The dreaded pre-season optimism

As every new season draws closer, every team across the country gets a sudden blast of optimism. Last season’s performances go out of the window and the fans believe that this year could be ‘their’ year.

Liverpool supporters always think they are going to win the Premier League – that never changes. Notts County always think they won’t be in a relegation battle. With their finances from far and away, they should actually do a lot better than last season’s flirt with the bottom.

But Notts County aren’t the only team in Nottinghamshire to be splashing the cash this summer (and I’m not talking about Mansfield Town!) Nottingham Forest chairman Nigel Doughty has thoroughly backed manager Billy Davies during close and pre-season and it seems the spending isn’t going to stop just yet.

Not since the dark days of David Platt has there been such major riches to spend. The belief instilled in Billy Davies this summer has been nothing short of remarkable. His previous record in the Championship at both Preston North End and Derby County speak for themselves and with David Kelly by his side, they are starting to assemble a side that will most certainly compete in the Championship.

Today’s £1.75m capture of Tottenham and Wales international defender Chris Gunter means he will be teaming up with fellow new boys Paul Anderson (£250,000), Dele Adebola (Free), Lee Camp (Undisclosed) and David McGoldrick (£1.2m) and there’s alledgedly more to come.

The Reds have already agreed a £750,000 fee with Preston for midfielder Paul McKenna and there are strong rumours suggesting one of QPR’s Dexter Blackstock (£1.6m), Coventry’s Daniel Fox (£2.5m) or Celtic’s Lee Naylor (£600,000) could be the next player to come Trentside.

Forest’s 1-0 victory over Sporting Lisbon in Albufeira last weekend did little to quash the excitement currently starting in and around Nottingham and there are thoughts that Forest could maybe challenge at the top end of the table as opposed to the bottom last campaign.

I for one will be keeping my feet firmly on the ground and my money away from the bookies as I have followed Forest for far too long to take anything for granted. But with Billy Davies in charge, the backing from the Chairman and the support from the Forest faithful, you just never know as I am sure Burnley fans will tell you.