On-loan defender Daniel Ayala comes back into the reckoning as Alex McLeish takes charge of Nottingham Forest for the first time against Crystal Palace.

The Norwich centre-half was suspended for the 4-2 home victory over Leeds on Boxing Day - Sean O'Driscoll's final match as manager.

Former Aston Villa and Birmingham boss McLeish - installed as O'Driscoll's successor the following day - started work on Friday and will oversee his new side's second successive match at the City Ground.

The Scot will be without on-loan Chelsea defender Sam Hutchinson (knee) and borrowed Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas (calf).

Victory for Forest combined with favourable results elsewhere would see them finish 2012 in a npower Championship play-off spot.M

Danny Gabbidon will continue to deputise for the suspended Damien Delaney as Crystal Palace look to end their four-match winless run.

Delaney serves the second game of his three-match ban following his dismissal against Huddersfield and Welshman Gabbidon, who made his full debut in the defeat to Cardiff, will retain his place in defence.

Ian Holloway's side have won only once in their last seven games and that poor run of form could force the Eagles boss to make changes.

He will once more be without the injured Paddy McCarthy, who remains sidelined with a groin injury.

Midfielder Jonny Williams (groin) was an unused substitute against the Bluebirds but will be one of those eyeing a starting berth.

The game is subject to a 9.30am pitch inspection.

FAMILIES of people at a Notts care home have been given help to find them new places to live after inspectors raised serious concerns.

Silverdale Residential Care Home in Nottingham Road, Hucknall, was inspected by the Care Quality Commission four times in November. Among the problems they found were:

Nine of the 17 residents had sustained unexplained bruising in the five weeks prior to the inspection.

Other residents had not had clothes changed for several days.

Some residents were not given help to eat, despite being unable to feed themselves properly.

Notts County Council has not been sending people there since November 7.

The CQC has ordered the home to take action in nine areas to meet Government standards, including safeguarding people from abuse, cleanliness and infection control, management of medicines and staffing.

The council has held meetings with residents and their relatives to offer accommodation. Five people have moved out.

David Hamilton, service director for personal care and support (older people), said: "We have suspended our contract with the home, which means we will no longer allow new residents who we fund to be placed at the home until the necessary improvements are made.

"We are working with the care home managers to help them resolve the concerns that we have and to ensure that the residents are safe and well cared for."

The home, which cares for 30 people, including dementia patients, must now tell the CQC what action it will take to improve standards.

No one at the home was available to comment.

Meanwhile Park View Nursing Home, in Gedling Grove, Radford, which provides accommodation for up to 18 people with learning or physical disabilities, has also been criticised by the CQC. The home had its contract suspended by Nottingham City Council following an inspection in June.

It was given a formal warning in July and became compliant, but has now been given a second warning following a further unannounced inspection on November 27. It must make improvements by January 4 or face further action.

Andrea Gordon, deputy director of operations for CQC in the central region, said there were problems with the "safeguarding" of residents.

She said: "These warnings send a clear message that Park View Nursing Home needs to address this issue or face further consequences. Our inspectors will return in the near future and if we find that the required progress is not made we won't hesitate to use our legal powers to protect the people who use this service."

A resident had sustained a minor head injury and had been given a tranquilliser which NHS guidance warned against, and no risk assessments or management plans were in place for residents who lost significant amounts of weight.

A home spokesman said: "We disagree with some of the things that have been said but we are working with the CQC to address all of the issues. The care of residents has always been and always will be paramount to Park View."

TWO teens who won a Nottingham Post Student of the Year award are hoping to get financial backing to help their business.

The Derbyshire and Notts Chamber of Commerce is backing the call from Usman Ghaffar and Shamraiz Zaib, who have shown business brains beyond their years to set up Techwin.

The teenagers have produced a series of innovative storybooks and DVDs for young readers, which have proved a big hit in some city schools. But there is one obstacle from them being able to produce the books on a wider scale – money.

They have even written to Prime Minister David Cameron to see if he could help.

They received a reply from his office, saying their case had been passed on to the Department for Business Innovation and Skills.

But they are yet to hear anything, and now the chamber has joined them to help with their search for backing.

