Gunter warns preparation, not results is what counts for Forest in pre-season
HAVING celebrated his 21st birthday in the last few weeks, Chris Gunter can hardly be considered a wily old pro.
But the Nottingham Forest defender has packed plenty of experience into his fledgling career, including 21 international caps with Wales.
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Chris Gunter
And he has learned enough along the way to know that he does not need to get carried away by the events of pre-season so far.
In the four games played by a strong Forest side, they have registered just a single win so far, during their training camp in Portugal.
Defeats at the hands of Tranmere and Peterborough will have hurt far more than their reversal at the hands of an outstanding Lyon side at the City Ground this week.
But, as they prepare for their final warm-up game of the summer, at Swindon Town this afternoon, Gunter is refusing to get carried away.
"We should not get too disheartened with results in pre-season, because it is not what matters," said the former Cardiff and Spurs player.
"I have been at clubs in the past where we have won every game in pre-season – and then started really badly when the season begins.
"Newcastle lost 6-0 to Leyton Orient last summer, then look what they achieved, as they went on to claim the Championship title.
"And, when I was at Spurs, we won every game in pre-season but then didn't win in the first nine of the season proper and Juande Ramos got the sack.
"The main thing about pre-season is just getting fit and we are doing well on that front."
Gunter says the vital factor for Forest is making sure they are ready to face Burnley, in the Championship, in seven days time.
"Things are a little disjointed still, but it is about getting through 90 minutes and improving," he said. "When we have got through pre-season we will be in good shape.
"We feel fit and ready for the new season, it is just about getting sharper now.
"People will view the Burnley game as being an indication of where the two teams are going to be this season.
"I am not sure I agree with that. But we know it will be a really tough test.
"They have had the experience of playing in the Premiership and they have some very good players.
"It will be a tough opening game. But so was Reading last season and we did really well there."
Gunter does expect Burnley to challenge for promotion this season, having been relegated from the Premiership.
But he also predicts that two of the other sides Forest face in August can play a part as well.
"Burnley have come down and Leeds and Norwich have come up," he said. "And sometimes the teams who come up do have a bit of momentum about them.
"They are all really big games for us. Leeds at home will be a good game, the fans will enjoy that and there will be a lot of interest.
"Whoever we play at the start of the season, it does not really matter.
"All that matters is that we are properly prepared – and we will be."
7 Comments
by WE SEE YOUR, TRUE COLOURS SHOREY
Sunday, August 01 2010, 4:34PM
“Posh Red you should try and get that message to billy some how as im not sure he read this but spot on mate and if we only make the play-offs this season get all the players p*ssed the night before. Billy's tactics are good (knowing the oppostion inside out) but King Brian's were better we are better than our oppostion and there's nothing else to it.”
by Just a Meesenger, Nottinghamshire, UK
Sunday, August 01 2010, 12:47PM
“Don't shoot the messenger, but was in the company of a friend (yeah, I know..that old chestnut!) who knows Chris Cohen and got some interesting news out of him:
PRATLEY
Apparently Froest have been asked by Swansea not to mention his possible signing to the Reds whilst they are selling good numbers of season tickets; apparently this term theay are almost two thousand up on sales and are worried an announcement will impact these sales and therefore revenue.
WHITTINGHAM
At the moment the ball is in his court, as he is deliberating a move to the Reds and is still to get back to them. Fingers crossed thought he makes a decision we will all be happy with!
SHOREY
Forget it. He has apparently categorically told those in charge at the CG he will not be coming to Forest unless it is a very last resort. Usual 'waiting for a Prem' offer.
As I said, don't shoot the messenger re this info...just thought you may like to know what I have GENUINELY heard.
COYR!!!”
by macca, newark
Sunday, August 01 2010, 11:51AM
“POSH RED, you said it all, bang on”
by Posh Red, Peterborough
Saturday, July 31 2010, 11:03PM
“How did Cloughie do it?
I still find it unbelievable, but it happened!
Forget about Shorey, Whittingham, Pratley - they had their chance to join the mighty reds and blew it
Billy, pick your best 11 from what you've got, convince them they're the best in the world, tell them it's down to them to get automatic promotion, book the open top bus, pose for your statue on the Square....
That's the recipe mate, just do it!”
by red dave, west mids
Saturday, July 31 2010, 6:52PM
“Don't think it's that bad you 2.
Yea could be better, we could have shorey, wittingham pratley and Messi but we haven't. What we do have is one of the best midfield squads in the division, probably the best keeper in the division, and a decentish front line as long as earnie stays fit.
For me thats at least top half as we are now. Still time to add either in August and/or January which could well see us in the top 6.
Things are not ideal, but come on; we are Forest. We have had it better but we have had it a hell of a lot worse as well..”
by kevers, suff
Saturday, July 31 2010, 6:17PM
“totally agree red dog!!!!! Be lucky to survive.... Whiitingham in talks with Cardiff over new contract !”
by adam brown, nottingham city
Saturday, July 31 2010, 8:12AM
“Well said lad,, lets go for it,, we are ready, we have a full team, everything else will fit in place. we have a very good season ahead of us,, fdont listen to all the rubbish, negative comments and moaners, im fed of it, grow up, be proud and dedicated fans of nottingham forest.. rivals can only dream ofbeing in our situation,, but, as it is in all or any sport, its about doing your best. And we are capable of that. hype or no hype?, that is the question.
billy knows what he is up against, with all the comotion of other partys messing up ulots heads. like in anything, its about comprimise and thinking ahead, i do feel he does have that sorta attitude clough had bk in the day. but as when ur from nottingham, things do tend to go down hill,.. check this,, nottingham city council, were/was encouraging investors to come here to found certain activities, forest do have to pay for the land they lay on, and im sure thats got a big debt onit.
get the kids out, build a strong team, and go for it. loosing players is only a good thing in my mind, whether you doubt the players, we've got or holding on to some of the best quality players in the championship, all teams have their own sets, but individuality sets us to what we/ the football how it is now.
its great to see/hear great spirit, hidden beneath all the gossip, but its all soo goood to hear that the fans are estatic,, lol..
soo,,, stop moaning and deal with what we got ahead, i cant wait. my mates a leads fan, soo itll be a good meeting, let burnly go, use it to test the side out, with the sharpeness gained, team spirits lifted and fit. it should be a good game and hope we win. but lets ee, i will wait for another 8 games in, see where we are then. shame we loosing the goaly, but u never no, he probly had the same mindset os tyson and the others, we are /have a good set of members, proper commited to the job,. like any buisiness,,, it goes up and down. but i dont see nothing special about this situation. im happy with what ive got and im sticking to it.
Just ask yourselves, if you was put into a team,, at work or outside inthe wilderness, how would you react to the environment and the other team members, you`ll have to co-operate and communicate, to aviod breaking up and and losing faith in eachother. that what pre season was all about, im a fitness man, if u just take all u got and go for it, ur gonna be a lot more fatigued, not tired or under achied, your gonna feel it,, but to be at that level of fitness you haveto train the body, not all to do with football. running, situps pressup, u no the lot,, there is a method, i can see it,, but some cant. yes they are loosing, but we are gaining at the same time,,,
Dont loose ya faith..
UUrREDDS”