November 30 1999

Oxford It Is: Forest now know they will be playing Oxford United in the third round of the FA Cup after Oxford beat Shrewsbury Town this evening. The final score was 2-1 after extra team, with Shrewsbury leading 1-0 for most of the game. Oxford got an injury time equalizer to force extra time and grabbed the winner on 117 minutes.

The tie has been rearranged for Friday 10 December, KO 7:45pm. 

Woan Is Out: As we reported at the weekend it has now become official, Ian Woan is not wanted by David Platt and can leave the club on a free transfer. Woan is not happy about the situation and said: "No matter whether I play well or not I won't get another contract. I was told after my recent appearances that I was only playing because of injuries and suspensions. With me and Steve Chettle going, it's the end of an era. Maybe that's what the manager wants, by bringing in his own players."

Scimeca is the New Captain: It will come as a surprise to absolutely no-one that Riccardo Scimeca has been made the club captain after Steve Chettle's move to Barnsley.

November 29 1999

Platt Hangs Up His Boots (sort of): David Platt has today announced that he is hanging his boots up to concentrate on the management role at Forest. He claims that the two roles are just too much for one person. However, he hasn't ruled out entirely the possibility of playing for Forest again saying: "You can never say never, but at this moment in time I'm no longer thinking about playing. I won't be in the Forest team. I knew before I did the job that being a player and a manager at the same time is hard. The last few months have confirmed that."

November 27 1999

Five Out Of Six: It's now five losses out of six games for Forest as they come to terms with life in Division One. Today Forest traveled down to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace, another club who have been struggling recently.

Forest, despite the confidence inspiring win on Wednesday night, and the performance of new boy Stern John, just couldn't (or wouldn't) get started today. They paid the ultimate price for their lack of interest though with Palace running out 2-0 winner.

Some have argued that Palace were not two goals better than us, they are probably right. The truth of the matter is though that Palace wanted this, they played for it and they got it. With only a couple of exceptions, notably Stern John, Forest were not up for the game and didn't even seem to care.   

Pathetic! 

November 25 1999

Barnsley Take Chettle: It looks like the curtain is finally coming down on Steve Chettle's 12 year career at The City Ground. He has moved to Barnsley on loan and they have the option to make the move permanent if they want. Chettle, 31, is a Nottingham lad and a life long Forest fan. He is the current club captain and despite his long record of service he appears to have no further role to play in David Platt's current plans for Forest.

Chettle is one of only four players left at The City Ground who can trace their careers back to the days of Brian Clough, the others being mark Crossley, Ian Woan and Steve Guinan.

November 24 1999

Stern Test Passed: Stern John passed the latest test in his career with flying colours and made himself an instant hero into the bargain. With only six minutes gone Alan Rogers and Jim Brennan enjoyed some wonderful interplay down the left wing which saw Brennan deliver a superb cross into the box and with only his third touch of the ball Stern John flew into the area to smash home the opening goal.

Six minutes later he received the ball inside the Portsmouth area with his back to goal. Under enormous pressure from Darren Moore (no small defender in anybody's book) he held the ball up until Mikkel Beck came steaming into the area, at which point John slid the ball into the path of Beck who smashed it into the net to open his account as well.

The final result was 2-0 to Forest and a new star was born.

Platt Looks To Stern: Stern John looks certain to make his Forest debut this evening when Forest take on Portsmouth at The City Ground. John has impressed Platt in the two days training he has had with his new team mates and Platt is now ready to hand him a place in the starting lineup. Dougie Freedman is still out with an injured knee, so John will partner Mikkel beck up front.

November 23 1999

Cup Date Could Be Rearranged: Forest's first game in the FA Cup this season could be rearranged. Forest have been drawn at home and will play either Shrewsbury Town or Oxford United. The match was originally scheduled to be played on Saturday 11 December. However Notts County play Bournemouth at Meadow Lane  that day so Forest will need to reschedule the game. Friday 10 December is looking the favourite at the moment.

November 22 1999

John Flies In: Stern John has taken part in his first training session with his new club today. The Trinidad and Tobago international flew in from California yesterday. He was also presented to the world at a press conference and posed on the pitch in his new Forest shirt bearing the squad number 19.

David Platt now has to decide whether or not the new striker will play any role in Wednesday's game against Portsmouth at The City Ground.

November 21 1999

FA Cup 3rd Round Draw: Forest have been drawn at home for the third round of the FA Cup. Their opponents will be Shrewsbury Town or Oxford United. The Tie will be played during the weekend of 11/12 December 1999.

November 20 1999

Stuffed Again: Forest lost 3-0 at Tranmere today. Although it was a better performance than last Sunday's game against Huddersfield, the game hinged on the decision by the referee to send Andy Johnson off. It appears to all that the tackle was a fair one and the sending off was unjustified, however, I think I'll wait to see the video of it before I commit myself on this one.

Barnes Agrees with Doughty: Eric Barnes, Forest chairman, has added his voice to that of Nigel Doughty in backing David Platt. He said: "I am disappointed for David. None of us expected to be where we are now. We want to be doing better but nothing has changed my view that we have the right man."

