BILLY Sharp's injury time strike ensured Alex McLeish's Nottingham Forest tenure did not start with a defeat, as the Reds twice came back from behind to draw 2-2 with Palace.

Forest left it late to secure a point, with Sharp prodding home in the 93rd minute to break Palace's resolve.

Glenn Murray took his tally for the season to 22, as he twice struck to put the visitors ahead, firstly in the ninth minute and then again with nine minutes to play, after Andy Reid had conjured up a wonder goal to pull Forest level on the stroke of half time.

The point was no more than Forest had deserved, following an encouraging first display under the new manager, who was appointed this week following the Boxing Day departure of Sean O'Driscoll.

There was one change to the Forest team, which was selected by first team coaches Rob Kelly and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. That was enforced by an illness picked up by Alan Hutton, who was replaced in the side by Dan Harding, with Greg Halford moving across to right back.

New manager McLeish had admitted he had hoped Forest would be able to name an unchanged side following the 4-2 win over Leeds – but he will still have been pining for a similar performance level against Palace.

There was no place in the squad for Daniel Ayala, who was available again after sitting out his one match ban for his farcical sending off at Watford, with Brendan Moloney providing the defensive cover on the bench.

The pitch looked to be playing well, considering the rain that had fallen on it – and Forest started brightly with some slick passing on a surface that had plenty of zip.

Andy Reid picked out a brilliant ball for Dexter Blackstock, as he peeled off to the far post, nut the striker's knockdown for Billy Sharp was cleared, desperately, but effectively, by the Palace defence.

Wilfried Zaha, the winger who is said to be a January target for several Premier League clubs, was always going to be a big threat for Palace. But, when he ran at Dan Harding for the first time, the defender did exceptionally well, sliding in with a well timed challenge and deflecting the ball off Zaha for a goal kick.

But, while Forest had been on top in the opening exchanges, it was to be Palace who scored with their first meaningful attack, in the ninth minute.

Dean Moxey had pushed forward down the left and found himself with a chance to deliver from the edge of the box, firing a low cross to the far post where Glenn Murray was arriving to prod home his 21st goal of the season from close range.

The goal was another sign that one of McLeish's first priorities must be to iron out the defensive fragility that has dogged Forest in recent weeks

The Reds prodded and probed for an equaliser in the 14th minute as, following a quick passing move, Sharp found himself with a shooting chance from 12 yards and forced a good save from Julian Speroni, who plunged low to his right.

Forest were denied a corner at one end of the pitch, when Speroni clearly seemed to have punched the ball out – and Palace went straight down the other end of the pitch to win one themselves. Fortunately, Danny Collins was able to clear the danger with a strong header.

Kagisho Dikgacoi came close to putting Palace two ahead with a brilliant, dipping shot that took a slight deflection to steer it inches the wrong side of the post.

There was tension in the Forest crowd as their side failed to get into their stride – but the fans were brought to their feet when the home side almost pulled themselves level.

Sharp, in fact, was unlucky not to score as he attacked a superb cross from Majewski, but saw his header cannon back off the foot of the post, with the keeper well beaten.

Suddenly, Forest seemed to have found some urgency, with Majewski combining with Chris Cohen to give the midfielder the chance to loft another good ball into the box, with Danny Gabbidon producing an important clearing header.

Harding, who had been handling the threat of Zaha very well, then got forward himself to cross from the left, but he could not pick out a Forest player.

Halford was booked for a run of the mill foul, but referee Haywood completely missed an elbow on Adlene Guedioura in the centre of the pitch, which left the Algerian needing extensive treatment – and Halford in a fury as he protested angrily to the referee and fourth official.

Reid then produced a brilliant individual run, twisting and turning the Palace defence, before delivering into the centre where Blackstock almost connected.

The Irish midfielder then bent a dangerous free kick against the defensive wall, as Forest began to build a little pressure.

Cohen then darted into the box from the opposite flank and drove a low ball into the centre to force another in a flurry of corners for the home side. Guedioura got a little carried away when he let fly with a shot from all of 45 yards that was always flying high and wide.

Forest were becoming frustrated with referee Haywood, who failed to show a yellow card to Jedinak after he had hacked down Cohen, to thwart a dangerous Forest attack.

But their pressure was finally to tell when Reid, who had been looking full of confidence, conjured up an outstanding equaliser. The winger picked up possession just outside the box, on the left side, following good work from Cohen, and lashed an unstoppable shot back across goal and inside the far post, with Speroni helpless.

Forest's confidence was suddenly through the roof and, had half time not saved Palace, it looked for all the world as though they would quickly have added another, as they launched attack after attack.

Palace had a dangerous attack immediately from the kick-off of the second half, with Camp having to pounce on a cross from Jonathan Parr.