Usman, 15, of Russell Road, Forest Fields, said: "We have produced about 50 of the books and sent them to schools.

"But we want to be able to grow our business and produce many more. To be able to do that, we need some investment from somewhere.

"So far we haven't heard back from the Government on whether they can assist us. Maybe there's someone out there who can put some money in. We really believe it's worth it."

The pair were winners in the skills category at the Post's Student Awards in November.

One of their projects involved a character called Timmy the Tennis Ball and using a computer app and DVD to allow children to watch him in action while reading. The book sees Timmy take a fantasy adventure. It doesn't have an ending, instead challenging readers to come up with their own.

The Djanogly City Academy students came up with the idea after hearing that reading rates among city children were low.

Ian Bates, employability and skills manager at the chamber, said: "Usman and Shamraiz are young entrepreneurs with a lot of potential and they have a fantastic business idea which has unfortunately hit a barrier due to problems in accessing finance.

"The chamber has got behind their project because of the hard work, level of entrepreneurship and the perseverance they have shown to get their business up and running. It should be commended and the skills they have gained through this process will be a great attribute to their future business endeavours or for any prospective future employer.

"However, we would urge and potential investors or mentors to get in touch if they feel they can support Usman and Shamraiz to help them turn their business idea into a reality."

If you think you can help call Marcus Boocock on 0115 905 1952 or e-mail marcus.boocock@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk

Do you know of any young entrepreneurs that deserve praise? E-mail newsdesk@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk

AN MP has raised "deep concern" over the time it takes to sort out appeals for benefit claims by disabled people.

When people challenge decisions to stop their incapacity benefit after an assessment, it now takes 57 weeks – more than a year – for an appeal to be heard. Yet a third of those who appeal have their benefits reinstated.

Nottingham North MP Graham Allen has now hit out at the length of time it takes, after raising the matter in Parliament.

He has helped Susan Goldsmith, 52, of Cinderhill Walk, Bulwell, have her case looked at again, but even with his intervention the process still took 54 weeks.

She was assessed on August 17, 2011, and heard in October that her incapacity benefit was being stopped. She immediately appealed and the decision was finally overturned on December 6.

"I basically lost over £100 a week," said Ms Goldsmith, who suffers from arthritis and can only walk with a stick.

"It's ridiculous that it takes so long. I was living on the breadline. I had just over £60 a week of employment and support allowance to live on, and still am until all the paperwork goes through.

"It's been incredibly difficult and it's caused me a lot of stress and all for me to be in and out of the appeal in two minutes."

Meanwhile Edgar Lang has already been waiting 26 weeks to have his incapacity benefit case looked at again after he lodged an appeal on July 2.

It is estimated his appeal won't be heard until August 2013.

The 37-year-old, of Whiston Close, Bestwood, was diagnosed with depression and anxiety last year after a series of personal problems, including the breakdown of a nine-year relationship and the death of his father.

He had previously worked as a gardener and is now having treatment in the hope he will work again in the future.

His 81-year-old disabled mother is feeding him when he can't afford his own meals.

"She does it because she's my mum but I hate having to put her out," said Mr Lang. "I was diagnosed with depression and it's just a culmination of problems and as a result I feel very anxious when I go out. Even just getting on a bus is a huge thing. I want to go out and work again but until I'm all right mentally I just can't.

"My electricity will be turned off soon, I can't afford to pay for gas and I can't afford meals. I'm finding it very difficult and don't know how I'm going to cope until August."

Graham Allen said: "I wrote to (work and pensions minister) Chris Grayling expressing my deep concern. He responded on December 5 to tell me that average waits were down to 33.1 weeks over the summer.

"However, two days later HM Courts and Tribunals service told me in a letter that waits were back up to 57 weeks. This wait is sadly typical of those told to me by constituents.

"These are all individual people who are being forced to wait for their money, so many unjustifiably so. They can't not eat or delay payment of bills for 57 weeks."

IT isn't just Notts Olympians and Paralympians who head the New Year Honours list.

Cyclist Bradley Wiggins is to be given a knighthood following his summer exploits – which saw him win the Tour de France and then Olympic gold.

