That's Why we're Going Down

Another reasonable performance, another series of golden opportunities squandered, and another defeat.

As the rumbustious visitors dryly observed, that is why we’re going down.

I have, on occasions in the past, stood between crowds of men roaring so passionately for Calderwood’s removal that their faces swelled purple and their fists clenched with palpable rage.

Southend on a bitter Tuesday evening and Doncaster on a sobering Friday in Yorkshire are two excellent examples.

On both occasions I felt sure that no manager could outlive vitriol so impassioned, and so wholesomely justifiable.

But never, at any point as a Forest supporter, have I been so sure of a manager’s imminent dismissal as I was this evening.

To flick on the radio and hear Calderwood drawling in his usual fashion was, at that moment, as much of a blow as the defeat itself.

The dwindling group of supporters that continue to lend backing to Calderwood have patience and equanimity beyond a level that I am naturally capable of.

It just isn’t about palatable performances, sparks of promise, or spates of injuries anymore.

It is a cut and dried case of one win in thirteen matches.

Six points from an available 39, a soul-destroying 22 goals conceded, and not a single point – not even so much as a fortuitous draw – from 540 minutes of away football.

There is scarcely a manager anywhere in world football that would not be facing serious pressure in light of a record so distinguishingly abysmal.

In the case of Calderwood, who has tested patience to breaking point so habitually, it is nothing short of startling that he remains in charge.

Forest were much-improved this afternoon, and the ‘now or never’ spirit rippling throughout the entire club inspired an encouraging first half of promising counter attacks and half-chances.
It was looking good.

But clubs at the foot of the table are prone to misfortune and, almost immediately after Forest squandered a series of opportunities, we conceded the crucial opener.

Moments of promise followed but, in reality, the remainder of the game was an exercise in frustration and futility.

It is a recurring theme. And it is for that reason that Calderwood’s removal is so essential to our slim hopes of surviving in the Championship.

Realistically, Forest need to take – on average – around 1.4 points per game from this day forth to have any hope of survival.

Can the gentleman at the back who thinks Calderwood is capable of this please turn off the light when he leaves?

Thanks.