Billy Davies pledges to strengthen Forest squad
Billy Davies today pledged to beef up his Nottingham Forest squad in the January transfer window.
Giving his first press conference at the club, the new Forest boss said: "There are short, medium and long term goals. In the short term, we will look at the squad situation, the age group, and we know we have to beef up the squad in the short term.
"You don't need to be a mathematician to know what is required.
"It's still early. I've spoken to the players this morning and it's a blank sheet of paper for everyone. Everybody will have the opportunity to prove themselves.
"We will assess everybody. We cannot afford to rush too quickly, signing players for the sake of it."
Speaking about his 13 months out of the game, he said: "I've enjoyed the break, it has given me time to reflect and organise and have a think about what's taken place. But I am delighted to be back.
"There were one or two other offers before but I felt this was right and I went with my gut i nstinct. It feels right. It's a massive challenge and an exciting challenge."
Davies has managed both Rob Earnshaw and Kelvin Wilson at other clubs in the past.
"I've said to Rob and to Kelvin that what has taken place remains in the past. It's a different club, a different environment," he said.
"I know how football works and I've welcomed Rob with open arms.
"I've no intention of letting him go or anybody else. I will lay down markers and let everyone prove exactly what they are worth."
Davies said he will not be looking for players of a certain age in the January transfer window.
"It is not necessarily about experience," he said.
"I will be looking for good players, not ones of a certain age.
"I've got young players, I just need to give them support and guidance."
He also paid tribute to his predecessor, Colin Calderwood.
"I must say Colin Calderwood has done a fantastic job and so have his staff here in bringing players through.
"It's just unfortunate that he is another casualty of football and he should be very proud. And like myself at Derby, it was just time for a change."
Davies confirmed he will remain in the stands at Manchester City tomorrow and not interfere with team selection before taking official control on Monday.
He added: "The players should look forward to it and enjoy the challenge. These are the memories to treasure from the game - to go out there and enjoy themselves. It's a fantastic game of football to be involved in."
Club chief executive Mark Arthur said: "I think the most important thing was to get a manager who had tangible Championship experience and tangible success in the Championship.
"He was the first and only choice, Billy's name was top of our list."
He said any acquisitions during January would have to be right for the club.
"We have always made funds available and it is up to Billy who he wants to bring in. And while we have funds, we will not be stupid," he said.
"The acquisitions have to be right for the club and not a knee-jerk reaction."
The club also confirmed today that goal-keeping coach Barry Richardson has opted to leave Forest after rejecting an alternative role within the club.
119 Comments
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by S, Wilford
Saturday, January 03 2009, 10:03AM
“Ahh marthur, got to love that spin!
Did marthur play cricket? That was his doosra, didn't see it until it was too late son.
Marthur, I hear George Bush is looking for a spin doctor in about a month or so's time :)”
by Mickely, Cambridge
Saturday, January 03 2009, 1:44AM
“SAVE JOHN PEMBERTON please. I can't be at the match this afternoon. Please SING for John Pemberton, he deserves our thanks for all he is doing at Forest. He must stay. If the Davies thing goes wrong, Pemberton will be our rock.”
by Steve, Gunthorpe Pie
Saturday, January 03 2009, 12:51AM
“best thing thats happened for NOTTS all year. Go hug that tree.”
by Josh, Wink
Saturday, January 03 2009, 12:49AM
“Oh yeah an whilst I'm at it, I notice the cowardly little muppett won't take responsibilty for tommorrow. He''ll leave it to Pembo before sacking him for one of his mates. Dean Windass and Robbie Savage heading this way people, plus two blokes from Scotland you've never heard of. We need EXPERIENCE!!!!!!!! Like what Billy has got.”
by Josh, Wink
Saturday, January 03 2009, 12:32AM
“Those watching BD and thinking it was an impressive PC must have been watching something else. Point one he made was about leaving, point two was about us being finacially being better off (I'm figuring that ain't me and thee by the way) and the final point seemed to be that he's managing some team called Notts Forest. But hey, so long as the nasty Jimmy Kranky lookalike ain't kicking and rushing his miserable way through my football club I don't mind. I mean hey, we wouldn't appoint someone whose last job had resulted in the most commical team in footballing history woud we!? That'd be silly!!!!! Ah but I'm forgetting he has experence!!!!!!! ONE WIN IN THE PRIMIERSHIP AND MILLIONS WASTED WOO HOO I'M SO EXCITED I JUST CAN'T HIDE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
by steve, Nottm
Friday, January 02 2009, 10:38PM
“Put those of Pardew , Bothroyd,Dowie and even Hoddle on the same table mate and explain to me why ND/MA insist on employing a manager guaranteed to cause uproar amongst Forest fans? It baffles me.”
by James, Oakham
Friday, January 02 2009, 10:28PM
“I cannot believe Forest fans are already moaning about Billy Davies. He has not even started work yet. I wanted Nigel Clough too. But put both there CV's on a table. Now remove there names. Which one would you appoint ????? Lets get behind the manager between now and the end of the season”
by Stenners, Leeds
Friday, January 02 2009, 9:59PM
“I think we'll nick it tomorrow.”
by Leicesterred, Leicester
Friday, January 02 2009, 9:29PM
“Wow - what on earth has happened to everybody! You`ve all gone nuts. I often log in to this site to catch up on the latest Reds news and views etc. Always slightly worried about some of the views expressed on here ie how did he manage to get access to a computer!But the recent views and out pourings against Billy Davies`s appointment have lowered the bar to its lowest point ever! Have you got any idea what you`re doing?The media have picked up on this so called discontented set of Forest supportersand theyre just loving it!They`ve got their story! In the eyes of the football world we are a club just waiting to implode - again! And did I hear someone mention a demonstration!? Totally amazing.”
by steve, Nottm
Friday, January 02 2009, 9:05PM
“My apologies Doug. Could you please point out the potential Archie amongst the Derby rejects Billy is likely to burden us with? I won`t ask for another OHare/McGovern if thats ok though. They were never up amongst my fave ever Forest players.
Thanks in advanve
Yours always
Steve xx”