He described the honour as the "ultimate accolade".

Ben Ainslie was also given a knighthood after becoming the most successful Olympic sailor of all time, with his fourth successive gold.

And David Tanner, the performance director for British Rowing, who oversaw a record medal haul as Britain's rowers won four golds and nine medals in all, also becomes a 'Sir'.

Meanwhile para-cyclist Sarah Storey becomes a Dame.

Four Olympic stars are made CBEs – athletes Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis, cyclist Victoria Pendleton, and rower Katherine Grainger.

OBEs go to dressage star Charlotte Dujardin and cycling couple Jason Kenny and Laura Trott, along with tennis star Andy Murray.

Rowers Pete Reed, Tom James and Andrew Triggs Hodge, cyclists Ed Clancy and Geraint Thomas and show jumper Nick Skelton, all receive MBEs, as does long jumper Greg Rutherford. MBEs also go to three-day eventer Mary King and gymnast Louis Smith.

Away from sport, iIllustrator Quentin Blake, whose work includes Roald Dahl's books, has received a knighthood, while Cherie Blair is given a CBE for services to women's issues and charity.

Stella McCartney, daughter of Sir Paul McCartney, has been made an OBE for her services to the fashion industry.

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Arlene Phillips is to receive a CBE, while Nica Burns – a leading figure in London's West End and founder of the Perrier comedy awards – gets an OBE.

THE former chief executive of Nottingham City Council is to be given an OBE.

Jane Todd spent four years in the role until September, before being forced to step down on health grounds.

She was the first female chief executive at the council, having previously been assistant chief executive and director of development and environmental services.

While in the role, she oversaw a period of major change, which saw included overall satisfaction with the authority rising from 47 per cent in 2008 to 68 per cent in 2011. She was also in charge as work started on the city's new tram lines.

She said: "I am Nottingham through and through and consider I have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to contribute to the city I love.

"I am delighted that my commitment and hard work has been recognised in this way."

City council leader Councillor Jon Collins said: "Everyone at the council is delighted for Jane. She has been a leading figure in government at a local, regional and national level and a fantastic ambassador for Nottingham.

"She has dedicated her career to improving the lives of others, particularly people in this city."

Ian Curryer, who took over her role as chief executive, said: "I had the pleasure of working with Jane for a number of years and I know from personal experience how deserving this award is.

"She achieved a great deal as chief executive of the city council and has left a strong legacy of success on which to build."

Jane has also worked as regional director of the Government Office East Midlands.

She stepped down at the city council after being diagnosed with a benign brain tumour and having a major operation.

NOTTS is expected to get yet another deluge today – but not enough to cause another wave of flooding.

Met Office forecasters say the city and county can expect more heavy rain this afternoon, after days of high water levels closed several roads.

But the latest wet weather is not intense enough to bring any weather warnings and the Environment Agency.

Met Office forecaster Dave Britton said: "You will see a period of heavy rain in Nottingham through Saturday morning – you could well see another 20mm of rain."

This will clear through the afternoon, he added, before lighter showers.

Nottingham and the rest of the UK has already experienced the wettest-ever year on record as of Thursday, he added.

The Queen's Drive Park and Ride re-opened yesterday after being shut for five days due to flooding.

Notts County Council also said yesterday the National Water Sports Centre and Country Park at Holme Pierrepont will remain closed until further notice. Watersports centre general manager Phil Machin said yesterday: "The white water part of the centre is still closed as are the country park gates at the moment.

"We're looking to offer limited access to the country park from Saturday onwards – subject to any further changes in the weather. With more significant rainfall we would have to close the site again until further notice. We will review the situation again on January 2.

"The river level has gone down but the lake water level is still holding and the boat house end is under water."

He added the main concern was a reinforced bank between the river and the lake, installed after flooding in 2000.

He said: "It's taken a lot of pressure recently and we're concerned how many times it can take that."

Roads still closed by flooding include: the A1133 at Girton, the A57 at Dunham Bridge – which is likely to be closed over new year, the A617 between Kelham and Newark, Fiskerton Road at Hams Bridge near Bleasby, Manor Road, Shelford, Moor Road, Bestwood, Lowdham Grange, Station Road, Rolleston, and Trentside, Gunthorpe. The A57 was shut at the Dunham Toll Bridge, near Dunham-on-Trent, on Thursday,because the Trent had flooded road approaches.

