Richard Keys believes that Nottingham Forest will do enough to stave off relegation from the Premier League this season - something he "always" thought, according to him.
The beIN Sports presenter's prediction comes in the wake of the Reds' 1-0 win over Leeds United, extending their unbeaten run in the league to five games. It puts them six points above the dreaded dropzone, while the victory also cost Jesse Marsch his job at Elland Road.
"Well done Steve Cooper," he scribed in his latest blog entry. "Forest are edging to safety. I always said I thought they’d get enough points at home to cling on for another season. I still think they will."
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However, Keys' claim runs contrary to some of his prior comments. Following the 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth in September he predicted that the club would end up having to "rebuild in League One" following their summer spending spree.
"[Is] anyone surprised to see struggling Forest in the drop zone? I must admit I am," Keys wrote in his blog at the time. "It’s happened sooner than I thought it would.
"Here’s what happens next at Forest - Steve Cooper gets the blame for the ridiculous signing frenzy - the owner gets fed up - the club slips into administration - buried by the costs of paying the mercenaries - and they rebuild in League One."
In October Keys tweeted that it was "so predictable" that Forest were at the foot of the table following a 3-0 defeat to Leicester City. He claimed the team would have been better off not signing Jesse Lingard, among others.
He said: "I genuinely feel sorry for Nottingham Forest fans - but it was all so predictable. I’m certain Steve Cooper would’ve had a better chance had he not been gifted J-Lingz & co. Now he’ll pay the price & there’s worse to come. Much worse. Rafa? I’d send my season ticket back."
Cooper was handed a new contract by owner Evangelos Marinakis soon after and they have since lost just three times in the Premier League.
What do you make of Richard Keys' remarks? Comment below!
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