Jordan Smith

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As the 2016-17 season drew to a close the disastrous campaign initially led by the nice Philippe Montanier had left new boss Mark Warburton with one game to cling onto our Championship lives and avoid slipping back into League One. Things had improved since competent management was restored but the team was lacking in confidence more than quality and included a number of talented youngsters who had been blooded by interim bosses Gary Brazil and Jack Lester. Ipswich were erratic and posed a danger. Forest could win and still go down. The crowd were up for it but the game started with an understandably nervous tension all around the ground. Forest were not imposing themselves on the game but were clinging on as the tension mounted. One bit of misfortune then could have changed everything. When the shot came in it took a wicked deflection off Michael Manciene's outstretched knee. The kind of thing likely to break the deadlock. It looked certain to be the inevitable banana skin that might prove fatal, the ball already seemed to have passed the young, talented shot stopper and be heading for the top right hand corner of the goal. It was one of those moment when a keeper can take breath and give up the ghost and all is lost, you see it every week. Where the need is for instant action using instinct not anything that can be taught on the training ground. In that instant we discovered Jordan Smith had this innate talent. From nowhere time stood still but he moved faster than lightning and threw out his left hand to produce probably the finest and most significant save for Forest since Peter Shilton denied Mick Dyson on the day we claimed the Championship at Highfield Road. The incredible save was made, the moment passed. Forest were stung into action and others were left to provide the goals that saw us run out 3-0 winners and safely secure survival. But with this magical moment it could all have been so different.

“Fantastic” - Jordan Smith, Nottingham Forest FC Goalkeeper