But Majewski and Reid were quick to combine at the other end, to give Reid the chance to deliver yet another teasing cross into the danger zone.

Cohen, not to be outdone by Reid on the left, then cut onto his left foot on the right and let fly with a spectacular, swerving shot, the quality of which was matched by the save from Speroni, who blocked in acrobatic fashion at his near post, when a goal seemed certain.

Sharp was then booked after barging into Parr on the touchline, although it looked to be a harsh decision that might have been motivated to some degree by the angry reaction of Palace boss Ian Holloway.

Forest were building momentum again and, when Reid floated a ball into the centre for Blackstock, the striker beat Speroni to it, only for his header to elude Majewski by a matter of inches in the centre, when the Pole would have been able to slot the ball into an empty net.

Jedinak, who should have been booked in the first half, was finally shown a yellow card when he clumsily brought down Sharp from behind.

Majewski's curling centre was perfect for Sharp, who controlled brilliantly on his chest, but saw his shot charged down.

It was to be the last contribution from the Pole, who was replaced by Lewis McGugan in the 64th minute.

Skipper Danny Collins forced another fine save from Speroni with a flicked header – although the effort would have been ruled out for offside, had it gone in.

Reid carved out another chance with a cross from the left, with Blackstock heading narrowly over the bar at the far post.

Forest suffered a nervous moment when Sharp, defending a Palace corner, flicked the ball dangerously close to the top corner of his own net. Cohen, who had put in a real shift, was replaced by Lansbury for the final 13 minutes.

But it was Palace who were to take the lead for a second time, through the in form Murray. Bolasie played the ball in from the right and, it found it's way to the striker at the far post, he sent a looping header back over Camp and into the far corner of the net.

McGugan threatened with a long range shot that took a deflection, while Halford too came close with a powerful, driven shot that had the fans behind the goal on their feet as it fizzed close.

Forest threw on Simon Cox in the 85th minute, as they went in search of a second equaliser and the striker won a corner with his first touch. Reid's ball to the far post found Ward, whose header was deflected over the bar.

McGugan came close to netting an outstanding solo goal, beating two on a mazy run into the box, before seeing his shot deflected into the side netting.

But there was to be late joy for the Reds, as Sharp pulled them level. A Blackstock flick put the striker in a dangerous position and, while Speroni did brilliantly to push his initially effort onto the post, Sharp reacted quickest to prod the ball into an empty net.

Forest: Camp, Halford, Ward, Collins, Harding, Guedioura (Cox 85), Cohen (Lansbury 77), Majewski (McGugan 64), Reid, Sharp, Blackstock. Subs: Darlow, Gillett, Moussi, Moloney.

Palace: Speroni, Parr, Bolasie (Garvan 84), Dikgacoi, Jedinak, Zaha (Easter 72), Murray, Moxey, Ramage, Moritz (Williams 72), Gabbidon. Subs: Martin, O'Keefe, Appiah, Fitzsimons.

Referee: Mark Haywood, West Yorkshire

Attendance: 23,703 (1,800 away)

ALEX McLeish praised Nottingham Forest for their character and belief after seeing them claw back from behind to mark his first game as manager with a point.

Billy Sharp struck in injury time to secure a 2-2 draw for the Reds, after a superb strike from Andy Reid had cancelled out the first of two goals from Glenn Murray for Crystal Palace, either side of half time.

And the new Forest boss was proud of his players' attitude, saying: "I thought there was a lot of fighting spirit there, among the guys.

"To their credit, they went right to the final whistle.  They could so easily have let their heads go down, after that 81st minute goal for Palace.

"But they fought right to the death and that was fantastic. That shows great character. But I also saw great quality.

"There were things we can improve on, but Reidy was amazing. What a game he had.

"These are things that we can talk about in the privacy of the training ground. I didn't think there was a lot that was disappointing. I thought it was a pretty decent performance, all in all.

"I thought we were well worth the draw, if not even a victory. We were aware of the Zaha threat but I thought that, tactically, we handled him very well, along with Bolasie.

"They were a real threat for Palace and they are a top of the league side, don't forget. They are not up near the top for no reason. So it was a really good performance for us.

"I spoke to the lads before the game and at half time. It was easier for me to see from stands, it was a good vantage point. We spoke about substitutions and we made the changes, I felt, at the right time."

McLeish was also full of praise for his front two, with Blackstock providing the flick on for Sharp to score.

"Billy is a goal scorer. He knows where the goal is and he gets into good positions. When Harding fired the ball in towards Dexter, I was just thinking to myself 'keep it alive big man'," said McLeish.

"He did that and Billy was there or there abouts and it was nice to see the ball falling kindly for him. Billy deserved that.

"Dexter is not going to win every ball. We did not play a long ball game up to him, but there were some clever balls dropped in to him.

"The goal was brilliant timing. He needed to win that ball for us and it took every ounce of effort from him to do so, because he looked out on his legs a little bit."

