It has been a disappointing end to Nottingham Forest’s 2018/19 Championship season.
The Reds were firmly in the play-off picture before a dip in form under the management of Aitor Karanka before Christmas. It hasn’t quite been the same since.
Martin O’Neill did keep the Reds in the running for a play-off place up until a few weeks ago. But any hope of a trip to Wembley was emphatically ended by a recent run of four defeats in a row.
(Photo by Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Fortunately for the Northern Irishman, the Reds ended this run with an impressive 3-0 win against Middlesbrough on Easter Monday. This seems to have eased the pressure on the under fire boss for the time being.
WAYNE ROONEY TO EVERTON IS A JOKE.
Although the last few months have been disappointing, it’s still a vast improvement on the last few years of narrowly avoiding relegation. There’s no doubt that numerous players have enjoyed a good season at the City Ground.
The Reds opened up voting for fans to choose their 2018/19 Player of the Season yesterday afternoon. Judging by some of the early reaction on social media, it seems that two players in particular are the front runners for the award.
(Photo by Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
‘Undecided’, ‘Only one winner here’
@JLolley23 or Colback…👏🔴⚪️ #NFFC
— Will Thorpe (@ThorpeyNFFC) April 24, 2019
Colback all day for me
— Ed 034 🏆🏆 (@dingdinghopkin) April 24, 2019
if i vote colback can u promise he’ll stay
— Will (@wiIIbanks) April 24, 2019
Joe lolley all day long
— Dan Cawthorn (@09Dan23) April 24, 2019
Sorry @JLolley23 great season my friend, amazing play from you , but I’m giving it to jack colback , only for the reason , he does a lot of things and work off the ball people don’t see 🤷🏼♀️ apologies 🔴⚪️🔴⚪️
— jase rollo (@RolloJase) April 24, 2019
Has to be between Colback and Lolley. Arguably Robinson has to be in with a shout. All 3 have been brilliant all season (bar the last 3 months). Colback shades it for me
— Scotty J (@ScottyJwheeler) April 24, 2019
Seat Pitch Verdict
It’s no surprise to see both Jack Colback and Joe Lolley being put forward for this accolade by supporters. They have been two of the most consistent performers at the City Ground this season.
The Reds found themselves under threat of relegation to League One when both players arrived in January last year. It didn’t take long for either of them to make their mark. But it’s fair to say they have taken their game to the next level throughout this season.
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Having picked up 10 goals and 11 assists this season, Lolley has often grabbed the headlines. But Colback’s work off the ball often goes unnoticed, yet is equally as important.
As the ‘Ginger Pirlo’ has maintained a high standard of performance throughout the entire campaign, it’s likely he’ll pop Lolley to the award. Had the 26-year-old winger avoided a dip in form over Christmas, it would’ve been a lot harder to separate the pair.