Forest legend Burns fears club could be left behind after failure to make signings
NOTTINGHAM Forest legend Kenny Burns fears the club will quickly be left behind after failing to strengthen before the transfer window slammed shut last night.
Swansea midfielder Darren Pratley and Cardiff winger Peter Whittingham had been top of manager Billy Davies' wish-list, with the Reds having earlier bids rejected.
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Forest failed to land Darren Pratley
But by the time the window closed at 6pm yesterday, there were no fresh arrivals at the City Ground.
It was a major blow to Davies, who last season led the Reds to third in the Championship, only to lose to Blackpool in the play-off semi-finals.
He had called for at least four stellar signings in the transfer window, to bolster the chances of reaching the Premier League by next summer.
But Burns, who won the European Cup with Forest in 1979 and 1980, now fears the season could go the other way.
He said: "I would love to see the club reach the Premier League – they went so close last season.
"But I find it unbelievable that no new signings have come in before the window closed. It is a real blow.
"It leaves the club standing still while everybody else is driving past us. That's what has happened.
"You have to remember James Perch went to Newcastle and Julian Bennett and Joe Garner have gone out on loan. Only Ryan Bertrand has come in.
"The club wanted to build on last season but I fear that won't happen now.
"I am not saying spend, spend, spend. I understand every club has their limits, in terms of transfer fees and wage demands of players.
"But the dressing room needed an injection of new blood, new faces before the window shut. A lot of people will be feeling really disappointed. I am one of them."
Now the only option is the loan market until the transfer window re-opens in the new year.
"That's a long time away," said Burns. "The aim is always to get better and better. To do that, you have to add players to improve the squad, while moving people out.
"It's like buying a new house. It's great but you add to it to make it even better, maybe put on a conservatory or add extra touches.
"That hasn't happened at Forest. The club has stood still while others go past."
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by tasbri, Tasmania
Friday, September 03 2010, 3:03AM
“I was a Forest fanatic pre 1970 and still am for that matter. A correspondent says surely someone must want to sign for Forest. Let me say Forest are a well respected and well known club still in this part of the World. However apart from the Brian Clough, Billy Walker and Johnnie Carey golden days the management of the Club has always been suspect. It obviously still is. I'm sorry to say this but unless we get a large investment of cash from possibly some overseas investor the Club will move between the Championship and League Div. 1 on a too regular basis This year unless things alter radically we will be bottom half I'm afraid”
by lamps, GWR - RHS
Thursday, September 02 2010, 7:05PM
“http://www.givemefootball.com/transfer-details?player=26681&playerID=9493
http://www.givemefootball.com/transfer-details?player=18431&playerID=2
http://www.givemefootball.com/transfer-details?player=18421&playerID=6500
The last time I looked these were available, all for nothing, 1 for now and 1 for the future and a lad who has been doing it at this level and scored goals.”
by Posh Red, Peterborough
Wednesday, September 01 2010, 11:37PM
“Let us give thanks that the Magnificent ND and his dubious sidekicks have saved us from the fate of the likes of Cardiff City by their prudent financial approach.
What a ridiculous, 'sail close to the wind' club Cardiff City have proved to be.
Kept their existing squad, added to it with 5 top quality Prem loan players including the 'never to be seen in the Championship again' Craig Bellamy, wages paid predominantly by their wealthy home clubs, and destined for Automatic Promotion!
Thank goodness for the prudent MD and MA.
Hang on!....it couldn't possibly be that we don't know what we're doing and the likes of Cardiff do?
No....surely....could it?”
by George Dixon, Nottingham by the Sea
Wednesday, September 01 2010, 11:18PM
“Billy and Nigel are not talking. If Billy left Derby under a cloud are we seeing a pattern? What was Billy doing in the the Riverbank at 6.00 o'clock on Tuesday on his mobile, well clear of others ears and his accompanying trio of coaching staff? Was he arranging a job interview? If he can't develop and coach the young talent available he needs to go for the sake of the club.
C'mon you Reds!!”
by Big Jim, Beechdale
Wednesday, September 01 2010, 10:33PM
“Never fear Danny Shittu to sign in next couple of days as a shortened version of his name is what the club have been feeding us fans on for quite some time...”