VINEY, a slumbering giant among Forest football clubs, could be on the way back. They have a long way to go but it would be foolish to write off a club with such a distinguished heritage.
Team manager Simon James says County League football is very much an achievable target. And after this excellent draw against an experienced Barometrics team, he says the signs are there that Viney are up to the challenge.
He says: "You can tell. The atmosphere is there, the players are there. There is confidence and commitment. The difference between the start of the season and now is remarkable."
James had intended to take a break from management but is back in the dugout and enjoying himself. A disappointing start to the season has levelled out and the introduction of a new coach in Gary Sutton and new players in Matt Addis and Jared Liddington has given a young team the important impetus needed to take a step forward.
"We also have a lot of players injured. There are at least seven out of action and when they return we will have the ideal squad, and one with strength in depth," says James.
Viney, he says, is a club with everything to play for.
"The facilities are superb. If it had not been for the lights Saturday's game would have been called off. The playing conditions were terrible and a draw was probably the correct result, " he said.
Twice Viney had to make comebacks. Josh Warren scored from a corner to make in all square at half-time and then Lee Kavanagh fired home a shot from 20 yards.
"It was good stuff and all from a very young but very committed team. I believe we could end up with a place in the top four. The important thing is that the squad has the right attitude and that makes such a difference," said James.