Are Forest headed in the right direction?

Last week saw Forest chairman Al Hasawi clarify what Dougie Freedman's contract was in terms of 18 months but a review in the summer. It may not be that pleasing to some that the chairman had not been initially clear that the 18 month contract was subject to an early review, but at least everyone at the club, fans and the media now know what the deal is. A bit of transparency is perhaps something that the Forest fans could do more with as there must be lots of questions why this club is still not achieving as much as seems possible at the start of every season.

AFCB have had their successes against Forest.

Dougie Freedman has already said that there is a lot of work to do at the club and that he can't work miracles overnight. They struggled to finish off a poor Blackpool side away from home but they have shown that they are playing great again at the City ground in front of their huge banks of home fans. Dougie appears a stabilising influence with a calm manner that could be very good for Forest. He never over dramatises what happens on the pitch and has shown when he was at Crystal Palace that he can manage well at this level. I think Forest have made a great appointment and if they pull together they can still achieve much this season.

Forest's motivation must be matched by AFCB. The feeling of defeat will need to be eliminated quickly or the team will start feeling that its grip on a promotion place is slipping. The Cherries are still right in there and it will be a massive lift if they can get a result up in Nottingham. AFCB usually do well when they are unfancied and at the moment it is likely that Forest will be favourites for this game. Cool heads and a backs against the wall mentality could serve AFCB well in this match.

You can also read what Nottingham Forest site Seat Pitch had to say about Nottingham Forest ahead of tomorrow's match on the Rival Lines tab.

Happy Birthday to Ryan Fraser - 21 today!