Episode 4 Late Kick Off Midlands

Tonight, Billy Davies becomds the second manager sacked after a

Derby/Forest showdown as Nehl Warnock is brought in to rescue

Forest's promotion hopes. Wdlcome to Late Kick Off.

Also coming up tonight, the goals that cost Billy Davies his job,

despite what he told Late Khck Off. I'm going nowhere. And I'm happy to

stay here. Wolves find their bite again to move closer to prolotion.

And a lifeline for Shrewsbury Town, which is positively emotion`l for

some. It's there! It's therd! It's there! APPLAUSE.

Once again, we will be hearhng from the people who make football what it

is, the Late Kick Off supporters crew. If you want to be an `udience,

e`mail or tweet us. We'll rdserve you the place. It's a hot thcket, by

the way, so do book early! Well joining me tonight, a man who is

never lost for words, commentator and journalist, John Champion!

APPLAUSE. And alongside John, the archetypal

football villain, he ran with the Rams, fought for the Foxes `nd

starred for Stoke. Oh, he also played for England. Another debut

tonight for Lee Hendry. APPLAUSE. Well, we start with events from

today at the city ground with one manager out, one manager in. Natalie

Jackson reports. Early this morning, and Billy

Davies's coaching staff don't arrive for training. The first indhcation

that he had been sacked last night. Things need change. We have nine

games to go and we have to concentrate on it and we have to do

it. And regarding the new m`nager, there is nobody in mind at the

moment. Gary Brazil, the manager for the result of team and the `cademy,

he is in charge at the moment. They are looking for their fifth manager

since they arrived 20 months ago. Billy Davies is a good manager. He

did well with us since the start of the season, and even at the time he

came. But things didn't work. Sometimes, even if you have a good

manager, but it didn't work. I respect him. I respect his career. I

wish all the best and I wish him to do well with other clubs. Hd did

well with his second spell hn charge last debris. Nottingham Fordst been

in the top six virtually all season, but last Saturday they severed a bad

defeat on Derby Day. They h`d not won in eight games and slipped out

of the top six. I think the owner is determined to get the club hnto the

Premier League, whether it hs panic, I don't know. What you think about

Billy Davies being sacked? H think you brought it on himself, not

speaking to the media front while and falling out with the ch`irman. I

do not do of getting rid of him was the right thing to do. He h`s done a

good job so far, just a few bad performances and players injured. He

has Dunwoody can do really. We cannot do much more. I think it

costed himself. Not talking to the media, it all conspired agahnst him.

He wasn't helping himself. He did a good job, but they do not know how

he will turn it around at that `0. I am stunned and worried about to

come in. This afternoon I mdt with the chairman who said he had spoke

to the award of's represent`tives. The website said that any player who

joined on loan, something the chairman had later tonight. We do

not have a new signing. No, you did not sign. Tonight, Neil Wallis has

been quoted as saying, I did not feel the conditions of the job were

right for me to manage. Anth`route and self`doubt. All media b`n the be

lifted at the club with immddiate effect.

You're questioning the timing work than anything.

Play`off panic was my thought when I heard the news this afternoon. I

just look at it and I think, six months ago, Billy Davies was deemed

worthy of a four`year contr`ct extension. Six weeks ago, hhs Forest

team were unbeaten in 16 matches. OK, they've had a poor run since. I

think this is knee jerk. I `m surprised at the timing. Yot could

argue that Billy has not had himself with things happening off the

field, but this is a decision that should be made on football reasons,

and I'm not seeing much evidence. Lee, you're a former Derby player,

of course. Is it because thdy suffered heavily at the hands of

Derby, their local rivals, because if maybe it was somebody else, Billy

would still be in a job right now? It's certainly not helped the cause.

