Rich Ferraro's Forest Ramble

On the face of it, it was a fair result, but Derby weren't happy after their disallowed goal, which stole the headlines. In truth, the Rams were probably the better team for most of the first half, and the latter stages of the second, but Forest did plug away and deservedly drew level when the excellent Lyle Taylor showed a real striker's instinct (and real eloquence in his post-match interview). Chris Hughton acknowledged that the performance mirrored that against Rotherham, but the talking point for Reds fans was 4-4-2. Grabban and Taylor were paired together in the first half, and the veteran striker's injury probably did Hughton a favour as it enabled the introduction of Anthony Knockaert, who made a great impression in his first Reds appearance. Skillful, tricky, with the ability to scare defenders, the Frenchman could potentially be a key figure for Forest as they hope to start climbing the table. Like what you hear? Subscribe via your podcast provider, and please leave a review, as it helps other For

A frustrating evening at the City Ground as Forest played well for a bit, then didn't, but turned up the heat at the end to earn the point - but it could and should have been more.  The big talking point was Lewis Grabban's miss when clean through on goal, but our reporter Baz points out that he does a whole load of work for the team, even if it doesn't always look like it. Grabban also managed to almost score with a much harder chance and was involved in the equaliser for man-of-the-match Sammy Ameobi. Overall, four points out of six wasn't bad from these two games, even if they didn't come the way we expected. Like what you hear? Subscribe via your podcast provider, and please leave a review, as it helps other Forest supporters find our content. Find us on Twitter (@nottm_forest), join us on Instagram and Facebook (forestramble), or email info@forestramble.com. If you want to support the podcast and get some Forest-inspired merch - visit flat-back-4.co.uk and mention "1865" when you check out. Learn more

It wasn't a classic, but no-one really minds do they? When the scoreline starts with "Blackburn nil" it was always going to be an improvement.  True, Rovers were missing some of their wise old heads, particularly in the middle of the park, but Forest managed to look more solid, with special mentions for Toby Figueiredo and Ryan Yates. Of course the icing on the cake was Forest's push in the last fifteen minutes, which saw Sammy Ameobi hit the post before Joe Lolleh's late strike took a deflection and gave the Reds a late winner.  We are joined by Dirk from Blackburn Roverseas, who shares his views on what went wrong for Rovers, why he feared the new manager bounce, and what it is like to be live-streaming when your team concede in the 90th minute. Like what you hear? Subscribe via your podcast provider, and please leave a review, as it helps other Forest supporters find our content. Find us on Twitter (@nottm_forest), join us on Instagram and Facebook (forestramble), or email info@forestramble.com. If you

With new manager Chris Hughton preparing for his first match in charge of Nottingham Forest, we speak to Brighton fan (and resident of Newcastle) Rick Loosemore. We discuss tactics, formations and style of play, and whether we can expect to see Forest play with inverted wingers and two upfront.  Rick also gives us an insight into Hughton's popularity on the south coast and in the north east, and confirms the old mantra that if you get rid of your manager, you need to replace him with someone better; Brighton feel as though they have achieved that, but other clubs (including Newcastle) have struggled to improve post-Hughton. Like what you hear? Subscribe via your podcast provider, and please leave a review, as it helps other Forest supporters find our content. Find us on Twitter (@nottm_forest), join us on Instagram and Facebook (forestramble), or email info@forestramble.com. If you want to support the podcast and get some Forest-inspired merch - visit flat-back-4.co.uk and mention "1865" when you check out.

Well that has been another turbulent week for #nffc fans, hasn't it? In the spirit of Monty Python (ask your parents/grandparents, kids), "Now for something completely different..." We speak to North America's Nottingham Forest superfan, Big Wes Hall, to hear the story of how a case of mistaken identity on social media led to him discovering soccer (sorry) and become ever-so-slightly obsessed with the Reds. Wes tells us what he loves about British football culture, and the differences between US and English fans. We also hear how Wes has started learning some of the Nottingham dialect, why he loves Ryan Yates and what happened when Big Wes met the other Big Wes. Like what you hear? Subscribe via your podcast provider, and please leave a review, as it helps other Forest supporters find our content. Find us on Twitter (@nottm_forest), join us on Instagram and Facebook (forestramble), or email info@forestramble.com. If you want to support the podcast and get some Forest-inspired merch - visit flat-back-4.co.u