CHARITIES across Notts have been given a share of 3,500 blankets from the airline BMI Baby, which closed in September.

The in-flight blankets were delivered to a network of homelessness charities in Notts and Derbyshire last week.

Long Eaton-based Canaan Trust, an independent charity which has served the needs of the homeless since 1995, first heard about the blankets and contacted other homeless organisations in the region.

Penny Shreeves, from BMI, said: "Despite facing personal adversity with the loss of their jobs at East Midlands Airport and Donington Hall HQ from December 31, the staff wanted to be able to do something positive for those facing greater adversity in the surrounding community.

"It is fantastic to know that we have been able to help all these charities, particularly at this time of year."

And Kevin Curtis, from Canaan Trust, said: "It was wonderful to receive Penny's call.

"Here at the Canaan Trust we have been seeking to work with a range of commercial and retail organisations trying to 'rescue' redundant or end-of-line stock which could be used to help and support the homeless or needy in our local communities.

"Or, with the donor company's permission, we can look to sell it online through our eBay charity shop, run by some of our homeless clients, to raise much-needed funds."

PEOPLE have the chance to become retained firefighters in Bingham and Southwell.

Notts Fire and Rescue Service has positions available at both stations.

People who get the posts would be on-call for emergencies, though the service says it would be flexible to suit work and family commitments.

A force spokesman said: "You will learn new skills and experience the adrenalin rush of turning out with the crew to a variety of fires, road traffic collisions and rescues in your local area.

"And you will feel the pride and satisfaction that goes with being a critical member of your local community.

"Age is no barrier being a retained firefighter.

"If you live or work within five minutes of Bingham or Southwell station and this sounds like something you might be interested in, then we recommend you come along to the relevant open day to talk to the people who already do the job.

"You can try on the fire kit, wear breathing apparatus, look at the equipment, watch demonstrations and ask questions about the role."

An open day is being held at Bingham Fire Station between 10am and 3pm on Saturday, January 26 and at Southwell Fire Station between the same times on Saturday, February 2.

Formal applications will be invited in March, with a training course in autumn 2013 for successful candidates.

TEMPORARY traffic lights will be in place in Bramcote Lane, Chilwell for four weeks while gas works are carried out.

The lights will be in place between Hallams Lane and Sandby Court from January 21 to February 15.

The lights will be manually controlled at peak times from 7.30am to 9.30am and 3.30pm to 6.30pm.

It will enable gas mains and service renewal works to be carried out. Moderate to heavy delays are expected as a result.

Stop and go boards will also be in place on the A6005 Bye Pass Road in Chilwell, between its junction with Attenborough lane and 160 Bye Pass Road.

The boards, which are also due to gas works, will be in place from Monday, January 21 to Friday, February 8 from 9am to 3.30pm.

DANCER Kynam Moore has performed across the world, starred in a YouTube clip which has received more than 28 million hits and featured in an Adidas advertising campaign.

And the 23-year-old has done it all despite suffering from severe dyspraxia – a neurological condition which affects his coordination and movement.WATCH: Kynam doing the 'C-walk'

Kynam, of Aspley, is currently auditioning for a place with a world-renowned dance company on an overseas tour next year and it's his toughest job to date.

He has to film himself performing a complex routine and send the footage Shaun Parker & Company in Australia.

Kynam didn't know he had dyspraxia until he was 19 years old.

He said: "I used to get frustrated because my body wouldn't do what I wanted it to. It's because the signal that my brain was sending to a part of my body telling it to move would get muddled.

"It meant that I had to rehearse over and over before I could get the routines right."

None of this has stopped Kynam from being successful – although his life could have taken a different path if it wasn't for his mum, Gill.

Seven years ago Kynam applied to study at Bilborough College but his mum swapped one of his subjects, from sociology to performing arts, without telling him.

He said: "When I turned up for my sociology class on the first day I wasn't on the register.

"I was absolutely furious when I found out my mum had swapped my subjects. She had handled my application because I was in Hong Kong at the time.

"She had a chat with staff at Bilborough and because I had got an A in GCSE dance, they told her I had really great potential.

"It was quite sneaky but obviously now I'm really pleased she did it. She has brought me up almost as a single parent and has been absolutely amazing."

While Kynam was still at school there was a sign of things to come when footage of him and four other dancers performing a style of dance called C-Walking went viral on YouTube, receiving more than 28.3 million hits.

Kynam – who features on the clip under the name of Kynamite – added: "We couldn't believe it when it got 1,000 views then 100,000 then 10 million and it just kept getting more. We were going crazy."

Despite all this, Kynam had no desire to become a professional dancer until his teachers at Bilborough made him believe that it was possible.

He said: "I will never forget that I truly owe all this success to Bilborough College.