The Dunham Bridge Company said: "Due to recent heavy rainfall the River Trent is flooded at several points, including the area around the bridge. Currently the approach road to the bridge on the Lincolnshire side is under several inches of water and is not safely passable."

Mr Britton added New Year's Eve could see a few afternoon showers but a dry night. On the recent rain, he added: "It's just part of our weather really – we live in a green and pleasant land for a reason and that's because it rains a lot.

"But we've seen the wettest year on record across England. It has been down to the position of the jetstream which carries our weather across the UK."

For updates, including travel news, visit thisisnottingham.co.uk.

Have you been affected? Tell us your story on 0115 948 2000 or e-mail newsdesk@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk.

IT TOOK Keith Curle a split second to decide. "Wycombe," he said. And it was all he needed to say. Everyone knows what happened at Wycombe. It is unforgettable.

Notts County staged the comeback of all comebacks at Adams Park in their final away league game of last season – and it is the biggest highlight of this year for Curle, he says, as the Magpies prepare for their final game of 2012.

Talk about drama. Notts were trailing 3-2 to Wycombe Wanderers with just a minute to go, their play-off dream in League One looked to be all over, but they staged a late, late fightback, scoring twice to win 4-3, Alan Judge netting the winner in the third minute of injury time to spark pandemonium.

"We showed a never-say-die attitude that day," Curle, the Magpies' boss, recalled. "To be trailing 3-2 so late in a game and to win 4-3 is phenomenal.

"It showed total commitment from the players right to the very end. We didn't give in, we didn't throw the towel in."

Curle says the Magpies must now rediscover the unbreakable self-belief and spirit they showed that day to get back on track in their assault on the play-offs again this season.

Having won just two of their last ten league games and been humiliated in the FA Cup by League Two Rotherham United, he admits they are having a blip for the first time since he took charge at Meadow Lane way back in February.

Notts face Stevenage, who ultimately beat them into sixth place on goal-difference at the end of last season, at Broadhall Way today and Curle said: "It's still here. That spirit, determination, belief and commitment. It's just bringing that to the fore again like we did last season.

"There is a strong unity in the changing room that has been built on praise, on success, on a lot of hard work, honest endeavour and enjoyment as well.

"Yes, we're going through a blip, but the important thing is we all come through it together.

"We must all come through it in a positive frame of mind.

"What we don't want is to leave people behind. We've all got to come through it, that's supporters, owners, management, staff and players.

"We can't go pointing the finger at certain players for making mistakes in games, we've all got to come through it together."

Having topped the table earlier this season, the Magpies have slipped all the way down to tenth after 23 games, which marks the halfway stage of the campaign.

But they are still only three points adrift of sixth-placed MK Dons, who they face at Meadow Lane on New Year's Day, so Curle is entirely confident they can quickly rise again and be in the play-off frame come May.

There is every reason to believe him too, because of the job he has done since he became Notts manager ten months ago.

Their recent wobble aside, his reign so far has been hugely successful.

He almost led them into the play-offs with ten wins in their last 16 games of last season, he made some great signings in the summer, bringing in the likes of Polish goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski, Gary Liddle, Jamal Campbell-Ryce and Andre Boucaud, who he wants to sign permanently in January, and they are unbeaten in a club record 22 away games under his leadership.

"It's been a fantastic opportunity for me to rebuild a football club," he said, looking back on it all.

"A lot of players have come in and bought into what we want to achieve and that is very pleasing.

"We've brought some quality players here, which makes me believe there are exciting times ahead, and the brand of football we've been playing has got a lot of positive reviews from supporters.

"I think we have got to be honest now and say the condition of our pitch could potentially affect the way we want to play, but we're not just going to play long ball football, we're still going to try and play good passing football because it has brought us a lot of success so far."

And, as he looks ahead to the new year and the second half of the season, he is filled with sheer excitement.

He added: "There is everything to play for. The potential is there. My job is to make sure we bring that out of the players.