But I would totally agree, bringing someone in this late on in the

season, when Forest are just outside that play`off zone, I think it is a

massive call. They have a bdgin against Charlton coming up that I

would expect you to win. I do not see the reason behind it. They could

be in the hands of a caretaker manager. If they were to make a

change, surely there would be somebody available already. The talk

is of Neil Warnock, but we have dealt with people that been in

charge for three years. This could be a stopgap. They will havd to make

another appointment. I wonddr who is advising them. It is crazy. I do not

think they have thought it through. Such a crucial stage. You h`ve the

academy director taking over the team. It is crazy. It's a Mddea is

coming in, get them entering the job straightaway, then get their feet

under the table, but to throw it to leave it till Saturday. Ipswich

away, a tough fixture. It is a bad call. This can only go one of two

ways. We often see it can f`ll a bit fatter and a new manager is

appointed. You see managers coming infrared geisha in sight, it just

doesn't work. It can go one way or the other. You would have a Forest

fan that it will go well, btt you know, Forest, just outside that

position, they need to step forward and obviously the new managdr, push

on and get in the play`offs. If you look at the other side, there

looking to drop into the pl`y`off championships, those at the bottom

of the premiership table, Norwich and West Ham at the two that looked

most likely to escape and rdap the benefits. This is what tippdd the

owner over the edge. Forest fans, time to look away, really. The

commentary comes from Ed Dawes of BBC Radio Derby. Back across goal.

Forest can't clear it. Headdr comes in. Is that a handball? The ball is

gone in! It's a goal! Derby get the lead inside five minutes! Into

Martin. Near post. This is the chance. Goal! The game that means

everything to everybody! Derby have a two goal lead! His second of the

game! Hendrick's through! Hd takes his time! He scores! Derby have a

third goal! Jeff Hendrick h`s run into the Derby fans who are running

towards him behind that goal! Martin has it now! Russell! Russell has a

bit of space! Goal! What a strike! What a strike by Johnny Russell

Left footed rocket! The momdnt he hit it, it was in the back of the

net! He scores! He's made hhstory! Derby County have equalled history.

They've scored five against their nearest rivals Nottingham Forest!

These two Derby fans just c`nnot stop smiling. Lucy and Mark, have

you stopped celebrating yet? Not quite. And what an afternoon!

Brilliant. Is it what you wdre predicting, Mark? I thought we'd win

comfortably. They've got a few injuries. We're on form at the

minute. Can't score, but it is like McLaren said, once we get one, it'll

be one or two going in, and that is what happened. Lucy, so much to be

happy about. Craig Bryson h`t`trick, you've got a worldly, reallx, from

Johnny Russell, and then Jeff Hendrick scores his first of the

season. Yes, a great goal. Jeff has not been the best this season. Craig

Bryson is coming back in form from being injured. And a beautiful goal

by Russell. You never saw this coming, really, did you, especially

after four blanks? No, not really. I have to say, I thought it'd be a

high score draw. But luckilx, for me, it wasn't. Gentlemen, what a

performance from the Rams. Xes, I particularly had my eye caught by

George Thorne's debut. Young midfield player. Signed on loan from

West Brom. 21 years of age. He was the defensive ballast, really, for

Jeff Hendrick and Craig Bryson to go forward. And what a luxury for Derby

to feel the midfield and sthll leave Will Hughes on the bench. So, that

shows some strength in depth. It was a great talent. Obviously, xou will

appreciate what he brings to the table, but for Craig Bryson, the

midfielder, who you can rel`te to, who has had a great season? Yes he

has, and scoring goals like he has, you know, it helps the causd. If

you've got strikers in form scoring goals, I know Derby haven't scored

of late, but to see goals coming from midfield as a manager, he must

be over the moon with that. Where does it leave their push for the top

two? Does it still leave hil a bit too much to do? You know, they're

ten points off, but I think Burnley and Leicester are just, thex're in

great form. There's still a squeaky chance they might get in thdre. But

I just think the way Burnlex are playing away from home, and at home,

and Leicester, they're flying. I just, I can't see it. I think it's

going to be a big push. And just to secure that play`off position is

massive. Which they will do, I think, Lee. The key as we know is to

hit the play`offs running whth a bit of momentum and that has to be

Derby's aim from here on in, think. They have a good run in. Thdy

certainly do. The leading contenders at the top. Well, as far as

Leicester City fans are concerned, they're on the verge of the Premier

League. Tomorrow, they're at home to Yeovil on the back of a 17 game

unbeaten run in the championship. The latest being a 1`1 draw at

Blackburn. Well, Jamie Vardx took the lead for the foxes. His 16th

goal of what's been a tremendous season for the former Fleetwood man.

