Firstly, what do you make of the takeover and news of Sven arriving at Meadow Lane? What do you think it means for Forest and football in Nottingham?
I was obviously shocked when I saw the news. I'm happy to an extent as I've always had a soft spot for County and think this takeover could be great for them. Notts are too big for league 2 and hopefully this could send them back up a couple of divisions, in time. Sven can only be a good thing, his knowledge of League Two is going to be terrible, but his contacts and general footballing knowledge can't harm you. For Forest, hopefully it means we will be seeing a decent local derby in the next few years, which is what we all want! Just remember, we will always be the biggest team in Nottingham!
What do you think the season is going to bring for both Notts and Forest?
For Notts it could go either way. You've been linked with some good players and signed decent players, especially Hughes who will score a bag full. I think it will take time though and think Notts will need this season to consolidate and settle a bit. On the other hand you may just storm the league, but I feel it will be one season too early for that. For the Reds, a season of mid table obscurity would do me. We've signed a lot of players but I still think our defence is weak. Again, promotion would be too early for us, so a nice top 15 finish would do me. As long as we aren't in another relegation scrap i'll be happy.
Billy Davies has been busy in the transfer market, are you happy with his dealings?
On the whole yes. He's picked up some bargains like Anderson and Camp, he's also signed some quality players like Gunter and McKenna, who are both solid signings. However, I think he has paid over the odds for some people, especially McGoldrick (which will please Notts fans I'm sure). He has made some very good signings and improved our squad no end and with nine signings, I can't really grumble.
We've got Brendan Moloney on loan from you, what do you make of that?
Very good signing for you. We threw him in the deep end a bit last season in a "do or die" match against Barnsley and I admit, I was impressed. Had we not signed Gunter I would have been content with him as a right back for us this season. Solid, difficult to beat and very good going forward. I hope this is just a loan and there is nothing permanent in it, as he is definitely one for the future.
How do you see tomorrow's game going? Are you confident?
This game is always one friendly that I genuinely want to win. We normally go there with a strong side, so hopefully we will have too much for you. I can see us winning, but it should be a good game with a cracking atmosphere; with the added factor of Sven banter!
Who should we watch our for on your team, and who do you fear on ours?
There's the usual suspects like Earnshaw, Tyson and McGugan. Keep an eye on some of the new boys like McGoldrick and particularly Majewski, a highly rated Polish chap with an eye for goal. We should look out for Hughes who is a natural scorer and keep an eye on Moloney, who will be eager to impress.
Thanks Markan. Finally, what's your prediction?
3-1 Forest