retired_brianrt

JaGunner - thanks a lot, glad to know you're enjoying the story

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I started March knowing that our promotion to a higher division could be secured with the right results. With so much going on off the pitch, I was finding it hard to fully concentrate, but I knew I had to have my mind focused on our game with Oldham. Rory Delap came into the side for James Beaumont, and it was the former Southampton man who scored the difference making goal, heading home a Kris Commons cross five minutes before half time. We could have sewn the game up more comfortably before the full time whistle, Vaughan, Grant Holt and Delap ball missing good chances, but Rory's goal was enough to settle the game.

..

"Mark, good to see you. How are you?"

Nigel had walked into reception on the Monday morning, smiling like a Cheshire cat.

"Fine thankyou Nigel. And yourself?"
"Wonderful. Promotion is all but secured, wage budget looks good and the entire board is delighted with how things are going"
"That's good to hear. I'm really enjoying managing, it's a different challenge than playing"
"Good. Well if you keep these standards up then I'm sure you'll be here for a long time"
"I hope so Nigel"

As he left, he turned back round to face me...

"Oh by the way Mark, therew as a phone call for you last night. Somebody by the name of Paul. Said that you'd know what it was about"

"Yes I do. Thanks Nigel"

..

Our next League One game saw myself and the side travel to face Port Vale, a side who were fighting for their lives in the league, so I fully expected three points from the game. The first 45 minutes saw 6 chances all fired at the Port Vale goal, Mark Goodlad making a string of good saves to keep his side in the match. It took until the tenth minute of the second half for us to open the scoring, Craig Lindfield volleying home from 12 yards, before he won the penalty ten minutes later, which was duly converted by James Vaughan. We claimed a priceless win, which took us ever closer to the Championship

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As we travelled on the team bus down to Yorkshire for our game with Doncaster, there was a healthy atmosphere on board. The lads were more than aware that we could clinch promotion in this game by avoiding defeat, so they were pumped up and ready to secure their place in a higher division. Even with all this going on, I still had worries on my mind, as I expected a visit from Paul any day and my contract was also running out at the end of the season, but we were in the middle of March and I had not been offered an extension. I would sign it instantly as soon as I was given it, theres no way I'm not staying. I've been here more than 8 years, as both a player and coach and now as manager, so Nottingham Forest play a massive part in my life.

Just a few short hours later, the players strode onto the pitch knowing that they were just ninety minutes away from securing promotion to the Championship. This did seem to affect their game though, as we started slowly, Doncaster obviously determined to stop our promotion. The home side tool the lead a quarter of the way through the match, Paul Green firing home underneath Pedersen from the edge of the area. This did wake the boys up, and despit constant pressure it wasn't until the sixty seventh minute of the match that we drew level, James Vaughan side footing home Belmadi's low cross. We should have won the game, but the point wasn't a big loss, and when the final whistle blew I felt a sense of relief and joy. We had done it. Nottingham Forest were back in the Championship.

..

"Mark, Garth Crooks, BBC. Congratulations on promotion, you must be delighted?"

It was a ridiculous question, but I knew that he was just doing his job so I had to answer it

"Oh yes Garth, absolutely. The boys have been superb all season and this is no more than they deserve"
"There are several thoughts that your future may be in doubt, as you are yet to sign a new contract at the club. Could you give us your take on that?"
"No I haven't signed a new contract as yet, but be in no doubt that I want to stay at this club. This promotion is the first step of many to put this club back where it belongs. I want to stay with Nottingham Forest for the foreseeable future"
"OK Mark, thankyou very much. Enjoy the celebrations and congratulations once again"

Obviously I was delighted that I had secured promotion, not just for me but for the fans. They are some of the best and most faithful in the country, and they deserve to be watching Premiership football again one day. I had said I wanted to stay at Forest, and reiterated that again during the week, but the lack of progress on the contract front was really starting to worry me. I put that to one side for the time being to focus on winning the League One title though, as with promotion secured that was the next step.