"What I can guarantee is that we will be committed."

MANNY Smith is ready for another big challenge at Notts County.

The 24-year-old defender has already overcome a serious knee injury in his first season at Meadow Lane – and is now preparing to fight for a place at the heart of their back-four.

Subject to the game going ahead today, with a 9.30am pitch inspection scheduled, Smith is almost certain to start at Stevenage in League One because Dean Leacock is set to miss out (hamstring) and Damion Stewart is suspended.

But he knows the two experienced centre-backs will be back soon and looking to force their way back into the team.

"It's going to be a big challenge, but it's good when you have loads of good players around you. It brings the best out of you," said Smith.

"It's down to the gaffer at the end of the day. He's got a big squad and everyone is trying hard to be in the team."

After damaging knee ligaments on his Magpies debut on the opening day of the season, Smith made his long-awaited comeback in their 2-2 Boxing Day draw at Shrewsbury.

"It was good to be back out there," he said. "I was a bit nervous when the gaffer told me I was in the team.

"But I felt good during the game, it's just a shame we didn't win because I think we deserved to.

"But we've got a lot of positives to build on."

Notts slipped down to tenth in the table after that draw, but boss Keith Curle still felt it was a big step forward for Smith, who he signed on a two-year deal last summer.

"He came in and did exactly what it said on the tin," said Curle. "He hadn't even played 90 minutes in a development game before it, but he defended his position and came through it very well.

"His performance was a big positive and he is only going to get stronger now he is back."

SPORTING heroes, who saw years of hard work and dedication pay off at London 2012, were today named in the New Year Honours list.

Dave Brailsford, the performance director of British Cycling, is to be given a knighthood.

The 48-year-old, who lives in Ilkeston, was the man behind the seven gold medals won by the cycling team at this summer's games.

The accolade – for services to cycling and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games – comes just days after he was given the freedom of the borough of Erewash, capping a remarkable year.

Notts had its fair share of medalists at the 2012 Olympics, and that is recognised by the awards which are to be bestowed.

Etienne Stott and Tim Baillie, who won gold in the canoe slalom having trained together at the National Water Sports Centre, at Holme Pierrepont, are to receive MBEs for services to canoeing.

Etienne told the Post he was delighted with the honour.

He said: "I am really happy. I didn't really expect to receive anything like it, though there had been some talk about it.

"As an athlete, winning gold at the Olympics was the ultimate prize. It was an incredible moment.

"But having this award is a terrific honour for myself and Tim as well.

"It is great too for canoeing as a sport that this recognition has been received."

MBEs also go to three Paralympic gold medalists from the county – swimmer Oliver Hynd, athlete Richard Whitehead and dressage competitor Sophie Wells.

Oliver, 18, of Sutton-in-Ashfield, said it was the perfect way to round off his glorious year.

He said: "It is a massive honour. I feel really proud, it was something I really didn't expect."

As well as gold, Oliver also scooped a silver and bronze at the Aquatics Centre in London.

Along with others in the honours list, he first heard he was in line several weeks ago.

He said keeping quiet about his MBE for services to swimming was tough.

"When you are so excited about something, it isn't easy not telling people," he said. "But we were told we had to keep quiet.

"I am just so happy that I have been recognised in such a way. It is the best-possible way to end the year.

"Now I can turn my attention to next year and hopefully getting into the team for the world championships."

Lowdham runner Richard Whitehead receives his MBE for services to athletics.

The picture of him crossing the finishing line – arms aloft – to break the world record and claim gold in the T42 200m at the Paralympics was one of the enduring images of the games.

Sophie Wells, of Newark, claimed gold and two silvers in London.

She is given an MBE in recognition of services to equestrianism.

Dave Brailsford looks back on a memorable year. See Page 4.

WHEN Dave Brailsford said there would be a British winner of the Tour de France before 2015, the cycling world was sceptical.

Two years and one yellow jersey later, many are glad he has been proven right.WATCH: Dave Brailsford interview

When Team Sky was founded back in 2009 few people could have predicted British cyclists would win a haul of Olympic and Paralympic medals and secure a 1-2 at the Tour de France.

