QUEUES spread through the early morning mist in Mapperley to welcome the opening of a brand new supermarket.

Over 100 eager shoppers stood in line on Thursday to get inside the Aldi store on Woodborough Road.

Residents were enticed to the 8am unveiling with the promise of a golden ticket for the first 100 visitors, giving them a chance to win prizes after shopping at the store – including a 32" TV, portable DVD players and luxury bags of Aldi shopping.

Players from Sherwood FC's under 12s girls team – whose kit will be sponsored by the store – cut the ribbon at the grand opening, which heard music blaring out "Celebration" by Kool and the Gang to get the crowd excited.

Karma Croft, of Mapperley, was near the front of the queue.

The 34-year-old said: "I am pleased we have got a new store up here. I like the fact they have all the extra bits in the middle of the aisles which are always just what you need.

"I live just down the road from here so I'll definitely be shopping here."

But the locals were also excited by the prospect of new jobs in the area.

Aldi has already hired 50 new staff members for the store and said more jobs are on offer on its website – www.aldirecruitment.co.uk– including manager, deputy manager, store assistant and stock assistant roles.

Angela Jennings, 67, also of Mapperley, said: "We absolutely welcome the new jobs. They are needed everywhere, not just here, but it will definitely be a boost for the people."

The store has a 115-space car park and promises around 1,350 product lines.

Store manager, Lisa Jones, said: "We are looking forward to the opening of our new store in Mapperley and we're sure the local community will enjoy our grand opening celebrations.

"We're expecting to see lots of shoppers from Thursday take advantage of our opening week offers in addition to our range of products at everyday low prices."

The nominations for the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards have been released. 

American singers Katy Perry and Ariana Grande received the most nominations with producer Pharrell Williams and Australian band Five Seconds of Summer following closely behind. 

This year marks the EMA's 20th anniversary and the award ceremony will take place at The SSE Hydro Arena in Glasgow on November 9.

To mark the occasion we have delved into the award show's archive and picked out ten of the best EMA moments over the years.

The first ever EMAs were held in 1994 and the performance of the night was credited to George Michael. He performed his 1990 hit 'Freedom' surrounded by a number of famous models, including Naomi Campbell.

U2 opened the 1997 award show in Rotterdam dressed in boxing gowns. The band performed their techno-orientated single, 'Mofo' before picking up the Best Live Act award on the night.

Britney Spears took over the 1999 EMAs. On the night the pop princess won four awards including Best Female and Best Pop. She then went on to perform a medley of her hits 'Baby One More Time' and '(You Drive Me) Crazy'.

In 2000 the Spice Girls performed at the award show for the last time before their break up. It was the band's final performance as a four-piece as fifth member Geri Halliwell had walked out on the group the previous year.

Another 2000 showstopper was Jennifer Lopez's world première of her song 'Love Don't Cost a Thing'. The singer grabbed the world's attention by landing on stage in an aeroplane.

Christina Aguilera hosted the show in 2003. The singer's introduction caused controversy, she changed costumes twelve times during the show and won the award for Best Female on the night.

Madonna opened the 2005 ceremony in a giant disco ball to perform her single 'Hung Up'. After the performance, character Borat controversially greeted the audience and branded the award show the "Eurovision Song Contest".

Justin Timberlake hosted the 2006 award ceremony and proceeded to win awards in the Best Male and Best Pop categories. He also performed a medley of hits from his second studio album, 'Future Sex/Love Sounds'.

To commemorate Whitney Houston's death on February 11, the 2012 EMAs paid tribute to the star. Alicia Keys showcased a video clip with tributes from many artists including Nicki Minaj, One Direction and Beyonce.

Taylor Swift took to the 2012 stage to perform her single 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together'. The performance took on an elaborate circus theme that included fire. The singer also won three of her five nominations on the night.

What's your favourite EMA moment? Tweet us or let us know in the comments below...

Reading your Post in a rush?  Or just prefer to browse the news with a smartphone?  Well, we've got good news for you...

We've launched a new version of nottinghampost.com just for mobile phones - and you'll automatically be redirected when you log on from your phone.

