The 2011-12 campaign was a tumultuous fight for survival for Nottingham Forest as The Reds, despite initial hopes for promotion, battled through a season marked by relentless managerial instability and the mid-season passing of owner Nigel Doughty to finish a nervous 19th in the Championship. The undisputed star of the survival effort was the explosive winger Garath McCleary, whose nine goals, all scored after returning from injury in December, proved absolutely vital. His sensational form included a stunning four-goal haul in an unforgettable 7-3 thrashing of Leeds United at Elland Road, performances that earned him the club's Player of the Season award. It was a dark, tense year that saw the mid-season departure of club legend Wes Morgan but ultimately marked a successful, hard-fought battle to retain their second-tier status.