"I literally would not have become a dancer without the help and direction of the staff there."

After leaving Bilborough, Kynam won a place at one of the best dance schools in the country, the London Contemporary Dance School.

There were 2,500 applications for 55 places and the school was so impressed with Kynam they offered him a spot, even though they were full.

While he was still studying he secured work dancing in the Tannhauser opera at the Royal Opera House in London with world famous choreographer Jasmin Vardimon. He also performed with a dance company across the Middle East, all before he graduated.

After graduating, performances in India and a tour of the Canary Islands with a dance company followed.

Last year, he won a competition to be one of the stars of an Adidas advertising campaign called We Are London which celebrated talent and creativity in the city.

He added: "I'm really lucky because since I started dancing I've only ever had a few weeks where I haven't been working, but I'm very humble and I just hope that everything I've achieved so far is just a stepping stone to more."

To see Kynam strut his stuff on YouTube, visit http://youtu.be/F2TSy0Z5qTE

AN ELDERLY woman was taken to hospital with facial burns after a cooker exploded at a house in Beeston.

Notts Fire and Rescue were called to the house in Salisbury Street at about 9.30am on Saturday morning.

The woman, who has been named locally as Edith Dodson, was led to safety by firefighters when they got to the house.

It was not believed she had life-threatening injuries.

The road was cordoned off to traffic on Saturday and police prevented anyone from walking along a small stretch outside the house.

Although the property did not look fire-damaged from the outside, a large piece of supporting wood could be seen in a doorway and all the windows were wide open.

Specialists travelled from Lincoln on Saturday to provide more support for the house to ensure it was structurally sound.

A neighbouring property was evacuated as a precaution.

Andy Lindley, station manager at Carlton fire station, said: "An elderly woman suffered burns to her face and was transported to hospital.

"Initial thoughts were that it was not life threatening. She was the only person in the house at the time."

A fire investigation established that the fire was accidental.

A spokeswoman from Notts Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the cooker had exploded. It is believed that the gas had been left on for too long before it was ignited.

She added there were no suspicious circumstances and confirmed that by the time crews left the building on Saturday they were confident it was structurally sound.

Neighbours said she had lived there for some time and spoke highly of her.

Edward Bath, 86, who lives across the road, said: "She's such a nice lady, I'm concerned. I can't visit her in hospital because I can't walk far. We're hoping she will be OK."

And Vivienne Warner, who also lives in the street, said: "I didn't hear anything at all. She's a very nice lady, I know her to talk to."

Many nearby residents said they did not hear anything on Saturday morning – most said the first they knew of the accident was seeing fire engines in the road.

One woman, who asked not to be named, said: "I never heard a bang at the time. It's horrendous. She's a lovely, lovely lady – full of life, always going up the high street shopping."

Notts Fire and Rescue Service sent two fire engines to the scene as well as a specialist rescue team and fire investigation officers. Police were also in attendance.

IT will cost an extra £400,000 to expand Dunkirk Primary School, Nottingham City Council has revealed.

The school is set to open a new site in September at the former Lenton Primary School buildings in Lenton Abbey to provide more space.

Around £850,000 was set aside to refurbish three buildings on the site but now a council report says another £400,000 is needed for the project.

It states: "As work progressed on site, a number of severe and unforeseen health and safety and condition issues were identified that required additional funding."

The council says there have been problems with the roof as well as other structural issues with the site, and problems with boilers, heating systems and electrical wiring.

The council has said that the extra money has been made available by "achieving savings on other schemes and reallocating unspent funding from the capital programme."

However it has also warned that further funding will be required for the project, which will be subject to another report.

Lenton Primary School only closed in 2008 because of a surplus of primary school places at the time.

However, many parents fought against its closure at the time and have criticised the council for the U-turn now.

The revamp plans would see pupil numbers at the Dunkirk school double and is the latest in a string of ideas to increase primary school capacity.

The council is spending £14.5 million to create more than 1,000 extra spaces across the city.

Councillor David Mellen, portfolio holder for children's services, said: "There is an urgent need to address the acute shortage of school places in Nottingham."

IT was fitting that a whirlwind few days for Alex McLeish culminated in an afternoon of ups and downs – and high drama – for Nottingham Forest.

The Scotsman had gone from taking a surprise phone call on Boxing Day, to being interviewed and appointed on December 27, facing the press on the December 28 and, finally, watching his new side in action for the first time – all within four days.

The arrival of the new manager had divided opinion, largely because many fans had felt sympathy for Sean O'Driscoll, as much as anything else.

But, by 5pm on Saturday, there was a decidedly positive mood at the City Ground, as the club entered into a new era and a new year, with a credible result against one of the sides they soon hope to be challenging for promotion.

There was no place for the club's owners in the directors box, with Abdulaziz Al Hasawi having returned to Kuwait following a significant few days for the family, as they took a huge decision they hope will help Forest take a step closer to a place in the Premier League.