But despite a year in which Mr Brailsford spent 200 days travelling across France, Spain and Italy, he maintains there is no place like his home town Ilkeston.

"It's where things come back to normality – the people here are down to earth and as long as you can understand their accent, it's a great place to be.

"I'm very lucky that I travel around the world but there's nothing like coming home.

"I try to get out on the bike when I can.

"In terms of cycling, we go to some truly fantastic places, but in and around this area – Ambergate, Wirksworth and off up into the Peaks – it's some of the best cycling scenery and roads in the world."

One of Mr Brailsford's last engagements of the year saw him return to within a stone's throw of where he grew up.

Days after winning Coach of the Year at the Sports Personality of the Year ceremony, he was at West Park Leisure Centre in Long Eaton to pick up Freedom of the Borough.

Reflecting on the year, he said: "From a racing point of view it was incredible to be part of the team that got the first British winner on the Tour de France podium.

"Then the home Games... to be part of that experience and whole project, to be part of the atmosphere of the country, was fantastic.

"And there were so many different parts that touched so many different people, it was a real pleasure to be part of that.

"People ask me what my secret is all the time.

"In the main, our philosophy is based on a couple of things.

"One is that we look at all the different things in a performance and try to improve all of them by a small percentage – this idea of marginal gains has stood us in good stead.

"The other thing, of course, is to really think about the person – think about the individual you are trying to support and trying to achieve that excellence by creating the right type of environment to get them motivated.

"You need to support them – and the way they see the world – to move forward."

As the performance director for Team Sky and British Cycling, there have been a number of highlights for Mr Brailsford this year.

It rained gold in the Olympic velodrome, as well as on the streets of France, so what was the one moment that stood out?

"There were so many good moments this year, but maybe the moment Bradley led Mark Cavendish out on the Champs-Elysées, just wall to wall Union Jacks all the way down the road," he said.

"Mark Cavendish won the stage, Bradley won the tour and it was just like Britain had taken over the Champs-Elysées in France.

"I have been involved in the sport so long and it's the biggest thing by far.

"To win the biggest event in your sport, it's history, it's never been done before, so that was probably the highlight."

But with the success comes more pressure.

With Brits Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome chomping at the bit to lead Team Sky in the Tour next year, it may be difficult to satisfy both riders.

But Mr Brailsford doesn't see it as an issue.

"Everyone thinks it's a problem, but I think it's a fantastic situation.

"Having two of the best riders in the world in the team is a great thing.

"They're competing and battling for their place in the team, but also working together.

"It puts the team in a great stead and it's up to us to manage that and ensure we get the best out of them/

"That's the situation and it's a very positive thing."

But while it is always about the bike, it isn't always about the competition.

"I think the real important thing about cycling is to have fun.

"On of the great things I love about cycling is that it can be done as a family.

"It doesn't matter how old you are, how young you are, you get together and enjoy a similar experience – that's one of the aspects I really like about cycling.

"Of course safety is an important thing – you need to learn how to ride a bike properly, learn how the gears work, the brakes and all the rest of it – but you have that sense of freedom and the wind in your hair, if I had any.

"It's something that I get so much pleasure from – riding along watching Millie, my daughter, riding beside me."

A 21-YEAR-OLD woman gave birth on Christmas Day despite not knowing she was pregnant.

Leanne Carter felt a bit bloated just before Christmas, but was still having her periods and did not have any other symptoms.

She woke up at 2.30am on Christmas Day with what she thought were severe stomach cramps.

Her mum took her to the QMC, where staff realised what was happening and rushed Leanne into the delivery room.

A short time later she gave birth to her son Joseph, who weighed just 4lb 12oz.

Speaking to the Post from her hospital bed, Leanne, a first-time mum, said: "It was a big surprise – I didn't know anything about it, I just became bloated in the last four weeks.

"I always watched TV shows and thought 'how could you not know?'

"It's still sinking in really, I'm nearly there. It didn't sink in at all on Christmas Day."

Leanne said she thought her stomach cramps were severe period pains.

They got worse and her mum Melanie suggested they go to the Queen's Medical Centre to find out what was wrong.