Things hadn't been right for some time, had they? Even before lockdown, the legs had gone, the poor January transfer window hindered the manager and then everything crumbled in lockdown. What seemed like promising recruitment quickly became insane, with sooooo many new signings, and in the meantime the manager had signed a new contract and recruited new backroom staff. Just another year in the life of Nottingham Forest... Our podcasters digest the departure of Sabri Lamouchi and ponder over the new gaffer's chances of success - he certainly has the pedigree, but does his status as Manager (rather than Head Coach) signify a change in football operations? Anyway, we praise the appointment of Chris Hughton and welcome the new gaffer to Nottingham. Like what you hear? Subscribe via your podcast provider, and please leave a review, as it helps other Forest supporters find our content. Find us on Twitter (@nottm_forest), join us on Instagram and Facebook (forestramble), or email info@forestramble.com. If you wan

We bring you a bumper podcast this month, as there is just so much to talk about:  #nffc's poor results have kept the focus on Sabri's future We discuss results and performances - is there a glimmer of hope? If keeping the manager was supposed to ensure stability, what message does it send to sign a whole new team? Does the club actually have a strategy? We also welcome back Jeremy Davies for an episode of Pointless (East Midlands football edition), and have a new feature from our newest squad member, Tom Newton. As if that wasn't enough, we close the podcast with mentions of Sam Allardyce and a stark b*llock naked Tony Pulis. Like what you hear? Subscribe via your podcast provider, and please leave a review, as it helps other Forest supporters find our content. Find us on Twitter (@nottm_forest), join us on Instagram and Facebook (forestramble), or email info@forestramble.com. If you want to support the podcast and get some Forest-inspired merch - visit flat-back-4.co.uk and mention "1865" when

I don't know, in some ways it would have been easier if we had got thumped, then Sabri could have been relieved of his duties and at least the debate would be over. As it is, despite another defeat, Forest might have done just enough to earn M Lamouchi a reprieve for a couple of weeks at least. The headlines are that Forest are still winless and pointless, but at least Luke Freeman scored a goal to perk up the Reds players, fans and manager. Unfortunately this came after Forest once again gifted two soft goals to the opposition, and if you give an in-form team a two goal head start, we all know how it is likely to end. Baz reports on a game where Forest at last gave the opposition keeper something to do. Our monthly review podcast is coming up soon; subscribe via your podcast provider, and please leave a review, as it helps other Forest supporters find our content. Find us on Twitter (@nottm_forest), join us on Instagram and Facebook (forestramble), or email info@forestramble.com. If you want to support the

Another defeat, another blank and another bad night at the office for Sabri Lamouchi. It was always going to be the case that the first team to score would win this one, and despite Ben Hamer making good saves from Sammy Ameobi and Loic Mbe Soh, the Reds' night was characterised by the lack of chances created, especially in the second half. In this special match report, we are joined by the Maradona of the Midlands and Kosi from Huddersfield Town podcast And He Takes That Chance, to review all the night's action. We reflect upon those saves by Hamer, that goal by Fraizer Campbell, and thank the Lord that Adama Bloody Diakhaby didn't score. We also hear an interesting story about that first minute challenge by Jonathan Hogg on Harry Arter - it should have been a red card for the Terriers' skipper, but it sounds like there was some history behind it. In the meantime, Forest lick their wounds and seek a glimmer of hope - we can't find one either. Like what you hear? Find us on Twitter (@nottm_forest), join us

This episode could have been called "The Hangover Part 2", as two ludicrously soft goals in the first half gifted the game to Cardiff, and Forest looked just as poor as they had done against Barnsley and QPR. Except there were signs of life as the half-time Lucozade kicked in; the first-half tactical switch that saw Joe Lolley replaced by Lyle Taylor actually paid dividends as the Cardiff defence had more to think about, and the movement and guile of Luke Freeman made more of an impression as he came in from the right hand side, rather than playing as an orthodox number 10. Sure, Cardiff could take their foot off the gas as they probably had the points in the bag already, but Forest looked more energetic, had more forward movement and actually created chances, and at least warmed the gloves of Cardiff's Alex Smithies.  Still no goals, and still no points, so there's a long way to go; but the second half performance may have helped the confidence of players, manager and supporters. Like what you hear? Find

#nffc have a hangover... the first two matches of the season have seen Forest slumped over the toilet, desperately in need of a win to ease their splitting headache and a terrible wave of nausea. The defeats at Barnsley and QPR have exposed the harsh reality that Forest have not managed to draw a line under the disaster of the run-in, and players and management alike need to step up to the starting marks. However, this podcast believes that Sabri Lamouchi should be given some time to try and make a difference - for all the disappointment of the draw at Derby last season, it offered a glimmer of hope that Forest are capable of playing on the front foot and taking the game to their opponents. Sabri has suggested that he wants Forest to offer more going forward, and crucially the club have backed him both with backroom staff and new players.  September and October are crucial months for Sabri, for new players to bed in, old ones to rediscover their mojo, and for us to see if the coaching staff can implement s

