Daniel Taylor has now clarified the role of Simon Rusk at Nottingham Forest. The set piece coach has come under fire from the fans but now the journalist has cleared things up.
Rusk was bizarrely appointed just days before Steve Cooper was sacked by Forest. He has previously managed Stockport and the England youth team – but has never worked as a set-piece coach.
The appointment hasn’t had the desired impact regardless. The Reds have conceded the most goals from set pieces and at the moment that aspect is taking Forest down.
Dan Taylor clears up role of Simon Rusk at Forest
Well, it would seem as though Forest supporters should ease off the criticism of Rusk – as he’s now been actively involved in the coaching under Espirito Santo.
Taylor believes that since he came to the club, Rusk has taken a back seat and that kind of asks another question over what he’s exactly doing still in place at the club.
The Athletic journalist said on X: “Worth nothing – because I often see him getting the blame – that it isn’t the fault of Simon Rusk as #NFFC set piece coach.
“Rusk has hardly been involved since Nuno took over. It was Steve Cooper’s appointment – the change of manager has meant Rusk being excluded for the most part.”
Cooper made glaring error before he left Forest
The Reds had lined up Gianni Vio to come into the City Ground. He was the man who worked under Antonio Conte masterminded set piece plans – but Cooper didn’t want him and was instead allowed to bring in Rusk.
It’s not had the desired effect at all and ultimately Forest are now paying the price of appointing Rusk. Some of the defending has been comical and the players must now take responsibility.
A points deduction looks set to come this week. Forest will be hoping that it’s minimal and that with two home games to come after the international break, survival can still be obtained.
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