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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Barry Cooper

'Every side needs a water carrier' Why Nottingham Forest legend thinks Reds are on the right track

It was great to see Ben Watson net a goal on Saturday, and what a key one it turned out to be for Nottingham Forest

Backing up last weekend’s win at Swansea City was so important, not just for the confidence in the dressing room, but on the terraces, too.

It shows that they've got the ability to tough it out and beat teams when they're not at their best, and that they can turn it on when up against the better teams.

Not only was it a timely one in the context of the game, it was also important to see another name on the scoresheet. 

Naturally, you want to see Lewis Grabban and Joe Lolley on there every week in an ideal world, because they’re your two most potent weapons – and with that comes added scrutiny from the opposition. 

Good sides, successful sides are the ones that have players chipping in from all areas, whether that be at the back or the middle.  

Matty Cash has found the net, so has Michael Dawson, Alfa Semedo and now Watson.

Joe Lolley celebrates with goalscorer Ben Watson (Joseph Raynor/ Nottingham Post)

Next up, I want to see Joe Worrall getting his head to one – ideally tomorrow night at the Emirates against Arsenal, what a moment that would be for the academy boy.

You need others to take responsibility rather than just rely on one man, and that's especially important when there's only Grabban fit to play the lone striker role - that's an awful lot of pressure on him - something I'm sure the club are keen to rectify in January, though that's another story.

Judging by Watson's reaction, it meant an awful lot to Ben Watson, to see the ball hit the net – I guess, after three-and-a-bit years, it’s probably going to.

He’s not had the easiest of times at the City Ground since his move, though I have to say, under Sabri Lamouchi, he’s a man transformed and his performances have been nothing short of superb.

Everybody needs a water carrier in their side, I’ve said this before – Under Brian Clough we had John McGovern, a player hugely underrated by many – one so important to the team.

Nottingham Forest celebrate taking a 1-0 lead (Joseph Raynor/ Nottingham Post)

McGovern did nothing outlandish, he won the ball and gave it somebody who could play – like the little fat bloke on the wing (a certain John Robertson for those left wondering).

He protected me and Larry Lloyd in the middle of the defence, his job was vital and so is Watson’s now.

Him doing what he does enables Forest to play much further forward, and it allows the likes of Joao Carvalho, Tiago Silva and Joe Lolley to do their thing at the top of the pitch.

Kenny Burns was this week in discussion with Barry Cooper

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