But it was from that vantage point that McLeish witnessed a display from Forest that perfectly personified both their strengths and their weaknesses.

McLeish, amid an honest and realistic assessment of the situation at his unveiling 24 hours before, had spoken of the importance of character; of having a winning mentality. And, while the first match of his tenure might not have ended in a victory, Forest certainly demonstrated a determination not to be beaten, as they twice fought back from behind.

McLeish, a dominant, rock solid defender during his playing career with the over-achieving Aberdeen side of the 1980s, will want to address the familiar defensive frailty that has marred Forest's start to the season.

Forest generally marshalled an attack-minded Palace side well, with considerable composure and organisation. Danger man Wilfried Zaha in particular was rendered almost anonymous as Forest's back four and, most notably, Dan Harding, nullified his threat.

But two momentary lapses at the back did see Glenn Murray pounce twice to put Palace in the ascendancy. But, while a simple, sliding far post finish and a clever, looping header from the 22-goal striker twice put the visitors ahead, McLeish will also take encouragement from Forest's refusal to accept defeat.

Andy Reid, one of the players who had championed O'Driscoll's appointment back in the summer and Billy Sharp, the striker who admitted his loan move had been motivated by a desire to be reunited with his former Doncaster boss, provided the goals that ensured a positive start to his replacement's tenure.

Reid's strike, a 20-yard effort flashed in unstoppable fashion across Julian Speroni and inside the far post, capped off an outstanding display from the Irishman, who is back in the kind of form that persuaded Spurs to sign him during his first spell at the City Ground.

Sharp's predatory instincts came to the fore in injury time, as he pounced on a flick on from Dexter Blackstock, before firing the ball into an empty net after Speroni had pushed his initial effort onto the post.

The striker had already struck the woodwork with a header in the first half, as Forest piled pressure on the Forest goal and is definitely a man in form, having taken his tally to six goals in eight games.

Sharp's future is just one of many items that will be on McLeish's 'to do' list as he settles into his new role. The club have entered into early talks with the player over a potential permanent move – but there may be many hurdles still to overcome, not least the fact that they must persuade Southampton to sell.

During his playing career, even after McLeish had won his first Scotland cap, his father attempted to persuade Aberdeen boss Alex Ferguson to allow his son to continue his training as an accountant.

And those numeracy skills may come in more useful than ever before, as McLeish finds himself at a club where he could, if he wishes, be backed heavily in the January transfer window.

Along with Sharp, Forest may look to sign Daniel Ayala and Elliott Ward, two of their other loan signings, on a permanent basis. And McLeish also confirmed that he will look at the position of those key players who are out of contract in the summer.

They, along with Dexter Blackstock, Radi Majewksi and Lee Camp, include a player, in Lewis McGugan, who the manager attempted to sign during his time at Birmingham City.

McLeish, from his lofty position in the stands, ordered that the talented midfielder be introduced off the bench in the 64th minute and the Nottingham-born player responded with a timely reminder of his capabilities.

Whether the disciplined approach of McLeish proves to be what is required to get the best out of a player who has fulfilled his potential in patches, rather than in consistent spells, remains to be seen.

But the glowing terms in which McLeish spoke of the talented midfielder would suggest that he is keen to give him another opportunity.

With the likes of Simon Cox, Henri Lansbury and McGugan all starting on the bench at the weekend, McLeish has inherited a squad with plenty of depth.

But he will target another defender, a winger and possibly another striker to add to his ranks, as he looks to assemble a group that is capable of pushing for the top flight.

The Scotsman says he has not been told he must win promotion this season, by the Al Hasawi family. But, given that they have acted quickly to move on both Steve Cotterill and O'Driscoll in their short spell as owners of the club, McLeish will be under no illusions that a play-off place is probably his minimum target, if his job is to last far beyond the end of the campaign.

Given that, even under O'Driscoll, Forest looked to be on course to achieve that, it should not be too much of a big ask under McLeish – particularly not if he can add some of the discipline and defensive organisation that were two of his trademarks at Birmingham City, as he steered them into the top flight.

McLeish's first six days as Forest manager have been a real whirlwind.

But so have the first five months under the club's Kuwaiti owners. Whatever happens between now and May, you sense there is more drama to come, starting with the January transfer window.

NEIGHBOURS have paid tribute to a church warden who was found strangled to death at her farmhouse – days after helping out at a Christmas service.

Julia Thurgarland, 70, was discovered by paramedics at her home, on Friday afternoon.

Her husband, Peter Thurgarland, was also there and was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Mrs Thurgarland was a warden at St Radegund Church in Maplebeck, near Newark. Neighbours said she had been helping out at a service at another nearby church over Christmas.