She said: "When I was there I went to the toilet and just felt the need to push.

"My mum had to go and get the staff and they asked if I was pregnant.

"They wheeled me in and the first I heard of it was when they gave me the gas and air as I was pushing."

"I was shocked, then scared and worried and I didn't know if he was OK, but then I was happy.

"I didn't intend on having children for a long while yet but I'm happy and I'm dead excited."

The 21-year-old had recently started working at a shop in Ilkeston and said she had carried on normal life throughout her pregnancy.

She said: "I did a lot of heavy lifting – he's had it tough, but he's fine. I just carried on life as normal, did my day to day stuff."

Leanne, of Northgate Street, Ilkeston, said she would be moving with her son to live with her mum and grandparents until finding a house to share with her boyfriend, Scott Curwood and son.

She said: "They're all very happy and dead excited. I told Scott straight away, he was shocked, but he's more than happy."

Doctors think Joseph was born around two weeks early and has suffered no lasting effects from his surprise entry into the world.

She said: "Joseph is definitely the most surprising, but the best, Christmas present ever.

"He's very quiet and quite sleepy – my mum says he's the spitting image of me.

"He's going to be tall, he's got massive feet and tiny little skinny legs."

Leanne and Scott had been planning to spend Christmas with their respective families, opening presents and having a festive dinner.

She said: "I don't like hospitals as it is and Christmas is my favourite time of year. It wasn't exactly how I wanted to spend my Christmas."

Joseph was born at 8am on Christmas Day.

Alison Atkinson, head of maternity at the Nottingham University Hospitals Trust, said: "I'm delighted that Leanne and her baby are both well and happy.

"It's rare for a woman to give birth without knowing she's pregnant – but I'm pleased that it was a happy surprise.

"It was also a lovely surprise for our team in the Emergency Department on Christmas morning.

"They were thrilled to be a part of this wonderful Christmas story – and have even clubbed together to buy a gift for the baby. We wish Leanne and her baby all the best."

A WEST Bridgford road has been labelled the most expensive street in the East Midlands for a second year in a row.

The houses in Valley Road cost an average of £810,000 and a report by LLoyds TSB, based on average house prices between January 2007 and October 2011, has put it above all other streets in the region.

The figure is lower than last year when the average home in the street was priced at £823,000.

Every year the survey reveals the most expensive streets. The 40 most expensive streets are all in London and the south east, with Egerton Crescent in Kensington and Chelsea taking first position with an average house costing £8.14 million.

TODAY, Alex McLeish will be waiting to see if the rain abates sufficiently to allow him to take charge of his first match as manager of Nottingham Forest – and to take the first steps towards quelling the storm of criticism that greeted his appointment.

But, in different circumstances, it could easily have been the 25th game of his City Ground tenure. He could already have had his feet under the table; he might already have won over the club's supporters.

Back in the summer, the Scotsman was asked if he was interested in the Forest job, but declined the opportunity as he looked to recharge his batteries following a draining, difficult spell at Aston Villa.

But, having had a much needed break from the game, McLeish was not about to turn down the chance for a second time.

"I was sounded out back in the summer. It was not directly by Forest, but there was contact with an agent," said McLeish.

"I was asked if I would be interested and I said no, because I wanted to take a break from the game. I seriously had to do that, at that point.

"I did need a break. I wanted to get a holiday, because we had not had one in a while. I wanted to get some vitamin D back into the body and recharge the batteries. I think most people in life would understand that.

"But I got another phone call about the job and it felt right. We had January plans but sometimes you have to drop everything when an opportunity like this comes along."

While McLeish had to cancel holiday plans, the flip side of the equation is that Sean O'Driscoll, his predecessor, now finds himself with plenty of time on his hands, after being sacked with his side just a single point off the play-off places, five months into the role.

"I do feel sympathy, of course I do. It is a cruel game we are in," said McLeish.

"I always tell the players they are in the best part of the job, because they are playing and can affect things. I always tell them not to look back in 40 years time and wish you had tried a little bit harder. Do it now. Enjoy it."

On Boxing Day, after the 4-2 thumping of Leeds, the club's owners, the Al Hasawi family, did pledge there would be funds available to the manager for new signings in January.

