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And it is with this background that I have the joyous task of writing the guest report of our latest defeat of the season. Fortunately, though a defeat is always painful to take, this one has hurt a lot less than I expected - mostly because the more gracious of the Forest fans I know have readily accepted that there simply wasn't a lot in this game:
Not much between the sides, not too much action, not much to write home about and again, not much difference between the two sides. Except, of course for the numerical advantage that Forest had for about an hour of the proceedings.
So let's start with the sending off. It was without doubt the most important moment of the game. I have seen the tackle once -in real time from the back of Forest's poxy away end- and I haven't seen it again since. So I'm risking making a fool of myself if the TV replays prove me wrong but I'm simply going to put it down in words how I saw it on the night:
The ball broke loose about midway into the Forest half, both Bartley and Chambers went in for the challenge and neither was going to back out. It was 50-50. Bartley won the ball. He also caught the Forest player, his lanky leg caught Chambers after he won the tackle. There was no malice in it whatsoever. The ref seemed to agree because from the away end I didn't hear a whistle. I presumed the ref saw it as I had - A good, clean, strong tackle. Play looked set to continue….
But the side in red did not want to continue with the game. Billy Davies' Forest players swung into action. They immediately set upon Bartley like a pack of wolves, pushing him around and howling at the ref. Within seconds he was off.
I can't help but think that a harsh red card the week before for Forest's Chris Cohen (and Billy Davies' influence) has played more than a large part in Bartley's harsh sending off. For all his seemingly impotent whinging about Cohen's dismissal against Leeds, the referees can now look Billy in the eye (if they crouch) safe in the knowledge they have demonstrated through Bartley's red card that it's all swings and roundabouts. I look forward to Burnley's opportunity to face 10 men with glee.
Enough of my cynicism.
Before Bartley's dismissal, we had looked slightly the better side, possibly shading the positional battle in the first 30 minutes. With a combative midfield we could have gone on and made a real game of it.
In fact, only a minute before Bartley left the action Eagles could have put us ahead when Delfouneso headed back an Elliott cross only to be denied by Lee Camp in the Forest goal.
Unfortunately, only seconds later the referee put his stamp on the game and his actions determined how the game played out. It was dull stuff.
Two sides desperate for form scrapped it out. Both teams were evidently low on confidence and there was precious little in quality from either side. Forest cautiously edged forward, their numerical advantage giving them the upper hand and making them the more likely side.
On the other hand Burnley defended and fought as though the players were genuinely playing for their places. For the majority of the final hour we did OK. We kept Forest at bay and minimised most of their chances to set-pieces, with Beast producing a particularly noteworthy save from a free-kick, the rebound of which was nodded onto our bar. The ball was in our half for the majority of the play but Forest were low on ideas.
Unfortunately, just as we began to think we could keep them out until the final whistle, another free-kick on the edge of our box gave them the chance they needed and McGoldrick put it away.
We never looked like pulling it back though Iwelumo did manage an unconventional goalward header from a hopeful, bouncing ball that looped lamely into Camp's hands.
The final nail in the coffin was utterly predictable when it came. Bikey had already given way for Iwelumo and Forest broke away with ease against a ten-man side (with three defenders) to notch a training ground goal.
Two - nil flattered them and the main architect of their victory was the ref. We can count ourselves slightly unfortunate on the nature of our defeat but we did nothing to warrant a win. And that, fellow Clarets, is that. Not a lot more to say than that.
Perhaps the fact that I'd consciously written off the season in my mind before that game has helped me form the indifference I have managed to nurture in regards to this latest defeat? Perhaps it's just a coping mechanism to protect me from my Forest supporting mates?
Who knows?
But I'm sure of a couple of things: Firstly, Howe needs time to mould his team and stamp his ethic on his side. Secondly, yes it could be better but also it could be a lot, lot worse. For example, my brother works with Leicester fans. Just imagine how that feels.