November 19 1999

Doughty Backs Platt: Nigel Doughty is backing David Platt in his bid to get Forest back into the Premiership. Doughty has given Platt two seasons in which to get Forest back into the top flight and says that Platt already has the nucleus of a side capable of winning promotion.

November 18 1999

Platt Rubbishes Rumour: David Platt has rubbished today's rumours (The Sun and Radio 5) which reported that Mark Crossley would be going to Sheffield Wednesday and Kevin Pressman would be coming to The City Ground in a straight swap deal.

November 17 1999

Crossley Rejects Contract: Mark Crossley has today rejected a new four year contract with Forest. Crossley has stated that he hopes to spend the rest of his career with Forest, however, Forest don't seem that keen on keeping him. The new contract, despite being for four years only matches his current �7000 a week for the first year, after that the contract reduces by �1000 a week each of the remaining years, meaning he would be down to �4000 a week in his last year. Crossley, unsurprisingly, is not happy with the deal.

November 16 1999

Forest Will Wait For Stern: Forest look like they may have to wait for Stern John to make his debut. It is extremely doubtful that he will be available for selection this Saturday. Forest already have a work permit for the striker but there is still a lot of work to be done getting the player over here, settled in and training with the team. There is a possibility that he may be available for next Wednesday's game at The City Ground against Portsmouth, but this is still only a slim possibility at this time.

And lets not forget that John has just played a full season in the American MLS, so some sort of rest period is going to be required.

November 15 1999

Here Comes Stern: The big news today is that Forest have finally won the race for Stern John's signature. The 22 year-old Trinidad and Tobago international has joined Forest and will be arriving at The City Ground within the next few days after being granted a work permit.

November 14 1999

Forest Stuffed By Terriers: Forest lost at The City Ground today, for the first time this season. Huddersfield Town were the visitors and ran out worthy 1-3 winners. Poor defending was responsible for the first two Huddersfield goals, and Alan Rogers managed to sneak in Forest's consolation in first half injury time. Forest started the second half brightly, but a true cock up on Steve Chettle's part saw him pass the ball straight to Wjinhard to slot it into an empty net for the Terriers third goal. Very depressing, need I say more!

November 12 1999

Forest Clinch �2m Sponsorship Deal: Forest have announced today that they have clinched a new �2million pound sponsorship deal with current club sponsors Pinnacle Insurance. This new deal will take the clubs income from sponsorship up to nearly �1million a year.

The deal will be officially completed at half-time during the match against Huddersfield at the City Ground on Sunday when Mr. Chris Schwick, Pinnacle chief executive, and Forest chairman Eric Barnes will sign the deal in the centre-circle.

Team News For Sunday: Forest are still sweating on the fitness of Riccy Scimeca who is listed as 'extremely doubtful' for Sundays game. David Platt, Nigel Quashie and Matthieu Louis-Jean all miss the game through suspension. Mikkel Beck looks certain to make his Forest debut playing alongside Dougie Freedman.

November 11 1999

Royal Visit For Forest: Forest have announced they have received confirmation that H. R. H. The Duke Of  Edinburgh will perform the official opening of the club's new study centre. The official opening will take place on Thursday 9 December when the Duke will unveil a commemorative plaque at the ground.

Phil Soar, Chief executive said: "It's a tremendous honour for the club to receive recognition from Buckingham Palace for the work that has gone into creating this marvelous centre."

November 10 1999

Its Beck: Jim smith has had a change of heart over the loan deal for Mikkel Beck. He has now given his permission for Beck to join Forest on loan for two months. The normal loan rules will apply and Derby will have a 24 hour recall option during his second month. Beck is expected to play some part in Sunday's game against Huddersfield.

This evening the sounds of joyous laughter can be heard all around Pride Park.

November 9 1999

Stan Splits With Agent: Stan Collymore has announced today that he has split from his agent of five years, Paul Stretford. The split comes after Stretford said Stan was wrong, not just about Forest but about the other moves as well. 

Louis-Jean Suspended: Matthieu Louis-Jean has been handed a mandatory one match suspension after picking up five yellow cards this season. He will miss Sunday's game against Huddersfield.

November 8 1999

Jim Smith Does Forest A Favour: Today's Derby Evening Telegraph reports the following: Derby County manager Jim Smith has rejected a bid from Nottingham Forest to take Dean Sturridge to the City Ground on loan. Sturridge remains on the transfer list and while Derby County would consider a cash offer, Smith said: �I will not let him go on loan at the moment.

November 7 1999

Merson Rumour Confirmed: The Sunday Papers are confirming today that Forest did indeed approach Aston Villa to take Paul Merson on loan. They also confirm that Villa chairman Doug Ellis has blocked the move as he is only interested in a permanent deal until he can offload some of the expensive flops that John Gregory has lumbered him with.

