Garath McCleary could have key role for Nottingham Forest
STEVE Cotterill today heralded the abilities of Garath McCleary and insisted: "I don't know why he has played so few games for Forest."
The Reds boss believes the winger could have a key role to play between now and the end of the season, as his side looks to pull clear of trouble in the Championship.
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'Talented': Nottingham Forest winger Garath McCleary
McCleary has started only 32 league games since joining from Bromley in January 2008, while making 65 substitute appearances, contributing five goals.
Cotterill admits his surprise that his predecessors have not made more use of the tricky, pacy wide man – and says he is one of the players he is keen to tie to a new deal before his contract expires in the summer.
"I have been really pleased with him since I came here. I cannot believe he has played so few games," he said.
"I think the boy is a talent. I don't see why he has played so few games when he has been here.
"He has been exceptional. He is a fantastic boy and he does very well. Hopefully, it will stay that way and we can get him tied down.
"I would like to keep quite a few of the players who are out of contract and he is definitely among those."
McCleary recently played as a makeshift full-back at West Ham, doing a good job on the right side of the back four.
But Cotterill says he is unlikely to play him there on a regular basis unless there is a desperate need again.
"It is not ideal. Garath did a very good job at West Ham but it is not where you would want to play him on a regular basis," he said.
Cotterill also paid tribute to the influence of Sean O'Driscoll, who was appointed as first-team coach a few weeks ago.
"Having Sean in has helped, because he has been on the training ground and it has allowed me more time where I do not have to worry about the preparation in training," he said.
"January is a bad month, anyway, even if you are the one trying to buy players. It is not an ideal month. It puts managers, chairmen and everyone else under huge strain.
"If you have a big enough squad and you can sell, it is a fantastic month to sell.
"But trying to recruit players through that period is ridiculous, really."
74 Comments
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by fashy1
Saturday, February 11 2012, 7:03PM
“Well done Garath McCleary. Well done Steve Cotterill for showing faith in him. Well done Sean O'Driscoll for your input on the training ground.”
by drjkgjkdf
Saturday, February 11 2012, 4:33PM
“He def has something zicorice and his performances are starting to show it because he is playing regularly, an obvious fundamental that many so called experts on here forget not to mention getting over that long term injury he was carrying. He's always been an easy target for negative comments especially when things aren't going well given his background, some justified but most not. So credit to him as he doesn't hide and always tries to be positive on the pitch, some people are just jealous and that's no exaggeration and from what im watching can cross a good ball too.”
by zicorice
Saturday, February 11 2012, 3:36PM
“"We are on the same level mate.......are you as good looking as me though ???"
Buddybonny - Not sure about the 2nd bit, I'll have to ask your Mrs. Boom boom!
On a serious note sat at home feeling sorry for myself listening to game, and who should pop one in from 25 yards? Its not the first time either. The boy definitely has something and despite the negative views of many, I believe he is starting to prove he does have what it takes at this level! ....He just nearly did it again as I type!
My plea to those who are unsure or didn't rate him. Be patient, it is rare for a young player to step directly from non-league to such a high level and be a success straightaway. (Roy Keane/Gary Crosby being rare ones) A years worth of injury taken into account, GM's progress is decent. Look forward to comments later about his performance today if this carries on for 90 mins! Its almost like Lynch all over again.”
by patbrett
Friday, February 10 2012, 3:09PM
“Ok, and if we have a female member she could be Lady GA GA???”
by AcapulcoAngus
Friday, February 10 2012, 9:29AM
“Figaro
Thanks for your diagnosis, remedy and reassurance that I am not alone in my suffering of this dreadful affliction.
Pat Brett
Take Figaro's advice. Maybe we could set up Goalphobia Anonymous (GA)?”
by buddybonny
Friday, February 10 2012, 8:18AM
“ZICORICE.........
We are on the same level mate.......are you as good looking as me though ???”
by patbrett
Friday, February 10 2012, 12:53AM
“wow, my fingers went crazy as well, should say, Acapulco, & contracted, & same, & Fig, soz it was the twitching ya see at the thought of a goal!!!”
by patbrett
Friday, February 10 2012, 12:50AM
“Acapulci, well im afraid i cotracted the sale problem in the early 1960's and im also afraid I dont know any good shrinks, theres no cure for us. And Figm Goals? Goals? what are they?
Magic our Morris, Hmm Hmm small boys, jumpers for goal posts.”
by figaro1
Thursday, February 09 2012, 11:28PM
“Acapulco you are suffering what is medically called goalphobia.
This is highly contagious and sufferers have to be incubated at the City Ground Nottm from 3.00pm- 5.00pm.
Goalphobia effects around 26,000 supporterswhich suffer a nervous rash if confronted by a sudden outbreak of goals.
You are advised to lock the City Ground gates and you must repeat must focus's solely on the end that Forest are kicking into.
Please don't watch the warm up or the half time penalty shoot out it can course twitching.
Finally do not consult dictionary for the definition of goal.”
by figaro1
Thursday, February 09 2012, 11:17PM
“Sc will only stop saying fantastic if Graham Taylor stops saying 'Having said that'
Or Andy Murray stops saying Like ( or my 3 daughters for that matter).
I would stick with Gareth McCleary i think he has what it takes long term.
Murphy 1957 you have really started something!
Fashy erm Im erm still laughing erm thanks.”