And so begins life under a fourth manager in four seasons. Nuno Espirito Santo (summer), Ange Postecoglou (autumn) and Sean Dyche (winter) have led us to Vitor Pereira to take us into spring. What a year.
Sitting here on a flight to Istanbul for Nottingham Forest’s first Europa League knockout phase match – against Fenerbahce on Thursday – it’s hard not to reflect on the league phase and the missed opportunities in it.
Advertisement
The enjoyable trip to Seville for the first game was an undoubted highlight and home victories over Porto, Malmo and Ferencvaros at least meant we carry on into the knockout stages, but the dreadful collapse against Midtjylland, the poor draw at Sturm Graz and the lack of punch in the Braga rain all cost Forest dearly and are the reason they find themselves in this play-off.
But now comes a new start – another one – and I can’t remember a managerial appointment being treated with such a level of apathy from so many supporters.
The fans we’ve spoken to are tired of welcoming a new man through the door and tired of hoping this one will be the answer to all their problems.
Pereira will need every bit of his charm and positivity to win over the fans (and players) to save this season.
Advertisement
And while the Europa League has been more of a distraction than the joyous addition supporters had hoped for, a win in Turkey could provide the hope that this largely miserable season could yet have a happy ending.
Listen to full commentary on every Nottingham Forest game, and In The Game every weeknight from 18:00, on BBC Radio Nottingham.
And subscribe to the Shut Up And Show More Football podcast on BBC Sounds.