November 6 1999

Forest Lose again: Forest lost today's match at Carrow Road 1-0. Both teams played well but it was Norwich who got the only goal of the game. Dougie Freedman had a chance to level the score in injury time when a very poor clearance by Marshall hit the back of one of his own defenders and fell at the feet of Freedman who had an open goal to aim at and managed to hit it wide.

Even though Forest lost the game there were some positives to take from the game, Mark Crossley had his usual excellent game and Ian Woan looked very sharp. Andy Johnson returned from a long term injury and breathed new life into the midfield, and the defence looked much more confident than they have done of late.

November 5 1999

Tomorrow's Team News: With the news that Stan Collymore has turned down the chance to play for Forest again it looks like the front pair will be Dougie Freedman and Marlon Harewood. Alan Rogers is doubtful and awaiting a late fitness test, David Platt and Nigel Quashie are both suspended. This means Riccy Scimeca will probably retain his midfield role and David Prutton will probably start the game. Petrachi, who has started as a sub in the last two games is likely to make the starting line-up and Andy Johnson may be in the squad as well, though only as a sub.

Stan Has Made "A Huge Mistake": Says his agent Paul Stretford, talking about Collymore's decision not to come back to Forest on loan. The agent went on to say: "At the end of the day this is a club where they have held him dear to their hearts, I really think the question is, where does Stan go from here?"

"He has got to take a long hard look at himself and ask some very searching questions because at the moment he is not taking my advice.

"Stan is making a huge mistake in my opinion because he needs to play football. He has got everything in his locker and it is extremely sad that for some reason he can't see that.

"It is not just Nottingham Forest, it is all the other opportunities that he has missed. 

"I have heard the reasons why Stan has turned down Forest but I'm afraid to say that I just cannot agree with them."

November 4 1999

Collymore Says No: Stan Collymore has this evening rejected the chance to come back to The City Ground and try yet again to resurrect his career. The offer was for a three month loan with a view to a permanent move, but Stan has decided to turn down the offer and take his chances at Villa.

Collymore Move Is On: The much talked about move of Stan Collymore is now on. Local papers and radio are all saying that Forest and Villa have now reached agreement on the proposed loan move and quote David Platt as saying "it is now up to Stan".

This evening Century Radio interviewed David Platt and he says that he is meeting with Stan this evening to discuss the final details of the agreement. He is looking to get Stan signed up by 5:00 tomorrow as that is the deadline for Stan to be available for the Norwich game on Saturday.

Burns Move Is On: John Burns is expected to complete his move to Bristol City by the weekend. The player has been in Bristol since the weekend to 'look around' and decide if he wanted to move. Burns is valued at £100,000 and the transfer will form part of the Jim Brennan deal.

Christian Edwards, though currently still out injured is also expected to seal his deal with Bristol City by the weekend as well. Edwards is also valued at £100,000.

Johnson Completes 90 Minutes: Andy Johnson successfully completed 90 minutes in last night's reserve friendly game against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. Forest lost the game 6-0 but the positive was Johnson coming through his first full 90 minutes since his Achilles surgery in the summer. He is still some way from full fitness but should start to work his way back into David Platt's first team thoughts in the next couple of weeks.

November 3 1999

Players Want Colly: Although there appears to be mixed feelings among fans to the possible return of Stan Collymore, it would appear that the players would be more than happy to see him return to the banks of the Trent. Mark Crossley said: "I think it would be great for Stan and for Forest if he came back. People still love Stan at the City Ground and if he does come he will make a huge difference."

Riccy Scimeca, who was at Villa with Stan for two years said: "In my opinion it would be no gamble to sign Stan. I spent a few weeks pre-season training with him and he looked really sharp. He has got his personal things sorted out now and all he needs is for someone to give him a chance."

And Ian Woan, who played alongside Stan during his past Forest days went on to say: "It would be a definite boost for the club if he came back."

Of course this all sounds very encouraging, but the one person we really need to hear from at the moment is the man himself, Stan Collymore. He is remaining very quiet on the subject at the moment and of course the biggest question of all is 'Does Stan want to come back to Forest?'

Scholar Sues: The holding company of Nottingham Forest are being sued by ex-members of the board, Irving Scholar and Julian Markham. Their case revolves around the fact that Nigel Doughty was voted in to take a 41% share in the club for what they considered the paltry sum of  �6 million.

Forest issued a statement, saying: "The company and other respondents, together with their advisers, are reviewing the terms of the petition which will be vigorously defended."

Next Step For Johnson: Andy Johnson is taking the next step on the path to a full team come back tonight when he will play in the reserve game against Blackburn at Ewood Park.

Youth Draw Manchester United: Nottingham Forest's Youth team have drawn Manchester United's youth team in the third round of the FA Youth Cup. The tie is to take place at Old Trafford.

November 1 1999

Brennan To Complete Deal: Jim Brennan, Forests new signing from Bristol City is due to make his move to the club permanent this week. Brennan, who made his debut for Forest on Saturday at Barnsley, signed on loan initially, this was to beat the deadline for playing on the Saturday.

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