A neighbour, who didn't want to be named, said the couple had moved to the area around 40 years ago.

He said: "They were really nice people; everyone around here is completely shocked by what has happened.

"I last saw her a couple of weeks ago. I know some people said she was helping out at a local church service on Christmas Eve. She loved helping at things like that. It is hard to believe that this has happened.

"You hear about these kind of things happening, but never expect it where you live."

The Reverend Richard Seymour-Whiteley, priest-in-charge of the Northern Lights cluster of churches, including St Radegund, said: "There has been a tragic incident in which our church warden at Maplebeck, Julia Thurgarland, has died and her husband is in hospital.

"Our prayers are with her family, along with all those who knew Julia well."

Councillor Bruce Laughton, who represents Maplebeck at Notts County Council, said: "This is an awful tragedy. I met them a couple of times, but didn't know them too well. But the village is a close-knit community. It will be stunned by what has happened."

Neighbour Diane Raine, 53, said: "It is shocking. I saw police arrive on Friday. An air ambulance came as well."

Police were alerted by paramedics, who called at the house, Low Farm, Maplebeck, at around 3.50pm on Friday.

A post-mortem examination on Saturday revealed Mrs Thurgarland had died as a result of being strangled.

Police have now finished their investigations at the property, and have said they are "quite certain" the incident was an isolated one.

Detectives say they have arrested a 71-year-old man on suspicion of murder, but have yet to question him. He will be questioned when he is deemed fit enough, police said. Police have not named him. Detective Chief Inspector Tony Heydon, who is leading the investigation, said: "Following inquiries at the scene and in the local area, we are satisfied that this was an isolated incident.

"Despite the arrest I am still appealing to anyone with any information to contact us."

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact the incident room on 0115 844 6913 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

SHERWOOD councillors have agreed to spend £865 to carry out a survey on a road following complaints about parking.

Residents in Costock Avenue, Sherwood, say that too many people who do not live in the road are parking there, leaving them little space for their own cars.

In a council report it states that the road falls between two large employers – Nottingham City Hospital and Nottingham Prison.

It adds: "According to residents, over recent months the number of non-residents parking on Costock Avenue has greatly increased.

"The survey will inform councillors of any parking problems there may be on this road."

ALEX McLeish feels it is too soon to properly assess the strengths and weakness of his squad.

But he does believe that there is more to come from one player in particular – Lewis McGugan.

"We have to get every ounce of McGugan's talent into this team and into this squad," he said.

"I don't really know his personality yet, but the guys tell me he has knuckled down, that he is working hard.

"The fitness coach says he has agreed to get his weight down, which he has. It shows the lad cares.

"We have seen one or two flashes of what he can do – there was a little back-heel to Andy and the run on the right side.

"These players are worth their weight in gold – players who can make a difference. Lewis can certainly make a difference. But obviously he has a lot of competition."

McGugan is one of several key players who are out of contract in the summer, along with Dexter Blackstock, Lee Camp and Radi Majewski.

And McLeish says it is something he hopes to address as a matter of urgency.

"Yes, it is," he said. "We will talk with the chief executive, with the recruitment team and with the coaches. We will get everyone around the table and assess what we feel is the right way to go forward for Nottingham Forest."

If McLeish can get those players tied to a new deal – and potentially persuade Billy Sharp to make his move more permanent – then his popularity at Forest would be in no doubt.

A CLIFTON woman has been banned from keeping a dog for five years. Julie Valance, 51, of Listowel Crescent, failed to investigate and address the cause of a Rottweiler's poor body condition and weight loss between July 4, 2012, and September 25, 2012. She pleaded guilty and magistrates in Nottingham ordered her to pay £900 costs to the RSPCA.

BENJAMIN Barker, 28, of Walesby Lane, New Ollerton, has been banned from driving for five years after he drove on drugs. Magistrates in Nottingham sentenced him after he admitted two offences of drug-driving in an Audi – in Nuthall Road, Nuthall, on July 17, and on the A614 Bilsthorpe, Bilsthorpe, on July 18. He was given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, because the offences were so serious. The court heard he drove dangerously but suspended the sentence because Barker has a job. This has helped him to stay off drugs and out of trouble, the court heard. He has also been ordered to do 150 hours of unpaid work in 12 months and pay costs of £85. No separate penalty was imposed after he admitted he drove the Audi without due care and attention on the A614 Old Rufford Road, Bilsthorpe, on July 18.

PATRIK Koziun, 21, of Russell Road, Hyson Green, received a conditional discharge for 12 months when he appeared at Nottingham Magistrates' Court. He pleaded guilty to criminal damage of a front ground-floor balcony door in Nottingham in November. Magistrates ordered he pay costs of £85.