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"Mark, have you got a minute?"

Nigel popped his head round my door the morning after we had secured promotion

"Yeah sure, come on in"
"As Im sure you're well aware, your contract runs out soon"
"Yes I know. I also want to stay here, I'd like to sign a new contract"
"I know that, so because of that..."

As he dropped the contract onto my desk

"...there is a three year, £3,000 a week contract to stay here"
"Thankyou Nigel, and I will be delighted to sign"

And with that, I signed my name on the bottom of the contract to confirm three more years at Nottingham Forest

---

Leyton Orient visited the City Ground in the next League game, and this game could see us clinch the League One title. When Nathan Tyson gave us a twelfth minute lead this looked all well and good, and even though Nicky Forster equalised five minutes later we earnt the point to clinch us the title. We should have won the game, but it was nice to seal the title in front of our home fans. They had been superb all season, and they fully deserved the promotion. Myself and the team allowed ourselves a few celebratory beers, although we still had business to conduct in the remaining time of the season.

The final game of March saw the team involved in one of the best games of the season, against Swansea. Lee Trundle put his side in the lead in the 12th minute, and we didn't get back level until ten minutes after half time, Nathan Tyson's 15th of the season, but Trundle's 75th minute goal put them back in front. We did pick up three points with two goals in the space of 3 minutes, John Curtis and Rory delap both heading home corners to give us a win that, in all honesty, we probably didn't deserve

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March 2007 Summary
(League One unless stated)

Nottingham Forest 1-0 Oldham
Delap (40)

Port Vale 0-2 Nottingham Forest
Lindfield (54) Vaughan (pen. 64)

Doncaster 1-1 Nottingham Forest
Green (24) : Vaughan (67)

Nottingham Forest 1-1 Leyton Orient
Tyson (12) : Forster (17)

Swansea 2-3 Nottingham Forest
Trundle (12,75) : Tyson (55) Curtis (90) Delap (90)

Nottingham Forest promoted to Championship

retired_brianrt

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> PL W D L GD PTS1. NOTT'M FOREST 40 28 11 1 +53 952. Bristol City 39 18 15 6 +16 69--------------------------- 3. Scunthorpe 39 19 9 11 +21 664. Brighton 40 18 10 12 +20 645. Blackpool 40 18 9 13 +1 636. Swansea 39 18 6 15 +11 60</pre>

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The target of 100 points was sitting firmly on my mind, and the chance to win the league by a record margin. Wuth just 6 games left, and a possible 18 points, then it was possible for a maximum 113. April started with a home game, Tranmere the visitors, and once we had taken the lead after 34 minutes, James Vaughan hitting his 32nd goal of the season, it was an easy game that we claimed three points from. McCready's sending off in the second half never helped his teams cause, but we couldn't find the second goal and had to settle for just a one goal win.

48 hours later, and we visited Crewe, looking to pass the century mark in the points column. Luke Rodgers stunned the players after twelve minutes, when he put his side in front completely against the run of play. It looked as if that goal would be enough to send his side in at half time in front, but James Vaughan had other ideas, finally beating the Crewe 'keeper and levelling the scores up. Nicky Maynard had only been on the pitch 11 minutes before heading his side back in front, but after that it was all one-way traffic. Four goals in the final fifteen minutes assured us of three more points, and took us comfortably past 100 points for the season. Vaughan equalised with his second of the match on 75 minutes, before Craig Lindfield headed us in front for the first time in the match. Vaughan completed his hat-trick five minutes from time, before Neill Collins rounded off the game in style when he struck home a fifth from 25 yards out. The scoreline was harsh on Crewe, who had battled hard, but I was not going to complain and congratulated the team on a superb victory

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"Mark. How are you? Good I hope?"