Whether you're an Apple or Android fan, you don't need us to know that usage of mobiles is increasing fast with an increasingly large number of visits to nottinghampost.com now coming through handheld devices.

We've listened to your demands and we want our mobile readers to have the best possible experience when browsing the Nottingham Post website on smaller screens.

That's why we've spent a long time developing and testing our new mobile website. We've made sure the site meets YOUR needs, including:

Everything's been developed with the aim of giving you, our readers, the best user experience when browsing Nottingham Post content online, whatever smartphone you prefer. Whether it's breaking news, football scores or just checking the weather, it's now all better on mobile!

COMING SOON

As well as this launch, you'll see a lot of improvements to the mobile and desktop website over the coming months based on your feedback - improved page design, faster load speeds and other things but all with desire to give you the best possible web experience.

FEEDBACK

So what do you think? We've tested it endlessly but like all website redesigns, there will be things that don't quite work - that's where you come in!

If you spot any bugs, glitches or things that simply don't work, let us know in the Comments below, chat to us on Facebook, tweet on on @Nottingham_Post or direct via email newsdesk@nottinghampost.com.

As we'll as any problems, we'd love to know what you think in general so we can improve our site. Do you love it? Not love it? What other features would you like to see? Help us to make your site better and we'll move as fast as we can to improve your experience!

September 20 marks ten years since the passing of former Nottingham Forest manager, Brian Clough.

In honour of the man who guided Forest to two European Cups in 1979 and 1980, we have compiled a list of some of his best quotes.

What are yours? Tweet us at @nottingham_post...

1. "When I go, God's going to have to give up his favourite chair." 


2. "I wouldn't say I was the best manager in the business…but I was in the top one."  


3. "I regret telling the entire world and his dog how good a manager I was. I knew I was the best but I should have said nowt and kept the pressure off 'cos they'd have worked it out for themselves." 


4. "His wife can't sing and his barber can't cut hair." (On David Beckham) 


5. "We used to go to the pictures every Saturday night but we had to leave a little bit early and get home and watch Match of the Day. My wife still complains she missed the last five minutes of every film we saw." 


6. "I only ever hit Roy the once. He got up so I couldn't have hit him very hard." (On dealing with Roy Keane) 


7. "Outside the family life, there is nothing better than winning the European Cups."  


8. "Resignations are for prime ministers and those caught with their trousers down, not for me."


9. "We'd talk for 20 minutes, then decide I was right." (On how he handled disputes with players) 


10. "On occasions I have been big-headed. I think most people are when they get in the limelight. I call myself big head just to remind myself not to be."

What is your favourite Brian Clough quote? Vote in the poll below and let us know in the comments.

Millions of Scottish voters are flocking to polling centres to declare whether they want their country to remain part of the United Kingdom. 

Poll centres opened on September 18 at 7am and will close at 10pm the same day. 

The results will start filtering in from as early as 1am. This interactive map shows the estimated declaration times and the estimated electoral population. 

The final result is expected to be announced the following morning at 6am.

97% of the Scottish population have registered to vote which is the largest ever electorate in Scotland for an election or referendum.

The high turnout of voters means queues are possible which could delay the result. 

It has been said the weather could further delay the result as ballot boxes will be brought to counting centres by land, sea and air. 

Recounts will only be allowed at a local level and only on the basis of concerns about process.

The Yes camp is expecting a high percentage of their voters to come from Dundee and Glasgow. 

Whereas the No camp believes Edinburgh, Aberdeen and the areas closest to England will show their side the strongest support. 

The union between Scotland and England has existed for 307 years but if the result is yes, Scotland will become an independent country on May 5 2016.

POLICE are offering a reward of over £5,000  to help find a man they think was involved in the murder of Malakai McKenzie. 

The 19-year-old was shot outside The Hubb in Sherwood back in April 2012.

Gun man Cameron Cashin was found guilty of murder last June and is now serving a prison sentence of 34 years.

But police are eager to speak to Loandre Palmer who they believe was part of the gang that carried out the attack. 

Palmer is thought to be in Kingston, Jamaica, and the Nottinghamshire Police is working alongside the local force to track the man down - offering the J$1 million reward, which converts to £5,300. 

