For those dismissing the reaction of Forest fans, look just how large a majority, across just how many forums are gleeful over this. Usually, if the player is good, there is some sort of divide, but over Perch, joy is pretty much ubiquitous.
I've defended Perch in the past, and would not have minded keeping hold of him here simply because he's adequate short term Championship cover in a few positions. I believe I said as much on here in January when you guys were linked. However, when given his chance in the first team, at right back as well, he proved a liability. He was at fault, in some way, for every single goal we conceded against Blackpool in the play-offs. It might be slightly harsh to judge him on the second leg, when he was at left back, but much of the faults there cannot be put down to being on the wrong side, just on plain p*ss poor positioning, which is essential from any defender. I think this is a Calderwood signing and not a Hughton one. Calderwood always played Perch in midfield too, although did say towards the end of his tenure that he wants to try him at right back - I never got to find out if that was just to appease the fans though.
I hope he does well with you guys as he has a great attitude, thoroughly nice guy and didn't deserve being the scapegoat he was at times. However, I simply don't believe he's anywhere near Premiership standard. He has his champagne moments, usually on tv (which could be good for you guys considering how often you're on!), but come to the gritty every week games, and his lack of natural talent comes to the fore. Fantastic tackler, but seems to lack composure, skill, control, and often positioning. Good luck to him, but for a Premiership side, not the most inspiring of signings.
