Getting shirty

Hi everyone.

We had a good Cup run, but it's come to an end.

It was disappointing though. Frustrating too. We did not do ourselves justice at all. When you play one of the top sides in Europe, you only get one chance to beat them.

We did not look like scoring. The only chance we really had was when Perchy [James Perch] tried to slide one in at the back post in the second half.

We played better after half-time once Sammy Clingan came on, but we had nothing to lose being 3-0 down at half-time. Chelsea were never going to throw away their lead though.

The boys were pleased to have had the chance to play against the likes of Shevchenko, Essien and Lampard. They said Essien and Lampard were just playing their own game. They just made it look so simple.

Nicky Southall went running after Lampard at the end of the game to get his shirt. I think Trigger had him in a headlock because he wanted his shirt so much!

Didier Drogba came to the Forest changing room at the end of the game and asked to see Ian Breckin, who was marking him. The boys said to Brecks 'Drogba's outside - he wants to see you'. He just said 'yeah, yeah' - he thought the boys were just winding him up. In the end he poked his head out the door and there was Drogba! He asked if Brecks wanted to swap shirts. It was a nice gesture.

The fans had a great day. Whenever we go away we have exceptional support. Watching the game on BBC, I could hear the Forest fans. The commentators made a point of saying it was the Forest fans you can hear. The camera then panned into the crowd and I saw a couple of my mates. One of them had his shirt off! I can't imagine how cold he would have been.

On the injury front, I've been training with the boys for the last couple of days, which has been good. I got a round of applause from them when I turned up on Monday. It's been great to get back with the group.

I was tested every day while I was injured, doing stretches to test the hamstring. If you pass them, as I did, then you can get back to training. It's been four weeks since I got injured. The physio is happy with how the injury has healed.

I have only been doing 70 or 80 per cent though, like making sure I don't stretch for balls I can't get. It's difficult not to at times. I've had injuries before and the last thing you want is to injure yourself again and end up back in the physio's room. I have been holding back a little but when you are playing football and are in the zone, you forget about it.

I have had no set-backs so far and could take part on Saturday at Bradford.

I did not have any chance of making Wednesday's game at Carlisle. It came way too early. It would have been suicidal if I had played.The gaffer does not want me back if I am not fully fit. Saturday might be my chance to get back on the bench. If I do, then it will be a good chance to get back in the swing of things, like playing in front of a crowd again. If not then I might try and get a reserve game next week. It'd be good to get through 45 minutes to an hour.

The gaffer has been busy this week and made a few signings.

David Prutton has signed on loan for the rest of the season. He used to play at Forest but had left for Southampton by the time I joined. He's a good central midfielder but can play on the right too. His experience will be good for our midfield although I'm not sure what plans the gaffer has for him.

We have also signed Luke Chambers from Northampton. I missed the game against them earlier in the season so I have not seen him play. The lads think he's a good central defender though.

Can you remember your time at Notts County?
John Jones
I was there from ten to 15. It was one of the turning points in my young career. I thought I was one of the better players coming through. Jermaine Pennant was around the first team when he was just 14 – that was something I wanted to do. I wanted to sign YTS forms but the club gave me no indication that they were going to offer me one. I said ‘I’ve been here five years and you won’t tell me if you will give me a YTS’. So I decided to leave. I joined Chesterfield and played against Stoke in a youth team game. I played quite well and the Stoke scout met me after the game. Within a week I’d signed for for them for three years – one on YTS terms and two as pro.

Who do you think are Forest’s main threats in League One this season?
Eddie Clerkin
Bristol City – they are on a high at the moment. They have a great squad and played the best football against us. It was a full house at the City Ground when we played them, so it was quite intimidating, but they still played their football. We still have to go there. Scunthorpe are another. They have sold Andy Keogh to Wolves though – that’s a big loss. But they still have Billy Sharp. He’s flying at the moment. Oldham are another. They are in with a shout, but there are a lot of teams in the same position. It depends on who can go on a run.

How does it feel to be writing on The FA website?
Declan Booth
It’s good for me as it puts my face about and shows people that I am serious about my football. People often ask me about it and log on to have a read. It’s cool, no bother at all.