currently sit in 19th. Still time to turn it around and avoid another flop.


4. Ipswich Town - 2009/10

Resources. Check. Money invested. Check. Decent crowds. Check. Proven manager at this level. Check.

Everything seemed set up for Ipswich last season. How they could fail to challenge now Roy Keane was manager?

How? Try not recording a win in their first 14 games - a run which left them bottom of the table.

Albeit there were plenty of draws in that run - which saw Keane avoid an early axe - but Town fans were not getting value for considerable money.

The Suffolk outfit ended the campaign in 15th - well short of a place in the top six, which had been the minimum requirement.


3. Nottingham Forest - 2005/6

Forest made history in 2005 when they became the first winner of the European Cup to drop into their country's third tier of domestic football.

Their embarrassment didn't stop there though. Despite the lower league experience of manager Gary Megson, Forest failed to get to grips with life in League One.

When Megson was eventually sacked - they sat just four points shy of the bottom four and a possible second successive relegation.

Ultimately, a late rally at the end of the term saw them just miss out on a place in the play offs. A talented squad had made a complete meal of the season though.


2. Coventry City - 2001/2

He may yet get onto a future list with Boro but, for now, Gordon Strachan will have to make do with this failure at Coventry.

The Warwickshire side had just been relegated from the top flight under the Scot after over 30 years amongst the country's elite.

However, they were determined to bounce back immediately - ambition illustrated by the £5 million signing of West Brom striker Lee Hughes.

Three losses in their first five games saw Strachan dismissed though, and replacement Roland Nilsson was unable to coax any consistency out of one of the division's strongest squads.

An end of season 11th place was well below-par, particularly as a Hughes-less West Brom went on to gain promotion.


1. Bristol Rovers - 2001/2

You could probably excuse Rovers for still being in a state of shock when they began their League Two campaign in 2001.

Just 12 months after finishing 7th in the third tier, they had been relegated down to the basement division. Unthinkable.

Still, at least they had retained a strong squad - including promising striker Nathan Ellington. At least they would walk all over opponents and gain promotion with ex-Spurs boss and club legend Gerry Francis in charge.

How wrong they were. Francis was a flop, and the Gas ended the campaign in 23rd - second bottom of the entire 92 club and the lowest position in the club's entire history.

Had they done the same 12 months later, they would have been relegated into the Conference. Rovers got lucky.

Big Match Review - Doncaster 1 Nottingham Forest 1

Doncaster Rovers 1-1 Nottingham Forest

Saturday October 2, Keepmoat Stadium, (Att: 10,759)

It was honours even at the Keepmoat Stadium as draw specialists Nottingham Forest had to settle for a point after being pegged back by Doncaster.

In an even encounter, Forest almost made the breakthrough when a Paul Anderson drive from distance came back off a post.

The visitors eventually took the lead just before the half hour mark when Donny failed to clear a corner and Dexter Blackstock had the time and space to crash a shot past Neil Sullivan.

It didn't take long for Rovers to get back on level terms though. Just five minutes later Adam Lockwood stole in at the back post to head home John Oster's inswinging free-kick.

Billy Davies's men responded, and Sullivan was twice tested by shots from Chris Cohen and Lewis McGugan.

Rovers improved after the break, and went close with a James Hayter header and a Martin Woods shot saved by Lee Camp.

Sean O'Driscoll's side then went close to winning it through the same pair, but Hayter's header from a Woods free kick was brilliantly saved by the legs of Camp.

The three points remained elusive, but a point maintained Doncaster's unbeaten home record, and stretched Forest's run without defeat to nine.

Big Match Preview

Doncaster Rovers vs. Nottingham Forest

Saturday October 2, 15:00, Keepmoat Stadium

Two sides level on points in the Championship meet this weekend as Doncaster and Nottingham Forest go head-to-head at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Both teams sit in mid-table, just a win off the top six, and will hope three points on Saturday will take them closer towards those coveted play-off positions.

Rovers will be seeking to return to winning ways after successive defeats in away games at QPR and Coventry in the last week.

Despite controlling the first half against Rangers, the Yorkshire side fell apart late on to lose 3-0, they then conceded another late goal at the Ricoh Arena in midweek in a 2-1 defeat.

Boss Sean O'Driscoll will hope home comforts - Donny are unbeaten at the Keepmoat this term - will see a more profitable return from the weekend's game therefore.

Playing the passing football which has become their hallmark, home wins have been secured against Norwich and Hull, as well as draws against Bristol City and Leeds.

Central for Rovers has been the form of striker Billy Sharp, whose goal in midweek was his third of the campaign. James Coppinger with four, including a hat-trick in their win over Norwich, could also be a key man.

Visitors Forest arrive looking to extend an eight match unbeaten run in the league. Not since an opening day loss at Burnley have they tasted defeat.

Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies is eyeing the top six again

Although victories have been hard to come by - the East Midlands side have won just twice - Billy Davies's side look typically well organised and are expected to feature towards the top again.

Forest were play-off semi final losers to Blackpool in May, something which may partly account for their slow beginning to this term.

Wily boss Davies has been petitioning his board at the City Ground for further additions to a squad he feels is currently lacking. However, Forest still have one of the strongest teams in the division.

Keeper Lee Camp is arguably the best in the Championship and, with the likes of Dexter Blackstock and Robert Earnshaw, the Tricky Trees shouldn't be short of goals this term either.

Captain Paul McKenna is also a key man dictating things in midfield. His second half goal rescued a point for Forest against Sheffield United in midweek.

Forest's only away success this term was a 2-1 win at McKenna's old club Preston. Draws have also been recorded at Hull and Reading.

Both sides like to play the game the right way and this should be a good match to watch. Davies and Forest will not make life easy for Doncaster though.

With Rovers solid at home and Forest difficult to beat, a draw looks almost too predictable an outcome. So predictable, I wonder if Forest might just edge it.

Nobes' Prediction: Doncaster Rovers 0 Nottingham Forest 1