There’s no shortage of clubs that I feel are somewhat disrespectful to the League Cup, but thankfully Nottingham Forest head coach Sabri Lamouchi got his rewards for taking it seriously on Tuesday night in beating Fleetwood Town.
And what a draw it was for the Reds.
There were 7,000 there against the Cod Army and you’d expect a sell-out against the Rams, so it just goes to show what an exciting draw in the competition can do – along with the added revenue and likely television income if, as we expect, the game gets selected by Sky Sports – when you treat it with respect.
Playing Derby County is special on any occasion, but in a cup competition under the City Ground lights will add some extra magic, and give everybody something to look forward to in the early weeks of the campaign.
Beating Fleetwood was never going to be an easy task, it was always one fraught with danger that needed a professional approach.
Lower league clubs almost have a free pass when it comes to games like that, because they arrive with little expectation on them, playing at a fantastic stadium, they can go out there and give it a real good go in trying to cause an upset.
As it was, despite nine changes, Forest were still able to find a way to win the game and keep a clean sheet, which, going forward, will be vitally important in giving them confidence.
It was a fine goal from Tiago Silva following a lovely pass from John Bostock, who along with Brice Samba, Carl Jenkinson, Yuri Ribeiro, Samba Sow and Rafa Mir will have benefited from playing at the City Ground.
Just imagine if the Reds had gone out of the competition and then saw Derby drawn at Fleetwood, we’d have all been mightily frustrated feeling it was a great opportunity missed.
As it is, we’re all now excited for the game.
It’s one which could help shape Forest’s season especially as it comes just before the first international break.
If the Reds can get some good results between now and then, it’ll give them confidence going into it.
Beating Derby at any stage is hugeWhat an opportunity for him to really lay a marker down in the role and get the fans right on his side.
I do hope he picks his strongest side available, though.
We’re only in August, so there should be no concerns about tiredness – I hope Phillip Cocu does the same with the Rams, players should be as fresh as a daisy, excited about playing.
This game means so much and it’d be fitting if both sides went with their first choice starting XI.
Had it of come in January, during the cold, wet winter months after a busy festive period then you could foresee a change or two.
As it is, we’re at such a premature stage, plus the fact Forest have such a big squad, I can’t imagine Lamouchi having any other thought than picking his best – he’ll know what’s riding on it.
Forest do have some big league games before the Derby clash and while it will be hard to stop fans and the media from talking about it, there’s three very important league games before that starting with Birmingham at the City Ground on Saturday afternoon.
The last thing Lamouchi and Forest would want is to go into that game having struggled in games against Birmingham, Charlton and Fulham, which let’s be right, are three terrifically tough assignments.
Winning is a great habit to get into, and what better way to really get your teeth into the new season than beating your arch-rivals, knocking them out of the competition and keeping hold of the Brian Clough Trophy.
Garry Birtles was in conversation with Barry Cooper