Paul had decided the time was right to pay me a visit, waiting till the ground was empty before collaring me in the corner of the car park

"I'm fine thankyou Paul. And you?"
"As good as can be expected. Congratulations on promotion and the title by the way, very good achievement to get 100 points"
"Thankyou. I'm happy wi..."
"Anyway, down to business. I know that you don't know why I'm here but I'll tell you. Considering you're living with my wife, and it was you that cost me the captaincy back at Oxford, I think you need to repay me"
"OK. Well do you want me to give you money? How much?"
"No no no Mark. I'm well off on the money front thanks to a little sideline of mine. I need you to do something for me. Just a part-time thing"
"OK. What is it?"
"I need you to deliver this package..."

He handed me a thick, padded brown envelope, I don't know what was in it, and I certainly didn't fancy losing a rib to find out

"...to a client for me. I believe you play in Brighton last game of the season? Well my client will meet you in a little cafe, near the stadium, it's called Johnny's. You give him that package, then bring back what he gives you. You don;t find out what is in either, you ask no questions, you just do it. Got that?"
"Yes. Loud and clear. Should I ring you when I'm on the way back?"
"No. I'll know. See you soon Mark. Boys, make sure he gets his present"

Two big right hands came towards my ribs, which were still tender from the previous assault on them, and a few more hits wouldn't do them any good at all.

"Anything goes wrong, it'll be much worse for you"

---

I was getting myself in deeper with Paul, which I knew would get me in some serious ****. I needed to get out, after this job. I had to get out of it. I had football matches to put my mind on first, as Blackpool visited Nottingham. It turned out to be a surprisingly easy win against a team guaranteed a play-off place, with a goal in either half enough to seal the game. Nathan Tyson scored first on 7 minutes, rounding the 'keeper and slotting home. The second goal came just six minutes from time, Danny Collins volleying home from 6 yards after Belmadi whipped a cross in from the right hand side. Our unbeaten run stood at 41 League games, an incredible record and just one away from the club record, which I had in the back of my mind, but I was pleased with the ruthless streak the lads were showing.

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"Jo, it's not my fault. I'm doing it for you. Just take some time, go and live with your mum and dad"
"I thought you were happy Mark?. I thought you wanted me?"
"You know I do, and you know I'd do anything for you, but it's for the best. At least this way, you will be safe"
"I guess...in a way, I know you're right, I just don't want to go"
"It's for the best. We both know what he's capable of, and until this situation is resolved I want you to be safe. That's my priority"
"OK. Mark, you're right. I'll leave first thing"
"Good girl. You know it makes sense"

I had to stop seeing Joanne. It was for her own safety. I don't want her blood on my hands. I can't live with that. I don't mind taking a beating or two, but she doesn't need to be involved in this

--

The trip south saw us face 2nd placed Bristol City, who needed to win to confirm their place in the Championship. I was determined to keep our good run in tact, and come the ninetieth minute we had managed to do just that, the on form Nathan Tyson grabbing both goals. His first, on 33 minutes, was a typical poachers goal, as he rammed home the rebound from James Vaughan's shot. His second was a superb individual effort, as he beat four players before slotting home underneath the Bristol City 'keeper. It wrapped up a good win for the side, and left us high on confidence.

Our final home game of the season saw us entertain Gillingham. They had won the Johnstones Paint Trophy a few weeks before hand, but once again our ruthless streak came to the forefron as we controlled the game, running out as comfortable 3-1 winners. First half goals from James Beaumont and James Vaughan, with Ryan Jarvis pulling one back in between, but when Craig Lindfield struck home after a knock down from Holt in the 81st minute, it was all over and we had set a new club record for games unbeaten, 43

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April 2007 Summary
(League One unless stated)

Nottingham Forest 1-0 Tranmere
Vaughan (34)

Crewe 2-5 Nottingham Forest
Rodgers (12) Maynard (56) : Vaughan (42,75,85) Lindfield (79) Collins (90)