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Heydon, who led the inquiry, said: "Our intelligence leads us to believe Palmer is in Jamaica. We have worked with authorities in the country and issued an international arrest warrant but we haven't located him.

"We are seeking information on his whereabouts and the reward is offered for anyone who can provide us with information which leads to us locating and arresting him."

Anyone with information is asked to ring the Police incident room number 0115 844 6913 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

From Jamaica they can call the police on 00 44 (0)115 844 6913 or Crime Stop Jamaica on 311.

THIS year's Nottingham Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival is set to be bigger than ever, with organisers even opening an extra area for revellers to enjoy.

Up to 30,000 people are expected to flock to Nottingham Castle for the beer festival which will feature a whopping 1,250 different brews.

And organisers are catering for increased demand by opening a new area called The Village which will feature brewers, food stalls and covered seating behind the bandstand.

Organiser Steve Westby said the excitement is building ahead of the event which runs from October 8 to 11.

"It's become such a major city event that people are keen to come along and enjoy it. It's become even a family occasion for many people and groups of work colleagues," he said.

"Our problem always is that we could get double the attendance at the weekend if only we could fit people in. We like to think it's a feather in the city's cap – its' the seventh year in the castle and it's just got bigger and bigger.

"We wanted to try and take a bit more space and we've come up with this idea of what we call the village – it's based in a pleasant area behind the bandstand. We are putting several small brewery tents in there and we're going to give it a European beer garden feel that will mean people can spread out more.

"We've never got enough seating undercover but we will have a lot more down there now. We want it to be an even more pleasurable experience."

And for Mr Westby, who has been running the event for 39 years since its first appearance at the Victoria Baths in Sneinton, Nottingham's reputation as a beer city is burgeoning.

"More and more people in Nottingham are getting more interested in trying more beers," he said. "There's definitely a revolution here. People are starting to take note of the provenance of their food and drink, they want to know where they are coming from and try different things. The beer festival is the best place to do it."

This year's festival will also see the return of the 'Tuck Tuck' – a small carriage to take people up and down the hill for just a small donation to charity – run by the Lincoln Green Brewery who count Tuck as one of their brews.

Philip Darby is owner of Nottingham Brewery and will be taking around 5,000 pints to the festival – including local favourites EPA and Legend – and will also be helping breweries from around the country by storing their ales for them beforehand.

He said: "We try to put on every beer that we brew throughout the year. It's absolutely huge – it's the biggest variety of different micro-breweries in the world. It's a world-beater."

He added: "Not only is it a boost to our trade but it's also the pubs, the hotels and the number of people who come to Nottingham."

The festival will see beers from a quarter of the country's 1,285 breweries showcased – and for those less partial to an ale, an impressive 200 ciders will also be on offer.

Pre-sale tickets have sold out for Friday and Saturday, but there are plenty remaining for Wednesday and Thursday. Tickets for all days will be available on the door but queues are expected. Tickets cost between £12.50 and £15.

THE campaign to bring a helipad to Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre has found an unlikely supporter – Notts County's goalkeeping coach.

Kevin Pilkington, who played for both the Magpies and Mansfield Town, is going to lace up his trainers and take on the Robin Hood Half Marathon in aid of the charity effort.

Pilkington's fundraising is part of the Saving Lives Helipad Appeal from Nottingham Hospitals' Charity, which is aiming to raise £3 million to build a helipad at the hospital.

The development would allow the most seriously injured patients to be transferred directly into the hospital rather than having to land at the University of Nottingham and be transferred in an ambulance – a move that could save 15 vital minutes each time.

The Notts County legend said: "I think it's a fantastic cause, so I was delighted to show my support."

With the marathon not far off on Sunday, September 28, Pilkington is currently hard at work training for the event.

He said: "I'm well aware of the excellent work the Major Trauma Centre at the QMC – and I know how important it is to get people to hospital quickly after an accident. The onsite helipad will save valuable extra time for critically-injured patients who arrive by air from across the East Midlands."

Jenny Wing, Nottingham Hospitals Charity's head of fundraising said: "We're delighted that Kevin has chosen to get involved with the Saving Lives Helipad Appeal."

