Davies faces 'impossible' fight to keep Reds strikers happy
BILLY Davies today admitted he faces an impossible challenge to keep all six of Nottingham Forest's strikers happy.
But he insisted: "They'll all have a part to play."
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Billy Davies
Last season's 17-goal top scorer Robert Earnshaw has started only two Championship games this season and summer signing Dele Adebola has been in the starting line-up just five times.
And, while Nathan Tyson and Joe Garner have both been regularly involved – it has normally been in wide positions on the Forest flanks.
Manager Davies concedes that it is tough to keep all of his front players happy.
But he insisted that all of them will be needed between now and the end of the Championship campaign.
"It is difficult to keep players happy, because they want to be playing," said Davies.
"David McGoldrick is a top player and was top scorer at his last club. Dele Adebola is a top player and was top scorer at his last club. Dexter Blackstock is a top player and was top scorer at his last club – you are spotting a theme here, aren't you?
"There is serious competition and, for any club to be successful, you need that.
"Over a long, hard season, having five or six strikers is a must.
"Sometimes we will need Robert Earnshaw to play, sometimes it will be Dexter, McGoldrick or Adebola.
"And I still don't disregard Nathan Tyson or Joe Garner when it comes to having a role through the middle.
"At the moment they are playing in wider areas, but I still see them as strikers. In the meantime, they are more than capable of contributing in wide areas."
With Blackstock and Tyson injured, Earnshaw is likely to be included in the squad if he recovers fully from his calf injury when Bristol City visit tomorrow.
And Davies is happy with the strength in depth he has up front – but not in other areas of the pitch.
"That is why, when I look at our squad and ask whether we are ready yet, I say no," he said.
"I am not trying to be clever with that either, nor pull the wool over anyone's eyes. It is a fact.
"Up front, we are ready for competing in Championship football, at this level, yes.
"Whether we are ready for Premiership football (up front). . . we would have to review that carefully.
"When you go up to the next level it is a massive gulf.
"It is a different type of player you need and a different type of approach.
"I would not say that we are not ready, but a serious review would be required if we were to make the next step up."
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by mandy, southwell
Friday, November 06 2009, 11:33PM
“Watched the direby game tonight..my god what a poor team they are.At least coventry did try to play some football as for the rammies old big head must be looking down and thinking what the heck is young nige doing.As for Lily Savage once again he has made a complete and utter A** of himself ,conning the ref that he,d been pole axed by the young coventry player and getting him sent off.He is a disgrace to football.when are refs going to see through this prize idiot .I know one thing he would have never played for Brian again if he had done what he did tonight.They may have won but I cant help but think its only papered over the cracks”
by mandy, southwell
Friday, November 06 2009, 10:49PM
“Alex ,Oxton
The poor old dears probably cant make the night matches , they would miss their horlicks just before bedtime at 9pm...lol”
by T, Notts
Friday, November 06 2009, 10:40PM
“What is there to moan about McKenna tho? the guy's a warrior who doesnt give up. He's the captain we've needed for so long, communicates well and a natural leader. Fires up the team when needed. He also would rather limp off the pitch rather than be stretchered off. What an example for both players and fans.”
by alex, oxton
Friday, November 06 2009, 10:39PM
“Wonder where the missing 5,000 were at county tonight ....only 4,213 there !!!!!!!!!!!!!”
by alex, nottingham
Friday, November 06 2009, 9:27PM
“a, b
i keep seeing you posting on here whining about mckenna seeming to get no criticism from davies and moussi getting a load of stick from davies. how is this true when the name of the article in question yesterday was 'Davies hails Moussi impact for Forest'
explain to me how that is a criticism of moussi??? for gods sake yet again there are some fans who are just never happy and despite the fact forest playing the best football seen for years, and having a great manager, some fans still find time to whine about anything.
you goin the game tomorrow or just going to sit at home??”
by doug, paignton
Friday, November 06 2009, 8:53PM
“sheep 1-0 down go on leon”
by T, Notts
Friday, November 06 2009, 7:52PM
“yes leon best, st anns boy”
by Very Maddog, Mansfield
Friday, November 06 2009, 7:13PM
“Come on Patrick, lay off with the dog and bone stuff mate. Some on us canines could be offended.
Close encounter tomorrow, lots of respect both ways.
Let's defend Amicis.”
by Patrick E Tree, Nottingham
Friday, November 06 2009, 6:29PM
“mandy, you're dead right, Bristol do deserve respect, but it's an indication of how high our confidence is in the Reds at the moment that we fear no-one. They're a good side with an excellent goalkeeper, so not expecting a lot of goals tomorrow, but I agree with whoever else it was that said, someone's gonna cop for it soon. Hope it's the sheep botherers! U Reds!!!”
by Patrick E Tree, Nottingham
Friday, November 06 2009, 6:12PM
“FAO a,b - you're like a dog with a bone mate ( no insult intended). If you're so determined to find out why Billy 'critiscises' Moussi and not McKenna, may I suggest you get yourself a ticket for The Approach on 26th November. Then perhaps you can ask Billy yourself!”