Forest land keeper on loan
NOTTINGHAM Forest have landed Everton keeper Iain Turner on loan for the rest of the season.
The 24-year-old Scotland international will be brought straight into the Reds squad to face top-of-the-table Wolves on Saturday.
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Iain Turner
Forest manager Billy Davies has moved into the transfer market to provide regular keeper Paul Smith with the competition he believes will inspire him to regain his best form.
Smith has come under fire in recent weeks with a handful of mistakes – culminating in a soft first goal in the 5-0 defeat at Burnley on Saturday – dealing a blow to his confidence.
Turner, who has had successful loan spells at Chester, Doncaster, Wycombe, Crystal Palace and Sheffield Wednesday – but who has not played a competitive game in almost two years – is almost certain to be drafted into the starting line-up.
But Davies still has faith in Smith's ability and believes the challenge of having to fight for his place can spur him on.
"I will tell him to keep his head up," said Davies. "I will tell him to keep working away, to keep doing the right things; to get his basics right.
"Competition is important."
Forest had been in talks with several Premiership clubs in an effort to land a player on loan, as Davies did not believe either of his young back-up keepers, Paddy Gamble and Shane Redmond, were ready to be plunged into the relegation fight.
"They lack experience," he said. "Ultimately, as a manager, sometimes the answer is simple. Rotation and competition are the answer and having the chance to rest players when they need it."
Forest are still waiting to hear if Aston Villa will allow former Reds striker Marlon Harewood to return to the City Ground.
"We are looking for the balance in the side and a Marlon Harewood-type would certainly help us, that is for sure," said Davies.
"What we do know is that his type of striker, since we first came into the club, was always a priority for us."
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by Fulwoodred, Preston
Friday, March 20 2009, 9:19AM
“Having witnessed the shambles at Turf Moor the need for a goalkeeper who commands his box and a big target man has never been more evident. But it was obvious last Summer. Despite all Smith's clean sheets in Division One he is a shot stopper who never looks comfortable in leaving his line and inspires panic in his back four. The difference with Lee Camp in goal was amazing. Big Brian Jensen, the Burnley Keeper showed how it should be done bulldozing through a ruck of players to claim a long high ball around the penalty spot.
If we go down and I think our chances of survival are less than 50/50 it will be because of our failure to replace Smith and sign a big striker last Summer. Calderwood assembled 4 strikers, Tyson, Earnshaw, Cole and Garner, none of whom can function well as a pair and all of whom needto play off a target man. This was absolute lunacy as was the failure to rectify this clanger by a transfer window or loan signing. It is galling to see Jon Parkin banging the goals in for Preston North End on loan from Stoke. If we had signed such a player we would be clear of relegation worries. The acquisitions panel has to go and Billy Davies has to be given full control over player recruitment. If we go down I think he will walk. It is obvious he is already sick of interference from the appalling Mark Arthur and David Pleat.”
by Manager, BZR
Thursday, March 19 2009, 10:07PM
“No such thing as bad publicity.
Loyal Forest fans stay away.
Attendance could offend.”
by davvo, alvo
Thursday, March 19 2009, 9:54PM
“Smelling teacher Long Eaton ( wheres that ) There is no such word as youre it is you are you thick tw.t”
by Red, Murphy
Thursday, March 19 2009, 9:53PM
“I have a problem
I love Forest
I hate Direby.
I dislike Billy intensely.
I shout my head off every saturday in support of the team.
I meet some of them in the city on patricks night and they are arrogant drunken premadonnas.
Who will help them?”
by Steve, Woodthorpe
Thursday, March 19 2009, 9:47PM
“Passed Lewis McGugan running up Gedling Road yesterday at about 9pm.
I told him the Friar Tuck didn't shut till 11pm. He stuck 2 fingers up at me, I replied that's right - you've got 2 hours drinking time.
:D
Yes I really did pass Lewis.... ok I made the rest up.”