SIMON Bradshaw, 32, of Cranwell Road, Strelley, pleaded not guilty to driving without a licence. Magistrates in Nottingham heard he was in a Vauxhall Zafira in Broxtowe Lane, Broxtowe, on November 4. He was given unconditional bail before his trial on February 13.

LAVOY Hall, 22, of The Wells Road, St Ann's, denied using or threatening unlawful violence toward others in Sherwood in November. His case will be listed for a trial at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on February 22. He is on conditional bail.

SEAN Higgins, 24, of Meadow Street, Ilkeston, is charged with two assaults on June 23 in Beeston. His case will be heard at Nottingham Crown Court on April 15. He is on conditional bail.

CARL Pearson, 29, of Hempshill Lane, Bulwell, denies criminal damage. He is alleged to have damaged a vehicle in Bulwell on April 21. Magistrates in Nottingham granted him unconditional bail before his trial on February 25.

CARL Priestley, 46, of Bellmond Close, Newark, will have a trial at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on February 15. He is accused of stealing furniture, worth £2,000, in Newark on October 12. He is currently on unconditional bail.

DANIEL Scott, 36, of Harnett Close, Nottingham, was fined £100 after admitting driving a Mercedes in Radford without insurance on July 11. Magistrates in Nottingham imposed the fine and told him to pay a victim surcharge of £20 and costs of £35. His licence will be endorsed with seven penalty points. Scott was also fined an additional £50 after he admitted driving the Mercedes without a licence on July 11.

LIAM Turley, 30, of Coleby Road, Broxtowe Estate, is to have a trial at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on February 21. He denies using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour in Nottingham on November 13. He also pleads not guilty to assaulting a policeman in Nottingham on the same date. Turley remains on unconditional bail.

ADAM Blake, 24, of Chippenham Road, Bestwood Park, is accused of attempting to enter a property in Wollaton Road, Wollaton, to steal on October 2. Magistrates in Nottingham granted him conditional bail to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on February 5.

SHANNAN Dar24, of Tonnelier Road, Dunkirk, is accused of attempting to enter a property to steal. It is alleged he was with Adam Blake in Wollaton Road, Wollaton, on October 2. His case will also be heard at Nottingham Crown Cort on February 5. He is on conditional bail.

REECE Onyett , 25, of Sneinton Boulevard, Sneinton, denies assaulting a female in Nottingham and using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour on November 16. Magistrates in Nottingham granted him unconditional bail until his trial on April 4.

DEAN Phillips, 28, of Northdown Road, Ainsley Estate, Radford, is to have a trial at Nottingham Magistrates' Court. He is charged with being drunk and disorderly at Oceana nightclub, Nottingham, on November 3. He is further accused of possessing cocaine in Nottingham on November 3. After pleading not guilty to both charges, his trial was set for February 25. He is on unconditional bail.

JULIE Pollard, 34, of Glenlivet Gardens, Clifton, is accused of having a kitchen knife in Glenlivet Gardens on October 25. She is on unconditional bail to appear at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on January 9.

NOTTINGHAM Forest have taken the first steps towards signing Billy Sharp on a permanent basis – and the striker says that the move would be a 'good option' for him.

But new manager Alex McLeish may have to play a patient waiting game, with Sharp also today insisting that he is in no rush to commit his long-term future to Forest.

What will be of solace to Forest fans is the news that Sharp insisted on there being NO clause to allow Southampton to recall him in January, when he joined on loan from the Premier League club in the summer.

And he has pledged that, between now and the end of the season, he wants to score 20 goals and help the Reds to promotion into the top-flight.

"When I signed for the season, I wanted some stability. So I didn't want there to be a clause where I could be recalled in January," said Sharp. "The (Forest) owners have said that they do want to buy me. But a lot has to happen, they have to ask Southampton first, for a start.

"But I am here for the season, at the very least, because they cannot recall me in January. I did not want that clause to be in the deal. I did not want any interruptions. I have had a few injury problems in the last few seasons and I have not been able to get to that 20-goal mark.

"That has really frustrated me. Hopefully I can stay fit and get those 20 goals for Forest."

Sharp took his tally for Forest to nine, as he netted an injury-time equaliser to earn McLeish a point from his first game in charge, against Crystal Palace, on Saturday. The goal lifted the roof off the City Ground and Sharp says his relationship with the Reds fans could be a key factor in deciding his future.

"I will score as many as I can for Forest and then weigh my options up. And signing for Forest is a really good option. Something might still happen in January," he said.

"There has not been a concrete offer, but there has been talks between the main men and myself. I am enjoying what I am doing, I am doing well – so I don't like to change things."

McLeish added: "Billy's record speaks for itself. He has prowess in the box, he has finishing power – he is an asset. He would be an asset to any club. He would be a tremendous acquisition."

THE dust is starting to settle following the whirlwind appointment of Alex McLeish as Nottingham Forest boss.

