3 reasons Nottingham Forest aren’t down and out

This past weekend Nottingham Forest was dragged back into the dreaded bottom three having kept their heads above the relegation zone since January 4th. Having failed to win in their last nine games, Steve Cooper’s side is currently the bookie’s choice to get relegated along with Southampton and Leicester.

Despite the poor run of form and catastrophic list of injuries, there is still hope that Forest can maintain their Premier League status. Our reporter Max Scott takes a look at three reasons why Forest aren’t down and out.

1. The Nottingham Boys

Forest have a proud record of producing some fantastic talent from their academy, which received category-one status last season. Under the auspices of Gary Brazil, Forest boast the talent of Ryan Yates, Joe Worrall and Brennan Johnson, all of whom play a significant role on and off the pitch for Cooper’s side.

Worrall and Yates occupy the central leadership roles in the squad, being announced as Captain and Vice-Captain before their long-awaited return to the Premier League. Meanwhile, the baby-faced assassin, Brennan Johnson, is Forest’s top goal scorer with ten goals and two assists in his first season in the top flight.

Beyond their ability on the pitch, having a core of homegrown players who understand the history of the club, its traditions and fanbase, is invaluable as Forest goes into what Worrall described as ‘eight cup finals’.

Not many other clubs in Forest’s position have such a passionate set of local players who can drive a shift in the form that Forest so desperately need.

2. The City Ground

Having witnessed a Cloughie-like miracle last season, which saw Steve Cooper take Forest from the bottom of the Championship to playoff winners, The Nottingham Forest faithful are rejuvenated and revived.

The support both home and away has been incredible, but most notably, the City Ground has become one of the most electric atmospheres in English football. Many would say it is this support which played a role in keeping Steve Cooper on the job when results were lacking earlier in the season.

Although their unbeaten run came to end after a 1-2 loss to Newcastle, the frenzied Forest supporters, desperate to see their beloved club survive, is going to be instrumental in creating the conditions for Forest to beat the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal, who are yet to play on the banks of the River Trent.

Thanks to Steve Cooper, there is a strong connection between the fans and the club, which has long been absent. This strength of feeling no doubt can translate onto the pitch as the players seek to put in performances which make the fans proud.

3. Strong Spine

Although it looks like Moussa Niakhate may be a doubt for the upcoming games after suffering a hamstring injury in the final ten minutes at Villa Park, Forest have a talented spine of players capable of getting them out of the bottom three.

Three-time Champions League winner Keylor Navas is between the sticks for The Reds, with Brazilian international Felipe in the heart of Cooper’s defence. The former-Atletico defender has looked like a class act so far and has provided some much-needed stability and composure.

Morgan Gibbs-White has been instrumental for Forest at times this season and can create something from nothing.

With Brennan Johnson and Taiwo Awoniyi spearheading Forest’s attack, there is enough pace, power and skill to get the goals needed to steer clear of relegation.

Although recent form and results have been lacking, there was promise in the performance against Aston Villa. At home against Manchester United this Sunday, Forest has a mountain to climb, but having miraculously ascended to the Premier League, nothing is too steep for Steve Cooper and his side.