Nobody knew, at that stage, the manager would be McLeish, rather than O'Driscoll. But the former Birmingham, Villa and Rangers manager is hoping to add to the Reds squad.

"We can hopefully add to what we have got; we can hopefully enhance the quality we have got," he said. "I have no doubt about that.

"Having worked with a high quality Rangers side and having had good footballing sides at Hibernian and Motherwell, the bottom line is getting quality into your squad.

"The biggest single thing from the players is attitude. If the players attitude to hard work is there, then the quality will follow it anyway.

"We will look at the squad and talk to the recruitment people at the club and decide who might be able to help us."

There could also be an influx of staff at the club, with McLeish's long-time coach and assistant Peter Grant expected to join Forest. But Rob Kelly and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink are also expected to stay on.

And, if the game against Palace does go ahead today – with a 9.30am pitch inspection planned – Kelly and Hasselbaink will be in charge.

"I am planning to sit in the stand anyway, given that Rob and Jimmy have been training the team and doing the tactical stuff. It would not be much use me sitting on the bench and asking questions," said McLeish.

"I know the players, I have shaken their hands. I am in charge officially, but I am not going to interfere with Rob. I have no plans to change anything at the moment, with the staff. My first impression of Jimmy and Rob was excellent.

"Sometimes a new broom sweeps clean, but sometimes it is not right to rip out an infrastructure; things that have been in place for a while. I do want to bring my own staff in over time and I am hoping that Peter Grant will come in over the weekend.

"In terms of team selection, I spoke to Rob about it and asked what he would have done had I not been here – and he said exactly what I expected, which is to name an unchanged side.

"Barring any injuries or illnesses, that is what will happen. I know I am giving Palace my team when I say that. But that is the plan. I don't think it would have been right to change things and confuse the players. If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

As he faces a barrage of difficult questions, McLeish does not duck any, but responds with a sense of realism and a warm sense of humour. The Scotsman is too experienced; too wily not to recognise the fact he does have a job to do when it comes to winning over the Forest supporters.

But he is also long enough in the tooth to know that, if his side win football matches, that may not be an issue for long.

"I am looking forward to the challenge, I feel as though I have the experience in my locker to do a good job at Forest," he said. "You just have to get the fans behind the team and keep producing the kind of performance that win games.

"I suppose you could have nine positives on your CV and one negative and some people will chose to look at the negative. As long as people judge you in a fair way when they are judging you, that is fine.

"It is a great opportunity for me, this job. If we can get to the Premier League with Forest, it will be another big achievement in my career.

"I cannot emphasise enough how great an opportunity this is. It is a great opportunity. I did feel that another one would come along for me.

"I felt confident I would get back in the game at a good level. I had offers to go abroad, even in the last week or so. But I felt I wanted to try to secure another decent job in England, before I would contemplate that.

"I could not go abroad with my complexion anyway. I got sun burnt this morning and it was freezing!

"Now the aim is to get this club back into the Premier League and, if we do get them up, I believe we would get the backing to keep them there."

But, for McLeish, the first step is to earn the backing of supporters. And a win over Palace would not be a bad way to start.

A FORMER police officer has been killed in a car crash in New Ollerton.

Roy Gregory, 70, was driving a green Peugeot which left the road and hit a wall.

It happened in Yew Tree Close at about 1.30pm on Thursday.

Mr Gregory, from New Ollerton, was taken to King's Mill Hospital in Sutton-in-Ashfield, where he died later that evening. No one else was injured in the incident.

Mr Gregory worked for Notts Police before retiring in 1990.

Witnesses are asked to call police on 101, quoting incident number 381 of December 28.

Midfielders Rogers and Holland have been on loan at Eastwood Town in recent weeks, whilst centre-back Shaw has gained experienced from time spent at Sheffield.

Meanwhile, midfielder, Jamie Hand has joined Blue Square Bet South outfit Hayes & Yeading on a month's loan.

In other news, Stags' away trip at Woking will now be played on Tuesday  March 5 (7.45pm), as the previous date of February 5 now clashes with an England C fixture.