Forest push for promotion

Since Billy Davies returned as manager of Nottingham Forest earlier in the season it seems like everything he touches turns to gold. This upturn in form is in stark contrast with the moment when he took charge in February. Shortly before he returned for his second stint at the midlands club, the side was languishing in mid table and Alex McLeish had just exited the City Ground after only seven games in charge. Disagreements with the owners about transfer policy and the deemed interference with which the ex-Birmingham manager believed had taken place was enough for him to call it quits.

The failed signing of striker George Boyd was perhaps the key moment, as the player had passed a medical examination but apparently showed signs of an eye problem. The Al Hasawi family vetoed the purchase on these grounds, something that McLeish was unable to comprehend. Ironically, Boyd would later score against Forest during his time on loan at Hull, leaving many journalists to quip that there was nothing wrong with his eyesight that day!

As one Scotsman left, another one arrived, although this one had past history and unfinished business with the club that he took into the playoffs two seasons running in 2010 and 2011. There was an immediate improvement following an initial draw with Bolton at the City Ground. Six straight victories catapulted the side into the playoff places and although they have faltered slightly during the last month, they are still in with a chance of sixth place going into the final game of the season. They have to beat Leicester City at home and hope that Crystal Palace or Bolton slip up in order to stand any chance of aiming for a Wembley date.

Players at the club have attributed the change in fortunes on the confidence that Davies has instilled in his squad, with every member of the first eleven, as well as substitutes, feeling like an important cog in the machine. An obsessive eye for detail and hours spent analysing training sessions and match performance has also paid dividends; the manager knows every strength and weakness of the men at his disposal and tailors his approach to each game based upon these factors. If they do manage a return to the highest level then there is no doubt that the manager has had a very large part to play.

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