I was trawling my drafts blog file and found a post I had written a few months ago.
Specifically when Forest were playing their match against Sheffield United at the City Ground to get to the Premiership Playoff Final.
Obviously I wasn’t feeling too optimistic given how the second half was going.
Though to be fair, after 23 years of pain – including that terrible situation in 2020 – I had reason to be doubtful. Which is why what happened was so amazing … and why I am so, so glad I was there to witness it.
Though this post may not be wasted.
Given the competitive nature of the Premiership, maybe I can use it in our last game of our season in the ‘big league’. Though I hope I don’t have to … even though if it the worst did happen and we were relegated, I can honestly say having a season back in the top tier would be regarded as a gift I feared I may never see again.
Who knows …
On one hand we have lost so many of the players who helped us get to that place.
On the other hand, we have replaced them with arguably better players … not to mention most of the previous regime were there when we were underperforming, hence the magic of Steve Cooper as our manager.
My main hope is we just keep him, because regardless of what happens, he created miracles we’ve not seen since ol’ Big Head and who wouldn’t want more of those?
Come on you reds.
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At the end of the day it was a match too far.
It all looked so good, but after a season where we went from bottom to touching distance of second, the young team – full of injured players – just couldn’t see it though.
It was so close though.
Closer than we’ve been in decades.
And for that I’m so so proud. But also devastated.
Even more so for the brilliant young players who will leave us now. But have earned their shot at the big time.
So to them – and all the players, the manager and staff – thank you for all you did.
You Reds.
Filed under: A Bit Of Inspiration, Age, Attitude & Aptitude, Individuality
This is the actress Keeley Hawes.
While I have enjoyed a lot of the television and movies she has appeared in, I don’t know much about her other than she is an accomplished actress who – having read a few interviews about her – is smart, self-aware and considered.
[Yes, I know her husband is also an accomplished actor, but I don’t want to diminish her individuality or achievements, because – let’s be honest – most women end up being seen as someone’s wife or mother rather than their own person]
She recently talked about changing her career.
Not because she doesn’t love what she does … nor because she isn’t as successful as she hoped … but because of COVID, she has started to re-evaluate what she wants to do in her life, especially as she will be turning 50 in a few years and that feels a pivotal age.
I totally get that.
As I’ve said many times before, the problem with getting older is you keep discovering more things you want to explore and pursue, however you have become painfully aware you won’t be able to do all of them … not least because as you do one new activity, they reveal even more things you want to chase down.
But while the temptation is to just stick with what you know to not frustrate yourself, the impact of time does create am anxiety you can’t entirely shake off. So while I acknowledge it’s an absolute privilege for anyone to be able to change direction in the quest for more life experience … it’s likely something most people feel.
None of which has anything to do with this post.
The reason is when I saw that photo of Keeley, I just thought it was amazing.
She looks so cool, elegant and rock n’ roll all at the same time.
I can only dream of being that, but then I wear birkies so I don’t stand a chance.