NOTTINGHAM FOREST: Reds’ chief defiant ahead of season opener

Nottingham Forest chief Dougie Freedman says his side will get stronger as the season goes on.
Leeds United v Nottingham Forest.,,Forest Manager Dougie Freedman.14th March 2015 ..Picture by Simon HulmeLeeds United v Nottingham Forest.,,Forest Manager Dougie Freedman.14th March 2015 ..Picture by Simon Hulme
Leeds United v Nottingham Forest.,,Forest Manager Dougie Freedman.14th March 2015 ..Picture by Simon Hulme

Forest travel to Brighton tonight (Friday) for the opening fixture of this season’s Sky Bet Championship.

Freedman will be looking to get off to a winning start as his side aim to improve on last term’s 14th-placed finish.

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“We are only going to get stronger,” said the former Bolton and Crystal Palace boss.

“We are at our weakest right now, but we are only going to get stronger as the season goes on.

“We will get stronger physically. But we will also get stronger as a squad.

“We will be there or thereabouts, as the season goes on.”

Freedman is likely to be without Chris Cohen and Andy Reid for the opening games of the 2015-16 season, as both recover from injuries.

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He said: “Chris Cohen is a few weeks behind Reidy and the football club needs a little bit of lady luck, you know.

“But if I can get those two players back fit and a couple of new players in the building then we can surprise people.

“We do need a little luck along the way.

“It is not the hardest job in the Championship, because I have a good bunch of players here;.

“I have a good, strong work ethic.

“I have a very supportive chairman, who is as disappointed as anyone, when it comes to where this football club is at.

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“And I have a very understanding group of fans who, I think, understand the situation better than many outsiders do.”

In terms of dealings in the transfer market, Freedman admits he is still eager to do business as he aims to compliment his squad further.

He added: “Football players will sign a contract when you put it in front of them.

“But I want to see players coming here because they want to be here, not for financial reasons.

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“I have found that, when you move to a club for domestic or financial reasons, it is not always the best decision.

“We want to get the right players in.

“It is difficult, in that we cannot pay fees or certain money in wages.

“You can get jealous when you see your rivals spending millions of pounds. But that makes the challenge even better for me.

“I have a few more bits of the jigsaw I am trying to fill.

“But I will not fill them with players who want to be here just because the club is near their home or because it is a convenient move for them.

“I want them to be hungry for success, I want them to have a desire to be here and to be successful.”