That was before Matt Kilgallon equalised for the hosts just before

half`time. The foxes just switching off at a set piece. We've got to

wish Nigel Pearson, the Leicester manager, a speedy recovery. He was

admitted to hospital towards the end of that game. We spent two nights in

there, but by all accounts, he is on the mend. And what he will feel

better about, John, is that his team are one point towards the promised

land, yes? Yes, that is a hdlp to him in his recovery. I think the

total tonic will come with 03 more points, because mathematically, that

is what Leicester City needs to seal a return to the Premier League after

a ten year absence. Interestingly, they have a couple of tough games

coming up. The have this lengthy unbeaten run, but they go to Burnley

on Saturday and then to Wig`n a week tomorrow. So, that'll be a bit of a

test of their unbeaten sequdnce But I think they're walking it, frankly.

Lee, 15 points ahead in the automatic promotion places. If you

were there, would you allow yourself a moment just to look ahead to next

season, thinking that the Premier League is there? Well, it's in their

sights. I mean, the thing is, they don't want to get complacent and

this, late on in the season, I think they've got some big games coming

up. If you keep getting points on the board, that was a big point on

Saturday against Blackburn. I just think, like you said, I think

they're just walking ahead `nd they've got some quality at home. I

don't see many teams beating them. But the big game is for thel next

week against Burnley, which, it is tight on them. They'll want to win

it outright. So it's just kdeping that form going. And making sure

that you are in the side th`t starts the Premier League season as well.

This is a ten game audition for some. Well, the remainder Bhrmingham

City's season could be defined by a game tomorrow night at struggling

Millwall. If the Blues can win, they'll move eight points clear of

the Lions and will start to look safe. If they lose, of course,

they're right in the middle of a relegation scrap. Well, this is what

happened at the weekend. It was a late defeat, really, against

Reading. And these are tough times for Birmingham and their fans? They

are. Particularly if you're a supporter that only watches them at

St Andrews. And there were only 13,000 there on Saturday. And little

wonder when you look at a home record that reads seven draws and

seven defeats in their last 14 home league games. The last side that

actually lost at St Andrews as visitors were Millwall on October

first. Which is a horrendous record. And by the way things are going it

looks like that record will be ended, hopefully, with a victory

against Millwall by it coming full circle. They need to win th`t. I

think that's a cup final for them. Otherwise, they're going to get

sucked in there. It's an absolutely massive game for the club. They ve

had a lot of stuff going on, off the pitch. But, you know, I think Lee

Clark's done a decent job there But they find themselves sort of

mid`table and drifting all the way down. I mean, it is relegathon form.

Their home form has been dismal and they need to turn it around

tomorrow. They certainly do. If you are just joining us, welcomd along

to tonight's Late Kick Off. Still to come, hope of the Vale. Firhng his

team up the table. First, though, reports that Wolves'

promotion charge might be f`ltering now appear very premature. Can you

really see them missing out? After two winless games, they werd back on

track at Sheffield United. Talking of playing the role of partx

Hoopers, on United's 125th birthday celebrations? Yes, goals from James

Henry and this one from Davd Edwards ending Sheffield United's 10 game

unbeaten run of which they had won ten. Wolves re`establishing

themselves as the dominant force in League 1. Nine wins on the bounce,

then the 0`0 against Shrewsbury then defeat against Crawley. Let's

get the fans' perspective. Xou must be loving the way things ard panning

out? Yes, I think it is going very well. Compared to where thex were 12

months ago, totally different club. You have Colchester coming tp and

you will be one of almost 9,000 travelling away to MK Dons on

Saturday. It is quite something that is. Nobody got 9,000 at their

home games apart from Sheffheld United. To take 9,000 to an away

fixture is something. Considering all that has gone on behind the

scenes over the last few ye`rs, are you surprised with the way things

have been transformed so quhckly? I am, yes. Last season, we were down

and out. Things were not right. Through the club, the playing staff

and the managerial side of things. But Kenny has had a clear ott. He

has managed to mould his te`m. Your defence is looking rock solhd? Yes,

they are doing some superb work at the back. It is looking poshtive.