"We're so grateful for his support and we're sure that the many thousands of Magpies fans in the East Midlands will be backing his fundraising efforts, which will benefit trauma patients from across the region when the new helipad is in place."

To support the appeal go to www.nottinghamhospitalscharity.org.uk or call 0115 962 7905.

FOREST fans have been given a bird's eye view of the club's dramatic 5-3 over Fulham.

A video has been released which shows the footage from a drone which was flown over the City Ground on Wednesday night.

It is not yet known who was controlling the small device, but it is shown taking off from near the River Trent and flying toward the famous stadium, before filming parts of the game from high in the sky.

The Reds eventually won out in the exciting encounter with the South West London side, having been 2-0 up Forest fell to 3-2 behind before Britt Assombalonga became a hat-trick hero and Michail Antonio scored a wondergoal on the way to a 5-3 home win.

What do you think of the drone? Call 0115 905 1951 to give our reporter your thoughts.

Traders and residents in Clifton are becoming increasingly frustrated that tram works along part of a major road have been delayed.

Wendy Sheldon, of Havenwood Rise, said she received a leaflet from Nottingham Express Transit (NET), detailing time scales for Southchurch Drive and Bransdale Road.

The leaflet states that work to Bransdale Road is expected to be complete by the end of August, and work to Southchurch Drive is expected to last for "approximately two weeks" from Thursday, August 21. Both are still ongoing.

The 50-year-old, who works as a school escort for NG11 Cars, said: "It is getting on our nerves. The work should have been done by now; it's just chaos.

"The traffic is terrible when people are pulling up at the temporary lights during peak times. When I talk to people who have cars they say they have had enough of it."

The ongoing phase two expansion of the tram network will see lines two and three run to Chilwell and Clifton. They are set to open in 2015.

Fiona Coupland has to commute from Watnall to Clifton every day, where works as a pharmacist for Day Night Pharmacy, in Southchurch Drive.

The 58-year-old said: "I am not affected to much because I work outside of core hours but the two sets of temporary traffic lights can add about five minutes on to my journey on a bad day.

"I think the work should have been completed by now. People are getting more aggravated by it."

Bob Sherwin, owner of car dealer Bob Sherwin Limited, in Southchurch Drive, said the works have definitely affected his business.

He said: "It is still not back to how it should be but it is better. I have had some compensation but does it really cover everything, customers I have lost and customers that have not come back?

"I am not surprised it is overrunning really. It is has got to be causing an inconvenience to all the local people who live on the estate. I just hope it is all going to be worth it in the end, but only time will tell. There is a light at the end of the tunnel."

Steve Tough from Nottingham City Council's NET Project said:

"It is not always possible to fully anticipate time scales in projects of this scale until works are underway. Delays are largely due to unexpected utility works being required before roadworks can be completed on Southchurch Drive and at the Farnborough Road / Bransdale Road junction in Clifton.

"The contractor is working hard to complete the works as quickly as possible, and anticipates that construction will be substantially finished in these areas in the next month, and apologises for any inconvenience while works are completed."

What do you think? Tell us below 

Patients and visitors to Nottingham's hospitals will soon benefit from reduced car parking charges.

It is currently £4 to stay for up to two hours at Nottingham City Hospital and the Queen's Medical Centre.

But lower tariffs for short stays will be in place from November 1, when parking for up to 15 minutes will be free. Parking for up to an hour will be £2.

Tracy Baron, of Keyworth, is a regular visitor to Nottingham City Hospital. In January she had a mastectomy to get rid of two tumours in her left breast, and has been going for follow-up visits.

For the past three weeks she has also been paying to park at the Queen's Medical Centre, where her step-father is being treated for pneumonia.

The 44-year-old said: "£4 is a lot of money for a short trip. Once I had my operation I had to keep going back, but it was only for about ten to 15 minutes each time.

"Being able to park for £2 for an hour now will be a lot better. It will be a lot easier on people's pockets."

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust decided to make the changes following increasing complaints from patients and visitors about unreasonable charges.

Anne Grainger, 65, of Selston, has been a visitor to both hospitals several times in the past few years.

She said: "I think £4 is wrong, it is far too much. The new prices seem better, but 15 minutes for free is not very long, especially if you have someone with you who is less mobile. I think it would be better for an hour."

