COLIN Calderwood today insisted he is still the man to get Nottingham Forest out of trouble in the Championship – but it may already be too late for the Reds manager, who could be heading for the exit door at the City Ground.

The defiant Scot pledged that he was still the best person to steer Forest out of the relegation zone, following their 0-0 draw with relegation rivals Doncaster Rovers.

But it is understood that the hierarchy may be close to losing patience with Calderwood and are seriously considering whether to replace him before they face Barnsley on Saturday. Former Notts boss Sam Allardyce and ex-Rams manager Billy Davies are already being linked with the job.

Last night, Calderwood remained defiant, vowing that the fans who called for his head at the final whistle were wrong and promising that he would still guide the club to safety in the Championship.

"I am the perfect man (for the job)," he said. "This (criticism) seems to be part and parcel of the job. A poor second half on Saturday has put the spotlight on us again and we accept that.

"But I know we are good as a squad. I know I am good."

Calderwood faced a barrage of abuse, even as he went over to thank the Forest fans for their support at the final whistle.

But he feels he still has the backing of the majority of fans, saying: "The positive people still overwhelmed the negative ones though, I still feel there will be a few of them who will go home with red shirts and red faces. That is the way I feel really.

"I have nothing to hide from and the right response was there from seven-eighths of the Forest fans who shouted above the others.

"Everyone has an opinion – and mine is that we will survive. My opinion of them could be slightly different. It is not helpful to the team and that is what I would like them to think about.

"The fans will come round, just as they did last season."

Calderwood knows that only a win against Barnsley will suffice on Saturday.

"In terms of the season as a whole, we have to collect points at home, if we can do that then points like this one (at Doncaster) will start to look very precious," said Calderwood. "I don't know if Saturday is must win in particular.

"Barnsley at home is a game we have to take three points from.

"We have had 18 of those already and this is another."

We have to address the situation and the sooner we do that, the sooner we can give ourselves the allowance of enjoying the final games of the season.

"It is nonsense (the fan reaction). But it is a reflection of where we are in the league and I will accept it. But what I don't like is that it spreads to the players who are giving a wholehearted effort – they deserve better than that.

"It is not particularly frustrating for me because I know it is a situation we can change. If we win a few matches we will get them back on side. The fans only want the same thing as we want.

"It was a tense game and after an onslaught in the opening 20 minutes the play has been balanced.

"It was only a slip by Lee Camp that gave them any opportunity, aside from a great attempt from Elliott, over his shoulder.

"I think we were dominant in terms of going into the game and knowing how to play against them. I was very pleased because we solved problems on the pitch ourselves.

"There was a real good level of communication, there was determination and we were rewarded with a point – which suits every one else in the league and probably neither of us.

"We are equipped to beat anyone in this division. I know the stats don't prove that, but we are here to back that up.

"We gave a good account of ourselves, we showed a good bit of experience, which was pleasing.

"We are four matches unbeaten away from home now and we have been ahead in two of those games, while also taking a victory at Crystal Palace. That is a good return from our away games."

"There was very little in the game for both teams, but we had the better of the opportunities and the best effort. We grew into the game and we survived a strong point from Doncaster so we are satisfied."