Forest's season started with an underwhelming awayday at Barnsley in the Carabao Cup. While it might be a blessing to "concentrate on the league", the manner of defeat and style of play gave concern to many Reds fans. We debate team selection, new signing and what they can bring, and most notably whgether Forest's style of play will evolve this season.  We also have some thoughts about the club's communication with fans, especially season card holders who are awaiting news of how they can follow their team. Jeremy Davies joins us with his monthly sketch, and we have news of how you can support the podcast and get some great new clothes - just visit flat-back-4.co.uk and mention "1865" when you check out. Like what you hear? Follow us @nottm_forest on Twitter, @forestramble on Instagram or Facebook, or email us your thoughts info@forestramble.com. Come on you Reds! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As a new season looms large, we have a (slightly) new name, new (old) theme music, and a pre-season preview coming soon. In the meantime, we are delighted to have been joined by the voice of the City Ground, and a popular voice on BBC Radio Nottingham - the one and only Mark Dennison. Denno talks to us about: his experiences as #nffc stadium announcer, especially during some of the bleak times in League One; how he got the gig in the first place; and what he really thinks about goal music. Like what you hear? Follow us @nottm_forest on Twitter, @forestramble on Instagram or Facebook, or email us your thoughts info@forestramble.com. Come on you Reds! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This wasn't supposed to be the end of the season, was it? As Forest have dramatically and spectacularly failed to make the play-offs, Rich Ferraro leads a post-mortem on the Reds' performance in 2019-20; Baz, Steven Toplis and the Maradona of the Midlands share their thoughts on a variety of issues, and there is a short-but-sweet end-of-season sketch from Jeremy Davies: Should Sabri stay or go? Was the problem mental or physical? Squad strength and recruitment Can Forest do a Leeds next season? Follow us on Twitter (@nottm_forest), or search for "Forest Ramble" on Instagram and Facebook. We don't know what will happen to the players and manager, but we do know that we will still be supporting #nffc next season. Have a great summer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everything that we feared, everything that we hoped wouldn’t happen, everything we had seen before against Yeovil and Blackpool - all of that came true again tonight. Forest only have themselves to blame, as after an hour, they had levelled the scores and should have been in control. Congratulations to Swansea for doing what they had to do, but once again Forest have snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. There will be much to reflect upon over the break, but tonight can be summed up by the disbelief on Joe Lolley’s face after the final whistle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Barnsley 1-0 Nottingham Forest That was bad, wasn't it? A match which Forest not only deserved to lose, but in which they were abject and incapable of stringing two passes together. Fair play to Barnsley, they played well and were deserved victors. Only Sabri Lamouchi would know why he chose an unfamiliar formation, but no-one will know why all the players were so bad; second-choice goalkeeper Jordan Smith was the only player to come out of this one with the slightest bit of credit. Once again, #nffc succumbed to a late goal, which does not inspire confidence for the play-offs, and that's assuming results go the right way on Wednesday. A despondent Steven Toplis reports on a bad afternoon for Forest at Oakwell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two goals from Sammy Ameobi were the highlight of a topsy-turvy evening at the City Ground, as Forest just didn't turn up for the first fifteen minutes, before looking sharper, brighter and more creative in the second. Really, the Reds should have won this match, but were lucky not to be down to ten men as Tobias Figueiredo was subbed before he was sent off. That doesn't excuse a mystifying performance from referee Oliver Langford, who never seemed in control of the match; he had to send off Kyle Naughton towards the end, but Andre Ayew had him under his thumb all match, as exemplified by the award of the penalty (it wasn't), and his tolerance of the actual spot-kick (stuttering is allowed, stopping isn't). Overall, some pleasing elements, most notably the tactical changes that saw Forest improve in the second half; but it is hard to escape the feeling that Forest should have taken all of the points tonight. We're not there yet, and it would be great if we could gather some momentum, rather than stuttering,

A lacklustre performance from Forest suggested a hangover from Derby’s last-minute equaliser at the weeked, as Harry Arter’s goal saw Fulham take all three points. Steven Toplis reflects upon a match that never really got going, and in which any promise from Forest fizzled out as Joe Lolley succumbed to injury and Arter produced the only real moment of quality on the stroke of half-time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In an extended match report, the Maradona of the Midlands is angry with Forest for throwing Derby a lifeline via an unnecessary foul. Rich Ferraro points out that the game plan worked, as Forest kept Derby at arm’s length, and the Reds should really have been at least three goals up before the late rush of blood to the head. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In our match preview, Rich Ferraro discusses Forest’s fortunes with Cory and Jason from the Rams Review podcast. From a Red perspective, style of play and mental resilience are key factors, and we also discussed managerial tactics and Sabri and Cocu’s use of subs in the era of lockdown football. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices