When Atkinson took over there was a lot of excitement. I think Salako was the big name signing that Summer. I think Isaias also signed, and the 'African Pele', Nil Lamptey, who ended up only ever playing in a League Cup game for us. At the time I remember being very positive about it all though, but it was very much a false dawn.
I remember the day vividly. Chose to miss Forest at home that first day of the season and went on an office trip to see Riverdance in London. Cracking two hour show, enjoyment only partially dented when I got out and heard the result from Highfield Road.