OPPOSITION VIEW: FOREST

With Sunderland heading to the City Ground on Saturday we spoke to Nottingham Forest fan and worldwide stadium announcer/commentator Alan March (he was the stadium announcer for the Qatar World Cup Final!) to discuss Forest's strange start to the season, their European campaign and his thoughts on their new Aussie boss...

Forest are currently 15th in the table, what's been the story of your season so far?

In one word, change. No one really knew how fragile the relationship between ownership and Nuno was, but it became quite clear after two games and som interesting interviews. Now Ange needs time to install his beliefs and style, which is not always easy after the transfer window has closed!

How come Nuno fell out with your owner?

Why dos anyone fall out with someone else? Opinions are more often than not the biggest culprit. Our owner wants success yesterday, and the addition of Edu in the background at the club seems to have offered its problems.

Your last game was a 2-2 draw with Real Betis in European competition, how were you feeling after that one?

We’re back in Europe after 30 years, and four years ago we were bottom of the Championship under one of our worse managers in history (Megson won’t be beaten!) so how would anyone feel? If the Black Cats played in the Conference league next season and got done over 3–0 away in Andorra you’d still be buzzing on so many levels, wouldn’t you? No one is entitled to win anything, enjoy the journey and that’s what Forest fans want for now.

Still winless under Ange Postecoglu, what are your thoughts on the new manager?

Let’s just say “he needs time”, to quote Joe Cole in the TNT studio on Wednesday night. That’s right, but we all know in football time is a valuable commodity!

Who has been Forest's best player in these early stages of the season?

I love the look of Igor Jesus. I was lucky to be out in the States working at the Club World Cup and this lad is a cracking player, and a steal for under £15m!

What have you made of Sunderland's start to life in the Premier League?

Proper club, proper fanbase, I hope you stay up and buck the trend! Xhaka is a great addition (if not a gamble wages wise). Slow and steady is a fine way to start, and you've done a bit better than that.

Any of our lads caught your eye in particular?

Nordi Mukiele. Very impressive in his early outings, both physically and intelligence wise. Bargain too!

What's your score prediction?

I think Forest will finally gel, Ange will get 60-75 mins of that first-half Betis performance going and we’ll be out of sight, you’ll get one late on when we make four changes for no reason! 3-1 Forest.

Finally, where do you reckon we'll both finish this season? Also what are your predictions for Forest's European campaign?

I’ll see you lovely Black Cats in the 12th and 13th table positions. All the best Red and White teams will be hanging around there this season…