The Boxing Day sacking of Sean O'Driscoll still surprises me, following an excellent 4-2 home win against Leeds earlier in the day.

But now, we can only look forward. McLeish is the man in charge and I do believe he can take the Reds to the next level.

I mean, look back on 2012 and it started badly. There was the sad and sudden death of owner Nigel Doughty.

What he did for the club can never be underestimated and to die at his home at the start of February sent shockwaves through the club.

On the pitch, it was a battle. The football was not great, it was scrappy, horrible at times but thankfully, Steve Cotterill managed to keep Forest up.

Since then, the new owners have come in and they have not just talked the talk, they are starting to walk it too.

They seemed like the real deal, the new scoreboards are a wise investment, they look great and they backed Sean O'Driscoll to sign 14 players since appointing him in the summer.

The goalposts have been changed though, with promotion now the mandate this season, not just consolidation.

The ruthless nature of axing O'Driscoll and moving quickly for McLeish shows they want success – and they are not prepared to wait.

But as we enter 2013 tomorrow, I feel there is real reason to be optimistic.

The Reds are three points off the play-offs but have it all to play for in their final 21 matches.

And despite the negativity surrounding the change around in management, McLeish will get the fans' backing.

He is in charge of their club, they gave him a warm welcome on Saturday and everybody associated with Forest wants the same thing – success.

It is evident there is a great squad of players already at his disposal and the big thing for me is they all seem to be together. There is a unity, a real appetite to succeed.

But maybe at times, there is too much side stepping of each other. To be successful, sometimes you have to step on somebody else's toes. You have to be a bit nasty.

And I think McLeish might bring some ruthlessness with him to the changing room.

He has won promotion with Birmingham when the pressure was on and he knows the pressure is on at the City Ground. After all, chairman Fawaz Al Hasawi has made it clear he must win promotion.

You don't achieve that being Mr Nice Guy but from what I have heard, McLeish is a popular figure in the game and will be respected.

He watched from the directors' box at the weekend in the 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace and will be bringing his own backroom staff in as well.

The owners have demonstrated they mean business and January will make their intentions further clear.

McLeish will have targets, probably a central defender and wingers to start with, and he will expect the Reds to get those nailed down.

In other seasons, when the Reds have waited until the last minute to strike, it has caused frustration. It became a familiar and annoying theme for Forest supporters.

I expect them to strike early this time out so McLeish can get his men through the door as soon as possible.

It has been such an up-and-down year for Nottingham Forest but, hopefully, the year closes with the club in a healthy position.

There is plenty to be optimistic about and, while O'Driscoll's sacking caught everybody by surprise, I can see a bright future in 2013.

I wish you all a happy New Year. Hopefully 2013 can prove the year the Reds finally return to the Premier League.

DERBY'S new £27.5m velodrome and multi-use sports centre could be named in honour of the county's Olympic cycling boss.

Derby City Council says it has not ruled out the possibility of naming the Pride Park facility after David Brailsford.

The news comes after the 48-year-old, who led Team GB to win eight gold medals at this summer's London Olympics, was knighted for his work in the Queen's New Year's Honours list.

The Ilkeston-based father was British Cycling performance director and his efforts saw Bradley Wiggins, also knighted by the Queen at the weekend, to become the first Briton to win the Tour De France.

Martin Repton, city council cabinet member for leisure and culture, said naming the venue after Mr Brailsford was a possibility.

He said: "We will be sitting down over the next 12 to 18 months to discuss all of the options available to us.

"But Dave Brailsford is a local man who has done an absolutely fantastic job and who I would like to personally congratulate on receiving his knighthood from the Queen.

"I am sure that his name will be among a number of others that will be looked at should the council decide to take the route that would see the next centre named after an individual."

Over his career Mr Brailsford has overseen seven out of 10 track titles won at the 2008 Olympic Games replicated this year at London 2012.

He plans to lead Britain and Team Sky, who Bradley Wiggins cycles with, for the next four years.

Diggers got to work last month on the velodrome, which is expected to take 18 to 24 months to complete.

It will house a 250m cycling track, a 12-court sports hall, a gym, multi-function rooms, a spinning room and a café.

People will be able to play badminton, netball and basketball, as well as cycle on the velodrome track. The arena will also double-up into a concert venue.

Ian Alexander, of CTC Derby, which promotes cycling as a social pastime in the city, supports the idea to name the venue after Mr Brailsford.

He said: "I think it is a fantastic idea and I am sure many of our members would support it as well. Dave has put Derbyshire firmly on the map in relation to cycling. Having a local centre named after a local lad who has achieved such greatness would be tremendous."

And on the social networking website Twitter, Nicola Rippon, of Derby, said: "The forthcoming velodrome in Derby surely ought to be called 'The Sir David Brailsford Velodrome'?"

Mr Brailsford did not wish to comment.