Nottingham Forest haven't exactly covered themselves in glory this season. On their third manager of the campaign, the focus has switched sharply to Sean Dyche in recent weeks - the impressive job of steadying the ship almost forgotten in the wake of a bad run of five losses in six games. Arnaud Kalimuendo has already been shipped out to Eintracht Frankfurt on loan - presumably with a replacement striker arriving soon - while the others may well still come good; albeit not in time for this season.
Nottingham Forest haven't exactly covered themselves in glory this season.
On their third manager of the campaign, the focus has switched sharply to Sean Dyche in recent weeks - the impressive job of steadying the ship almost forgotten in the wake of a bad run of five losses in six games.
Friday's defeat by Wrexham all rested on that first-half performance, the manager clearly angry at the fringe players for failing to step up.
Is it right to publicly admonish many of last summer's signings? Maybe, maybe not… either way it points to recent recruitment not living up to expectations.
Arnaud Kalimuendo has already been shipped out to Eintracht Frankfurt on loan - presumably with a replacement striker arriving soon - while the others may well still come good; albeit not in time for this season.
With the exception of Igor Jesus, Omari Hutchinson and Nicolo Savona, the new arrivals have not exactly strengthened a squad that had hoped to compete in the league and three cup competitions.
Just the Europa League now remains alongside a struggling Premier League campaign and Dyche is understandably under pressure.
Admittedly, much of it is not of his making - and many of our troubles existed before his arrival in October - but that doesn't excuse the results and performances in recent weeks.
Forest are still vulnerable from set-pieces, struggle to look threatening in front of goal and lack any distinct style of play.
Players seem to lack urgency and motivation. Surely that is all down to the manager?
That said, do we ignore the impressive 3-0 wins over Liverpool and Spurs?
The defensive discipline, midfield dominance and attacking flair of those games occurred before the downturn - which coincided with the departure of Ibrahim Sangare to Afcon.
Dyche is dealing with the turmoil of what has gone before, the upheaval unsettling for everyone on the pitch, on the terraces and in the boardroom.
No, you can't excuse the poor form.
But you can hope that things will turn around again. He might not last beyond the summer at the City Ground but there is evidence that Dyche is more than capable of delivering the basics.
But he, the players and the fans all need to pull through this together.
Find more from Pat Riddell at The Famous Club
Category: General Sports