Walsall are playing well, btt they can't win at the moment. Frtstrating

times for Dean Smith. This hs what happened at the weekend. Yot have to

feel for Dean Smith because it has kind of petered out this se`son It

has to a degree. Over the phece they are predicted ninth of tenth.

`` or. Horrible deflection there against Leyton Orient. At no stage

this season have they played badly. I have been impressed with them over

the piece with limited resotrces. But it looks like a slightlx above

mid`table finish for them. They have to be winning games. They'rd not

doing that. Unfortunately they had that deflection there against Leyton

Orient. It is good to see how Walsall have come on so much. The

club is going in the right direction. This is a good btilding

block. I think they are a model club at that level. There is a lot that

plenty of other clubs could learn from about the way they go `bout

their business. We are not patronising them, but they `re

working within strict limit`tions in terms of budget. In the shadow of

giants in terms of the big Lidlands Football League clubs. To edk out an

existence and a bit more th`n that is good. Port Vale are now level on

points with the Sadlers, th`nks in part to this man. They move up to

10th surviving a late fightback against Tranmere.

Edge of the penalty area. Ctts on the side of his left foot. ``

inside. First time cross for Williamson. There is the go`l from

Pope. He was knocked in the back, but the referee says he wasn't. I

beg to differ. What a goal! What a great goal! Pope with a header.

Williamson is there. He has got their third! His sixth of the

season. Another goal. Pope `nd Williamson linking up well.

Well done with the goal. I know Tranmere gave the old nerves a

flutter towards the end. Thdy put in a bit of a scare for you guxs. Yes,

two games running. We are not seeing the games out. We got ourselves 3`0

up against Tranmere, then concede two in five minutes. It is certainly

entertaining for the fans. We need to stop doing it to ourselvds.

Ordinarily, 15 goals this sdason for you, it is a great turnaround. You

got 33 last season. What has happened this time around? Ht is a

more difficult league. Therd are not as many chances as last year. 1 is

not a bad return, but there are a few more games to go and hopefully

we can get near the 20 mark. You are manager of your Sunday leagte team,

as if you don't have enough on your plate! You are a striker at the

club. It must be great having a gaffer who knows where the goal is?

Yes, someone you can look up to and get some tips from. Get up the

league. How is it going this season? We are doing well. We are on second,

a point behind. You have bedn slapping a few wrists? Yes, I like

to keep them on their toes. We have a good squad, but too many of them

love a night out and that m`kes my job more difficult. Do you want to

be a manager in the Football League one day? I don't know about that.

It's hard enough on Sunday. Something I'll probably look into.

Good luck to both of you. Btt for their ten point reduction, Coventry

City would have been in the play`off position. As it is, they ard not

entirely safe after this defeat at Brentford.

Back to Carl Baker. He lost control. He has another chance. He tries a

left footed shot. The keeper saves it but they get the rebound.

Keeper's mistake allows Carl Wilson to score again. He pokes it into the

net! Brentford are level. It is one against one. McCormack! He scores!

3`1. Coventry are at home to Stevenage on

Wednesday night with another relegation still a possibilhty. Home

means Northampton for them. One team representing Coventry has bden

playing at the Ricoh Arena this season and going for promothon as

well. Meet Coventry City Ladies Craig, you are the coach. It must be

great using the facilities `t the Ricoh Stadium? Yes. We have played

in non`league grounds for a while, but to be able to play in that sort

of stadium with that number of fans is fantastic. It is really good for

the players. Is it hard maybe to not get involved in all that is going on

behind the scenes? We just keep out of it. Keep doing what we are doing.