The prices have not changed for people wanting to park for more than one hour. Prices are £4 for one to two hours, £5 for two to four hours, £6 for over four hours and £15 for one week (seven days). 

Jane Hunt, Conservative parliamentary candidate for Nottingham South, has been campaigning for lower parking charges at the two hospitals.

She said: "These were exceptionally high charges compared to other hospitals in the country.

"I think it is absolutely fantastic news and incredibly helpful for patients, their family and friends. I know there are other ways of getting to the hospitals but this gives people more choice."

Shaun Kerfoot, Interim Rirector of estates and facilities at NUH, said: "We listen carefully to the views of our patients, visitors and staff – and the message has been clear in recent months that a £4 minimum car charge to park at our hospitals simply isn't considered reasonable.

"In an ideal world we wouldn't charge for parking at our hospitals. However, we fund our car parks and free shuttle bus service for patients, visitors and staff (Medilink) from income we make from car parking charges to protect NHS money for patient care. Money raised from car parking is also used to cover costs of maintenance, security and lighting that keeps our car parks safe."

EIGHT homes will have to be built every day for the next 15 years to catch up with the need for housing in and around Nottingham.

Swathes of green field land will be used to accommodate thousands of houses in Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe as 41,850 homes are built according to housing plans.

The blueprints for future development are currently being signed off by councils – as the county looks set to see a boom in house building between now and 2028.

David Watts, leader of the Liberal Democrats on Broxtowe Borough Council, said the plans were "ambitious" but achievable.

He added: "In Broxtowe, we have gone through every piece of brownfield land but we cannot fit the space for 6,150 homes on the brownfield land.

"If we could, we would. As I'm sure other places would look at brownfield land first.

"But we need more homes and by agreeing to sacrifice two per cent of the green belt in Broxtowe, we effectively protect the remaining 98 per cent."

But Bettina Lange, who represents the Notts Campaign to Protect Rural England, said she felt the housing targets were "unrealistic".

She added: "The way we are going about this is all wrong.

"Councils should monitor uptake over years because the way people live may change over the next 15 years.

"People may prefer to live with other people and students may choose to live differently in the wake of higher tuition fees.

"It also seems to ignore where housing is most needed – developers may prefer four-bedroom executive homes, but we need more affordable and rented housing."

Meanwhile, charity Shelter has said that it's important steps are taken to deal with the issue of housing.

Chief executive Campbell Robb said: "A whole generation of young people are working hard and saving hard, but our desperate shortage of affordable homes still leaves them priced out."

They are calling for the Government to build 100,000 homes per year across the country to plug the gap in the housing market.

But locally there is concern about the impact of such large numbers of homes will have in the areas they have been proposed.

Zoe Cockcroft, chairman of Stapleford and Trowell Rural Action Group, has been fighting plans for a 450-home development on Field Farm, Stapleford, since they were first revealed.

She said: "I understand there is a need for more housing, but they have to look at brownfield sites first rather than the precious green belt.

"If you start building on green fields like Field Farm, there will be no gaps between towns."

What do you think about development on greenbelt land? Email opinion@nottinghampost.com

BRITT Assombalonga believes Nottingham Forest's simple will to win – and ability to secure three points without being at their best – will have the rest of the Championship running scared.

The striker believes the Reds are still to produce their best form this season, despite an unbeaten start that has seen them charge to the top of the Championship table.

Stuart Pearce's side needed a hat-trick from Assombalonga to help them to a 5-3 win over Fulham.

The 21-year-old admits Forest were not at their best – but was again encouraged by their fierce will to win.

"When we went 3-2 down, as we had shown against Sheffield Wednesday and Bournemouth, we showed that we had the real character you need to come back and still get the win," said Assombalonga.

"You can never write us off, because we will always come back fighting. That is good for us, because it scares other sides.

"Teams will come to us knowing that they have to play to their best for the whole 90 minutes if they want to get a result, not just for 70 minutes.

"That is the big thing for us that, even when we are not at our best, we can still win games. Obviously we do not want to keep playing badly and winning games, we want to produce our best. We will take wins however they come, but the gaffer wants us to start showing our best at the same time and he is right.

