In recent memory, Nottingham Forest have become something of a laughing stock in parts outside of Nottingham following years of boardroom mismanagement.
An infamous, trigger-happy Kuwaiti businessman saw the club become a graveyard for managers; many sacked without being given ample time to achieve anything.
Under the club’s current hierarchy things have vastly improved; both on the pitch and in the boardroom, with great strides taken to make the club a ‘proper’ football club once again.
Boss Aitor Karanka has played a large part in Forest’s revival on the green bit.
Yet following yesterday’s 3-3 draw with Norwich City, his future seems uncertain.
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According to The Telegraph, the Reds boss is clinging to his job and Saturday’s game at Millwall could determine his fate.
Stability
Under the stewardship of Greek owner Evangelos Marinakis, it was hoped that times would change at the City Ground.
Stability was a word not in former owner Fawaz Al Hasawi’s repertoire.
It is, however, something that is still desperately needed on the banks of the River Trent.
Karanka has overseen a complete squad overhaul and his current newly assembled squad are just four months into their journey towards promotion.
The Reds may have dropped to tenth yesterday although they remain just three points outside the playoffs.
It is also worthy of note that the Reds have lost four games all season.
Should the club opt to make a managerial change then it is safe to say that Forest would be back to square one; whilst it would indicate a clear sign that nothing has been learned from times of old.
Yesterday’s opponents the ‘example’
Karanka made good points following yesterday’s game when he described Norwich City as the example to strive towards.
He told the Nottingham Post: “Norwich are a good example because they have been working together for a year-and-a-half.
“They did not get to the playoffs last season; but they kept their confidence in their manager and their players and they are in a good position now.”
Karanka has a point. Traditionally the Championship isn’t a league that can be easily negotiated by throwing millions at a squad and these things take time.
Forest don’t want to be the club that supporters of every other team in the division take comical aim at once again and Marinakis would be wise to think carefully over the next few days.
Stability and managerial continuity can go a long way and for the good of Forest’s season, the owner must throw his weight behind his manager.