By John Swift
June 3 2004

Who will be taking to the field at the beginning of next season? Which players might go? And who might arrive? There's been a lot of transfer rumours recently; some possible, some unlikely and some straight out of the mental asylum. So what shape will we be in when the Coca-Cola leagues are born?

Under Joe Kinnear there's a certain level of optimism that has not been experienced in a pre-season for some years floating in the stomach of Forest fans. Joe has definitely given us reason to have high expectations of him with a rather miraculaous turn around with almost the same resources as at Hart's disposal. Kinnear is almost a victim of his own success. The more you do right; the more is expected of you. So what can we really expect from the 04/05 season? Is promotion just youthful innocent optimism? Well let's take a look at how we will line up for the coming season:

Between the sticks: The signing of Paul Gerrard has not materialised as some hoped it would. Though maybe a goalkeper is on Joe's mind, especially if Ward cannot regain from quickly enough for the new season, though it is thought he will. Another hint that would suggest Ward will remain in goal next season was dropped when the club announced contract offers to other former loan players Andy Impey and Alan Rogers, but never mentioned an official approach to keep Gerrard. The club recently released below-par goalkeeper Pascal Formann leaving them with just two reasonable goalkeepers (Roche and Ward). So it now seems odds on that "Wardy" will be guarding the net again for the Reds next season.

At the back: The right-back position will probably have Louis-Jean accommodating it next season. Other possibilities there are Impey, though he will probably play right-wing, and Kevin James, who seems to have many positions which he can function in. Alan Rogers will occupy the left-back position without doubt. "Tank" is simply in another league to Robertson or Doig, and neither should trouble him for his spot. Rogers has not failed to impress since his return to the City Ground on loan and will hopefully continue to do so. In the centre-back position two of England's biggest prospects will appear. Morgan and Dawson will be the clear cut choice next season, unless of course Joe plans to bring in an experienced head to replace Des. Rogers, Morgan, Dawson and Louis-Jean sound like a very solid back four for next season. Perhaps it wouldn't be unfair to say potentially one of the best in the division.

In the midfield: The midfield is perhaps the hardest area to predict for next season. It seems change may be on the way here more than anywhere else. On the right-wing there are three main candidates: Andy Impey, Kevin James and Eoin Jess. Choosing between those three is no mean feat as they are all fairly equal. However if Andy Reid departs for the Premiership, as has been often suggested, this may mean that James is the most likely candidate to try and fill his boots. James is very versatile and would relish the challenge of playing down the left, probably enjoying more success than any of the other wingers. In centre-midfield Paul Evans will start in the holding role, bar another signing of a similar player which doesn't appear top priority. Evans was a great find, and maybe Joe will have to "wheel 'n' deal" again if Williams decides it is time for him to step up into the Premiership limelight. If Williams does leave trying to predict who will take his place is nigh on impossible, if he stays he will surely retain that position after some very impressive shows surging forward.

Up front: David Johnson now seems to have returned to the "DJ" we all know and love with some stunning performances to end the season. Scoring 5 goals in the final 4 games "Johno" will be impossible to leave out, even more so due to the popularity he has so superbly earned. As to Johnson's partner this will most probably depend on the circumstances of the match. Some teams may be punished more by Marlon King, whilst others may not be able to stop Taylor's aerial prowess. And let's not rule out a new forward being brought in by Kinnear. if so then perhaps the new man will sideline King and Taylor.

A final word: For next season things look promising. After the disappointment of a rather dismal 03/04 season Forest fans deserve to be back to the top end of division 1 next season. And under Joe Kinnear we all hope our confidence will be deserved. Joe seems to have the ability and the will to fulfil our vision of the future for Forest, so let's get behind him and hope we can get into the Premiership. The future's bright for Reds everywhere.