"In a way, teams are going to be scared of us, because we are still to produce our best, yet we are still winning matches."

Forest will hope to produce their best form at the New Den tomorrow, against a Millwall side who had been on the fringes of the play-off places, until defeats at Ipswich and Reading.

"The gaffer is good. He is right, he wants us to do better. He does not want us to concede goals, but he is very happy that we have scored five goals," added Assombalonga.

"He is happy, because we are top of the table still and unbeaten still. But we do want to produce the performance that we are capable of.

"We have the belief in the changing room, we feel as though we will never go down; never be beaten. The only way is up, we want to get into the Premier League and, if we can keep going the way we are going then we have a chance of that."

Assombalonga's hat-trick took his tally for the season to eight goals in seven league games – prompting many to believe he could be the club's first 20-goal a season striker since David Johnson more than a decade ago.

"I never set myself targets, but having eight goals already is a good feeling, I must admit. I hope it can continue," said Assombalonga. "Can I become a 20-goal a season striker? We will have to see at the end of the season, won't we?

"My confidence is high, because all you want to do is score goals and, when you do that, it does give you a confidence boost. It is the start I wanted. When it comes to the price tag, once you have scored a few goals, you forget about that. I am a player for Forest and that is it now."

TWO years since becoming the owner of Nottingham Forest, Fawaz Al Hasawi cuts a far more slender figure.

But he has lost none of his appetite for success.

As Stuart Pearce jokingly put it, the club's Kuwaiti chairman 'looks to have had a good pre-season', returning from his summer break looking decidedly trim.

But, crucially, Al Hasawi also seems to have the club looking in good shape too.

The appointment of Stuart Pearce has had precisely the impact he would have hoped for, when he persuaded the club's legendary former defender to take on the role of manager back in April.

But Al Hasawi's work goes beyond that, with the arrival of Paul Faulkner as chief executive also providing some important support – and experience – when it comes to the running of the club.

And you get the feeling that Al Hasawi has rarely been happier with life at the club, since taking control.

"I love it, it is amazing," said Al Hasawi when asked if he is still enjoying his role as the owner of the Championship club.

"When we brought the club, I was asked when we would get into the Premier League. I said then that it would not be easy.

"Our target was to do it within three or four years.

"We will fight for that, we will. But it is not easy. We work hard, but other clubs will work hard too. We will invest money – but other clubs will invest money too.

"We have good players, but there are other sides with good players as well.

"We are trying to learn from our mistakes, we are trying to improve. This season, we will be strong.

"I am very happy to be here."

Amid an unbeaten start to the campaign that has lifted Forest to the top of the table, it is no surprise that it is Pearce who has found himself cast into the spotlight of attention.

Having heavily reshaped the squad he inherited from Billy Davies, adding pace and attacking threat, Pearce has made a positive start.

But quietly, behind the scenes, Faulkner has also started to address some of the fall out left behind following the departure of the previous manager.

Al Hasawi believes there is a fresh sense of unity behind the scenes.

"When I first came to the club, Mark Arthur was the chief executive. I know it was a long time before we brought somebody else in, after he left, but I did not want to rush," he said. "It was a very important decision. We could have brought in six or seven different people, but we wanted to find the right one.

"Paul has experience, he has worked with a big club in the Premier League, in Aston Villa. Everyone has spoken about Paul positively.

"I trust Paul and all the staff to do their job.

"Paul has a good connection with Stuart and with the staff here, that is important. It is important that people like each other and can work together.

"I don't want to mention names, but what happened before was that everyone was working alone.

"Now, we are all together; we are one family and one group."

One task that is very much in Al Hasawi's hands is the quest to secure sponsorship from his homeland.

The owner reveals that he did hold discussions with the Kuwaiti government in an attempt to secure a sponsorship package for the City Ground stadium.

That is an idea the club may return to in the future but, at the same time, Al Hasawi is keen to reassure supporters that nothing will be done at the expense of the club's proud history – something that he very much embraces.

"I tried to sit with the government in Kuwait, to give them an opportunity to become our shirt sponsor and also to talk about sponsoring the stadium," said Al Hasawi.

