It couldn’t be much worse for Forest fans, but last season was hardly much better.
Nottingham Forest’s Nelson Oliveira in action with Charlton Athletic’s Morgan Fox
With eight games remaining, to say the 2016/17 season had been harsh on Nottingham Forest would be an understatement of gigantic proportions.
Forest fans have seen their club’s best player sold behind the manager’s back, had the plug pulled on two takeover bids, and watched in disbelief as the Reds hover just one point above the relegation zone.
Last season was described as an absolute shambles by most Reds fans, yet this one is somehow worse. At this point last season, Forest had amassed 46 points – six more than present – and were 15th in the table.
Forest had, however, just lost 1-0 to East Midlands rivals Derby County at Pride Park, courtesy of a second half goal from Martin Olsson, and had caretaker manager Paul Williams in charge following the dismissal of Dougie Freedman.
Nottingham Forest interim manager Paul Williams (R) with Danny Fox before the game
At that moment in time, Forest were 16 points off the play-offs, and nine clear of the relegation zone – by contrast, the Reds are now a staggering 21 points off the play-offs, and just one above the drop zone.
Forest fans will be hoping that this season is a case of having to take a step back in order to move forwards, but with Fawaz Al Hasawi around the club, it’s hard to see how things will get better.
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