Relief as Davies is given all clear

Thank god for that! Arron Davies has not broken his ankle, and should be fit in time to start the new season.

I was dreading coming home today to find out that he would face a lengthy spell on the sidelines, and consequently leave Forest's preparations for the new campaign in tatters, but fortunately a scan has revealed that he is suffering from nothing more than heavy bruising.

It's a shame he won't be able to play against Derby tomorrow night, but the most important thing is that he is available for selection on August 11th when we play Bournemouth. Three League One points is more important than getting one over our sworn enemy in a friendly, after all! At least I think it is, anyway.

I wish I could go to the Derby match, but being reliant on public transport, it's impossible on a Tuesday night to get there. There's going to be around 4,000 Forest fans going, so there will be a very good atmosphere, and whoever wins will get their hands on the Brian Clough trophy, which will be awarded to the winners of all future meetings between the two sides.

I'll console myself with the fact that at least I won't have to tolerate the inevitable mocking from the Derby fans about the current chasm between the two Clubs. If all goes to plan, this time next year we will be looking forward to meeting each other in the Championship!