Nottingham Forest 2-0 Blackpool
Tyson (7) D.Collins (84)

Bristol City 0-2 Nottingham Forest
Tyson (33,88)

Nottingham Forest 3-1 Gillingham
Beaumont (19) Vaughan (27) Lindfield (81) : Jarvis (21)

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Just one game was left in the season, myself and the side travelling down to Brighton. It was a game that didn't matter to either side, as both automatic promotion spots were settled and the play-off places had been secured, with our opponents having earned one of those. The game was a dull affair, both teams happy to settle for a draw, Belmadi scoring for us, while Reid scored for the home side. I had other things on my mind though, and I left the players to their celebrations while I made my way to deliver the package

"Hello. Anyone there?"

The cafe was empty, derelict, run down. No wonder Paul had picked this place to meet his client

"Whos there?"
"I'm delivering a package on behalf of Paul Townsley"
"OK. Sean, Damien, search our visitor for the usual"

Once I was searched I was made to sit down in a chair, across from the supposed client. I couldn't see his face, not that I wanted to, but I had a strange feeling of deja-vu

"So what do you do? Why are you involved in this?"
"I'm a football manager. Paul believes I owe him favours, but I think he's wrong"
"Hmmm. Well I'll tell you what son. I'm owed a few...favours, shall we say, from Paul. And it seems you have a problem with him. So here is my business card. You help me, and I'll help you. Anytim Paul does anything out of turn, your ing me. My boys will sort him out. Alright?"
"Yes. Yes thankyou very much. Can I ask you something though?"
"Fire away"
"Why are you doing this for me? I mean, what have I done for you?"
"Well, lets just say that you manage a team that is very close to me..."

He leant forward, letting the light shine on his face, and I let out a gasp of breath. It couldn't be him, surely? Stuart Pearce was sat across from me. What was all this about? Have I gone mad?

"...and you're doing a bloody good job. So I don't want anything to happen to you, OK?"
"Yes, that's fine. Thankyou, again"
"Not a problem. Oh and by the way, I wasn't here, should anyone ask. I'm supposed to be in Manchester but I've got the feeling I'm not going to be in a job much longer"
"I won't say a word to anyone"
"Good lad. Now keep up the good work"

And with that, he stood up and left, leaving me sat in amazement, a feeling that was still occupying the forefront of my mind as I got back to Nottingham with the lads, and even into the night as we carried on our celebrations.

retired_brianrt

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> PL W D L GD PTS1. NOTT'M FOREST 46 33 12 1 +63 1112. Bristol City 46 22 16 8 +21 82-------------------------3. Brighton 46 22 12 12 +25 784. Blackpool 46 22 9 14 +6 785. Scunthorpe 46 21 10 15 +17 736. Swansea 46 20 9 17 +10 69</pre>

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The end of season awards saw us pick up two gongs, James Vaughan the young player of the year while I scooped the manager of the year awards. We had four players in the League One team of the year, Neill Collins, Danny Cullip, Djamel Belmadi and James Vaughan all earning honours. It turned out to be a good night, as the team ate, drank and celebrated into the night.

We had lots of work to do to prepare for the upcoming season, players to be signed, contracts to be renewed among other things. I did manage to secure my first signing for the summer transfer window not long afterwards, Penbe Ergun securing a twelve month deal from Racing. The former Turkish international would provide some excellent cover at left back and his experience would be crucial to keeping us in the division, and with no transfer fee commanded I was more than happy to sign him.

I completed another signing 48 hours later, Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper agreeing to join the Forest ranks with a promise of first team football. Again, no transfer fee was commanded for the Englishman, and he took a severe wage cut, from £8,500 to £5,500 to join us. I was delighted to have a goalkeeper with such experience in the side, and I was sure his knowledge of the game would help us. At 32, he still has time left to play, and he sacrificed his Newcastle wage for first team football at the City Ground. I like that in a player, nd I was delighted to have signed Steve on board