"People in Nottingham, I think, were concerned that we were going to change the name of the ground completely.

"I like things the way they are, I like the history of the club and I don't want to change that.

"I just wanted to add, potentially, a name before the City Ground. It might become the Kuwait City Ground, for example.

"This name, if we did add it, would give us a sponsor to help back up the club, financially. Perhaps we could buy another player with that support or, even, not have to sell a player.

"I do not want to call the stadium that just because I am from Kuwait, it is not like that. It could be anything (before City Ground), as long as it is the right sponsorship deal for the club.

"It is about the finance, that is the most important thing. I hope people understand that."

The £500m figure mentioned in some reports was vastly inflated. But it remains a lucrative potential source of revenue for the club.

"If it happens, we will talk to the fans to explain it. But it did not happen, so we did not say anything," said Al Hasawi.

If Al Hasawi has learned one major lesson since arriving at Forest, it is over how significant a part luck can play in success – or failure.

Forest, at one stage, had 14 players sidelined with injury last season which, combined with the growing divide between manager and club, inspired a slide away from the promotion places.

Forest have had fewer problems so far this season – with the exception of the crippling blow of losing skipper Chris Cohen to another major knee injury.

"We started the season well last season, but we ended up dropping out, after picking up many injuries," said Al Hasawi. "Hopefully we can continue without any injuries this time."

"With Chris, I can feel what he feels. You can see that he desperately wants to play. He is one of the better players we have on the team.

"All of the players are good players, but he is the captain, he is the leader and he means a lot to the team."

Beyond the disappointment of seeing a good man suffer another undeserved moment of misfortune, the mood at the City Ground remains decidedly upbeat.

There is a sense that something special is slowly being built at Forest.

"This is all because of Stuart Pearce. He was a player and a legend at this club. He knows where the weaknesses were and are," said Al Hasawi.

"I trust him and trust the staff as well, everyone works with him, everyone works together.

"He brought in players who will be important for the team.

"He covered the weaknesses in the side. He knows what to do.

"He is doing a good job and we hope that will continue to the end of the season."

Much has changed over the last six months at Forest but, in another six months, the club will hope that they are in an even healthier place.

Failing to pick up his pet's mess has cost one dog owner almost £650.

Paul Freeman, of Colborn Street, Mapperley, committed the offence in Wells Road, St Ann's, on April 23. The case was proved in his absence at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

The 50-year-old has been ordered to pay a total of £646.32, made up of a £400 fine, £20 victim surcharge and £226.32 Crown Prosecution Costs.

Costs must be paid by October 1. 

Do you think he was ordered to pay too much? Tell us below. 

TWO men who died in a helicopter crash on their way to Nottinghamshire have been named. 

The pilot was Captain Brian Bridgman, 58, of Canterbury, Kent, and the passenger was John Stephen Kent, 50, from Romford, Essex.

The crash happened on Tuesday, September 16, off the coast of Flamborough in East Yorkshire, during the pair's flight from West Lothian to Retford. 

Golfers who witnessed it described hearing loud noises before the engine cut out and it dropped into the sea below.

The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) is leading on the incident, with support from Humberside Police - who are also offering support to the families of the men. 

DESPITE the win over Fulham, Stuart Pearce will be looking for an improvement in one key area – defence.

The Reds were too often cut open by a Fulham side who did not play like one rooted to the foot of the table without a win to their name this season.

The Reds made a change during the second half, with Kelvin Wilson introduced off the bench into the heart of defence, with Eric Lichaj going off and Danny Fox pushing out on to the left-hand side.

Wilson, with his experience, looked more solid alongside Michael Mancienne, in the heart of the back four and the decision Pearce is likely to have to make is whether to stick with Lichaj (pictured) at left-back or start with Fox in that position, rather than in the centre of defence.

Forest have a more positive headache at the opposite end of the field, with Michail Antonio having looked threatening in an out-and-out forward role during the dramatic finale against Fulham.

With Matty Fryatt injured, Antonio has proved that he is more than capable of partnering Britt Assombalonga in attack, if the Reds do want to play with two up front, rather than leaving the £5.5m man to perform as a lone striker.