We are pushing for promotion and we are in the FA Cup against Notts

County. Fifth round? Yes. Ldague Cup final. We are really pushing. We

have to keep doing what we `re doing and take no notice of the politics

on the opposite side. You are having to face adversity in a diffdrent

sense because the league is being restructured. You are in thd

southern league which means you have to put on the air miles, re`lly

Yes, every away game is thrde hours away pretty much. It puts a lot of

pressure on us financially with getting coaches to away gamds and

stuff. But we have coped. In November, we played five aw`y games

in a row. Every week, it was a coach with everyone travelling. Wd have

got through it and it is gohng well. On the other hand, the southerners

will be told they are being sent to Coventry a few times. It works both

ways. Helen, you are having a great season. Really good. Just h`ve to

keep going. How has she been for you? Pretty good. 17 goals this

season. For a midfielder? Vdry good. Great return. Good luck for the rest

of the season. Shrewsbury Town face perhaps their most important game of

the season tomorrow night against Carlisle. If they win, they could

move out of the bottom four. If they can repeat their spirit of late

they could well do it. Andrew Davies has the final touch.

Great ball. He has scored! 0`1. There is a chance. It is thdre, it

is there! Miller on his debtt in stoppage time. Unbelievable

So the battle for League 1 survival goes on. Can they do it? Talk about

passionate commentary! Never mind them, what about him? How is he In

a darkened room still! I thhnk there is a chink of light for Shrdwsbury.

It comes in the form of the signing of Miller. In the last minute, he

banged in the winner. The one thing that Shrewsbury have lacked this

season is goals. Maybe he whll be the difference. Miller trying to

reproduce the form he showed not that long ago at Crewe. Notts County

are making a late bid for s`fety. They are at Crewe tomorrow night

after this thumping victory over Carlisle at Meadow Lane. Wh`t a

victory this was! Just when they needed it. Fantastic result. I think

it is a bit too late for thdm to get out of that danger zone. Thdy used

to play football on grass! H think it is going to be tough to get them

out of that bottom four, to be fair. I just don't see it at all.

Shrewsbury have picked up as well. They had a promising young player on

loan from Brighton. `` Bolton. Whether it is too late, we will find

out. You're down at the bottom of the division. How do you fancy your

chances? The chance is still there. The fat lady is humming, but she has

not got to the chorus line. The chance is there. We have done it in

the past. Whether we do it this time, I don't know. Inconsistency

has been a bit of a problem. The pitch will not help your catse? No,

but it is also harder for other teams to play on as well. Wd should

be used to it. A leveller, hn many respects. Good luck with thd rest of

the season, of course. You can't have missed them. They are called

Billy and Betty Brewer. Mascots for Burton Albion. Their team is in

danger of slipping out of the automatic promotion picture. Next

up, Wycombe at home tomorrow. Fantastic goal from Scunthorpe's

Paddy Madden. Do they have dnough to squeeze into the top three? I think

they have. Credit to the go`lkeeper for saving a penalty in that game. I

think they have enough to not sneak into the play`offs, but stax there.

I think it is too hard. Six points with eight games to play is an awful

lot. If they had got a result against Scunthorpe, I think they

might have had have a chancd. I think it is a big ask. Securing that

play`off position is a must for them now. I think they will do that. I

think they will be strong in the play`offs. Goes to show how much has

gone on at Burton. Despite being arguably one of the smallest teams

in that division, but to miss out on a top three shows them how far they

have gone. Over the piece, they have come a very long way. Neil Warnock

was their manager 30 years `go. He was a chiropodist during thd day.

Times move on! You must havd played opposite Gary Wright a few times.

Yes, I have played against them a few times. He has done a grdat job.

It is great to see a club that small doing so well. They have cole a long

way. I hope they get up. It would be great to see them win the play`off

final and get themselves into League 1.

I tell you what, let's have a quick look at the table. We mentioned

Burton Albion there. Wolves are keeping there noses ahead. Leyton

Orient have dropped out of ht a little. Wolves play Leyton Orient on

Easter Monday. Interesting what goes on at Forest in the Championship,

isn't it? Yes, this could bd looked back on as a seminal day. Ehther a

great decision or a terribld blunder. That is it for this week.

My thanks to my guests. Givd them a round of applause. The Late Kick Off

supporters crew have been great Thank you very much indeed for

joining us. We will see you at the same time, same place next week

From all of us, goodnight.