The hangover begins now. We are now entering summer months in which we must begin to re-build the first-team of a club that was fighting for their place in the playoffs only two seasons ago.

This season was one of disappointment for the Forest faithful; we were expecting so much from out beautiful club. We were expecting that we would now be re-building our squad as we are, but not ready for another Division One campaign- but for the English top-flight.

Our dreams were shattered last season, though. Thousands of us had purchased season tickets ready to watch Paul Hart's Red Army demolish anybody in their way as part of a charge right up the table to gain promotion. That was not to be, though. In the summer we were looking to make our side that just missed out in the playoffs that little bit stronger. Instead, we sold of a lot of our prize assets, brought in a few crap players right at the end of pre-season, and every player with any worth whatsoever was being linked with a move away from the City Ground. This didn't seem to change our expectations though and, still, we all expected Paul Hart to works some of his magic, which we believed could help him achieve everything with nothing.

We started the season off well. Sunderland had just been relegated after spending more than just the one season in the Premiership and we knew, well thought we did, that if we could go out their and beat the 'Black Cats' that we could beat anybody we desired. It was not so. We did manage to grab ourselves a 2-0 victory and we were doing well over the next few games... but after that it just went downhill. In the middle of the season we went what seemed like an eternity without a win. But despite this some fans and the chairman Nigel Doughty, remained loyal to 'Harty.'

The fact that we were no longer involved in a fight for promotion, but one at the wrong end of the table finally crept up on us. But was it too late? By this time we were getting closer and closer to the relegation zone and it seemed there was nothing we could do about it. Despite this, however, those said fans still sung Hart's praises at games whilst the ‘A Block’ would slate the silent majority if we ever called for Paul Hart's head. Even when Derby County were above us in the league table!

When the time had finally come to sack Hart, and Doughty had finally plucked up the courage, we were in the relegation zone and involved in a dogfight. We were in desperate need of a win. When Joe Kinnear was appointed as Nottingham Forest manager, many fans, including myself, had reservations about this guy’s ability to manage since his heart scare- I mean, managing the Reds is no mean feat; sometimes our expectations are just too high.

Under BFJ, though, our performances did improve immensely, and the Guinness-drinking manager seemed to be able to work a little 'Irish magic' in the transfer market! He brought in some quality loan players in Alan Rogers, Nicky Barmby, Andy Impey and Paul Gerrard and eventually sent the appalling Michael Stewart packing! It turned out that Kinnear was able to do magic and that our reservations were wrong. He turned our club around, steering us away from the foot of the table, and in our last few games seeing us reach a respectable 14th place with a run of 3 consecutive victories in our last 3 games, despite the fact we had one of the leagues hardest run-ins.

Now we must continue next season in much the same way as we ended this one. In order to do this we must go out looking for players, gambling on maybe the superstars of yesteryear who we could pick up cheaply- but nothing to expensive. We must take a look at the young stars from the lower leagues and see if they would be able to cut it here. Whoever we buy, we must make sure that we fill the void that will be left with the departure of Andy Reid (If it happens) and just the general positions that we need more depth in. This is where I think Kinnear will succeed where Paul Hart failed- and once again may Premiership football come back to The City Ground.

Forestfc.co.uk’s Player of the Season – Andy Reid

Two seasons ago Andy Reid was a fat slob. Harsh? Maybe. But ‘Reidy’ was on the verge of being released along with Keith Foy if he wasn’t to improve his fitness levels.

Since the embarrassment of being told he was too fat to play for Forest, however, Andy Reid has, in Paul Hart’s word’s, “worked his socks off.” He is now one of the fittest players on the team and one of the hardest working players on the field. He’s a little greedy at times, but he makes up with that with the impressive goals he scores. In fact, Andy Reid was or top-scorer this season from a midfield position. And each goal was worthy of winning the Goal of the Month competition!

Forestfc.co.uk’s Most Improved Player – Gareth Williams

Under Paul Hart was excruciatingly bad. Some of the moves he made would make you, quite simply, wince at the very sight!

When Joe Kinnear took over, though, Williams showed himself to be a different player. No longer the weak, courage-lacking mess that we saw previously in the campaign- but a Scottish braveheart who would get stuck in their should need arise, and score some important goals.

Forestfc.co.uk’s Worst Buy of the Season – Danny Sonner

Why ‘Harty’ ever felt the need to purchase a Walsall reject I will never know- but Danny Sonner is one of the worst players I have ever seen in a Forest jersey. Yes, he always gives 100% when he plays, and you can see that. Well done. Sadly, mate, 100% is just not always good enough. In other word’s YOU are not good enough to play for US.

Joe Kinnear has said that if the Northern-Irish international cannot find another club then he might re-evaluate his situation. Oh, God, please no! Don’t sign him just because he can’t find another club. Don’t make the same mistakes Hart makes. Please.

Forestfc.co.uk’s Best buy of the Season – Paul Evans

Paul Evans is the best buy I have ever seen. I suppose 25k would be a bargain for any player, but when that player is Paul Evans you know you’ve got something special.

Evans has only played a few matches for us so far as we only bought him towards the end of the campaign- but the Welsh-dragon is a master at winning the ball from midfield and is extremely brave and determined. If Joe Kinnear continues to make buys like this promotion is a certainty.

Forestfc.co.uk’s most dramatic/atmospherical match of the Season – Sheffield United 1-2 Nottingham Forest

I don’t really travel away that often- but this match was something special. It was actually my First trip to Bramall Lane and I was a little worried about the fact that the away supporters could not even have the privilege of a sound system- let alone a scoreboard!

The match, though, was not lacking one bit. Well, I don’t really know if the football that was played was any better than usual, but the atmosphere that us fans created was brilliant. Never before have I sung so loud. Never before have I had side cramp from singing my heart out. Forest fans give yourselves a pat on the back- I couldn’t here a single Sheffield United song bar the one we chanted **** over. And on their forum it said that was the loudest they’ve ever been. Dear Lord.

Forestfc.co.uk’s Best Performance of the Season – Nottingham Forest 6-0 Wimbledon

Not often to we win 6-0. But it’s a nice occasion when we do so- albeit against the bottom of the table team. I’m not really going to write much about this game as the score-line tells you all you need to know.

Final Thought –

This season is one we must learn from. The mistakes that we made must not be made again. If a tactic does not work, do not be reluctant to change it. If there’s money to be spent, then spend it on quality- do not panic buy. And most importantly: Never give up. Look at Ian Dowie’s Crystal Palace. They never gave up and moved from relegation-certs to a Premiership side; and with a little determination combined with a hint of luck we can do the same.

The Recipe for Success:

Bravery.

Determination.

Passion.

Pride.

Patience.

Wise-spending.