Here we go again...

Last time I wrote a blog about THE game, I wrote it with an air of optimism that the clash between the two teams was going to be (finally) a great match of football between the two.

Unfortunately my team were less than impressive that day- who am I kidding? We were diabolical. And the only good football came from Derby. Although it still leaves a bad taste in many Red Dog's mouths, I think it's safe to say we're  now recovered from that shambolic time and feeling much better about the future of our club.

So the first thing to say is, and I quote the title, "Here we go again..."

I was planning on writing my blog the day before the game although I wasn't really expecting to wake up this morning being quite the shaking nervous-wreck state that I am. I am fine now though. I think...

I say last time (march) I had an air of optimism for an all round good clash for the two teams, admittedly on the morning of the game I looked at our remaining players, the possible team selection and the manager at the helm and I felt a tear drop. It was less to be desired from most clubs and after scanning over our team selection this year, there aren't many of those left who attempted- again who am I kidding- who rolled over that day and allowed our bitter rivals to rip through us with ease.

It was a well and truly sorry time for the club. I remember seeing a large amount of Derby fans obviously thrilled with that result but knew that what they'd witnessed was nothing less than a broken club and some even showed remorse for that. It was great sportsmanship between rivals. Of course us reds were on the receiving end of some serious crap and still continuing banter, though not all good I must admit.

And then of course I have to go into the fact that Zamora put a silver lining onto a very dismal season on the banks of the Trent. Yes I will quote Derby fans, it must be bad if the highlight of your season was your local rivals being defeated in the play off final. Mine personally was Leicester away for the atmosphere and Derby at home because even though the 5-0 takes centre stage, we did actually get three points off our rivals last year... but the Play-off final defeat is definitely in the top five of the highlights of our season for me. So yes, over all, it sums up what Forest were at the time. I need not say much about the Billy Davies saga... We've both had our laughs from last year, so let's move on to this season.

This year is a different ball game. For both of our clubs,

The 5-0 will forever be etched in the minds of our Derby fans, similarly the same way the 5-2 stayed with Forest fans, and the play off defeat will bring Forest fans glee for a while, similarly how the Blackpool, Swansea, Yeovil... yeah you get my drift.

But it's a new season.

Forest and Derby fans don't agree on much, Brian Clough is one thing, and the Forest/Derby fixture being our biggest fixture of the season is the other. That's about as far as it goes. I could regret saying this again, tomorrows local derby has got the potential to be the biggest and best clash in years. It isn't very often lately that we get two top teams in Forest and Derby. The closest was March. But this season once again, we have Championship favorites, last seasons prolific goal scorers and currently sitting in 12th place, Derby County, and a rejuvenated, big spending and currently sitting top of the table Nottingham Forest facing each other. The league positions at this stage of the season are irrelevant to an extent, but it gives a mild example of how the teams have started their seasons off.

With the money ambition of Nottingham Forest over the summer period, the club should, on paper, be at, or near about the top anyway (although we all know it doesn't really work like that). I do try and have a balanced view for these things but I am always in danger of having a bias view- however this year I'm sure when I see the team selection I will be shedding a tear for a good reason. Joking aside, it's not very often that  I get truly excited by team selections and positioning, but this season, so far, every game, I've mouthed "WOW" at my phone on receiving the team sheet. The signings of Assombalonga, Matty Fryatt and Forest's POTM Michail Antonio in particular making impacts on the score sheet, while the additions of Michael Mancienne and Jack Hunt have proved very impressive defensively. 

The recent come backs from Reid, Lansbury, Hobbs, Lichaj and Cohen, to name a few have almost came as new signings to us. A sigh of relief as all players are back from injury and are available for selection. This is something the red side of the Trent are not used to. 

Forest have started the season in good form, winning six and drawing one, as well as securing a place in the League Cup 3rd Round away at Spurs. Fast fluent football, quick passing passion has all been injected back into the squad since the arrival of new manager and club legend Stuart Pearce. Eyebrows were raised and questions were asked of Pearce's ability to manage, especially a team with such expectation, but so far so good since his return to a club he regularly admits he holds dearly in his heart. 

Over-all the performances have been very good. Forest have taken stumbles sometimes in games, notably against Sheffield Wednesday who proved a very difficult team to beat and who we were lucky to come away with the three points at the end. The defense must have credit for this, they fought valiantly. The other game which shook Forest was Bournemouth, who were on top for about 70 minutes of the game, hammering us again and again on the attack but only managing to score once. The 2-1 victory was a fantastic win, even though it was a snatch and run. 

The team is new and gelling, but still looking very impressive despite this. 

Derby County on the other hand suffered miserably in the Play Offs in May, something which Forest fans can relate to an awful lot. The first season of real pressure and challenge since relegation from the Premier League have left Derby fans, despite the defeat, rightly so, very optimistic for the new season. Despite not making as many signings as their bitter rivals, they have impressively landed new deals on all major and well loved players. Bryson in particular was a big name to sign on paper, as was Jamie Ward and the recent extension deal for Chris Martin. Derby's core squad offer a lot of talent, as the championship were made aware of through the course of last season. The arrival of Steve McLaren after the same fixture last season lit a spark at Derby and sent them on what seemed like a never ending run of good performances and impressive results. 

Derby, possibly have not started the season as well as fans had have hoped. Championship favorites at the start of the season and high hopes probably were looking for better performances on the field. I haven't watched Derby this season (except the Carlisle game on Television) though after speaking to fans, some performances have left little inspiration. Though once again it is September- no panic buttons yet. 

The signing of George Thorne was my "yeah that's a great deal for them" signing. Unfortunately another bad injury for him will see him out for around 9 months. Derby player or not, it's not nice to see players out for long periods of time with bad injuries. The addition of Christie from Coventry is proving a fans hit and there are regular good reports both from the press and fans about him. Ibe on loan from Liverpool could possibly feature for the Rams- though this is a maybe as he has not yet featured as a Derby player. 

The results from Derby so far have been good despite some eyebrow raising performances (again from what I've heard). 4 wins from 7 is nothing to frown about and dropping points against in form Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton is also, nothing to really worry about. It's early doors yet. 

I repeat, this could be one of the best footballing local derbies for years in the East Midlands and a great advert for the championship. If all stays well at Forest, we should be challenging for promotion this year and Derby are more than likely going to find a good run of form again. The chances of both teams being 'up there' at the end of the season are very likely; though this is the Championship, and what an unpredictable sod it can be at times. 

The game will of course have meaning to it as Forest and Derby are planning a 10th minute applause for the man who put us both on the footballing map. 10 years on Saturday since Brian Clough passed. I hope everyone joins in and honors the great man. RIP.

It is sure to be a feisty, nasty encounter with a fantastic atmosphere.

I never like to call these games. Forest are slightly tipped bookies faves to win, but it's a local derby, and form doesn't count for anything. I hope everyone has a good SAFE day. 

  oh... Come on you reds!