FAN'S VIEW: NOTTINGHAM FOREST SEASON PREVIEW

We spoke to Lee ahead of Nottingham Forest's game with Brighton & Hove Albion in the first match of the new Championship campaign.

HOW DID YOU FEEL THE 14/15 SEASON WENT FOR YOUR TEAM?

The 2014/15 season saw Nottingham Forest race out of the blocks during August and September and we didn't succumb to a defeat until the middle of October. The Stuart Pearce influence was evident during those early months but we soon found, rather painfully, that Pearce was rather unfortunately out of his depth tactically. A run of just three wins in 25 saw the axe fall and despite his legendary status as a player, the decision was the right one. Dougie Freedman came in and again the team hit the ground running. We played some attractive, free-flowing football and we flirted with the play-offs briefly. Our season petered away in rather underwhelming fashion towards the end but I firmly believe that given time Dougie is the right man for the job. 

HAVE YOU BEEN IMPRESSED WITH THE ADDITIONS MADE DURING THE SUMMER BREAK?

Very impressed! Jamie Ward has signed from Derby County and I don’t believe for one minute that we were the only club interested in the forward. I think Ward would probably get a regular game in 20/24 Championship sides and I can’t wait to see what impact he can have on the Forest team. Matt Mills has worked with Freedman before at Bolton Wanderers and also joins on a free. Mills isn’t the quickest but if he can form a partnership with Jack Hobbs then it could prove to be an astute signing. 

ARE THERE ANY AREAS YOU FEEL STILL NEED STRENGTHENING?

We desperately need a striker. Britt Assombalonga is missing through injury until Christmas at the earliest and Matt Fryatt hasn't taken part in any of pre-season. That leaves us with Dexter Blackstock, who worked tirelessly towards the end of last season but has never really been a 20-25 goal-a-season man and Tyler Walker who is still raw and not really ready to play week in, week out. If we sign a striker and Gary Gardner on loan then I will be quietly optimistic about our play-off hopes this season – provided they all stay fit.

ARE THERE ANY FIXTURES THAT YOU'RE PARTICULARLY LOOKING FORWARD TO?

Our fixture with Derby at home as been moved to a Friday night and it will be great to see the City Ground rocking under the lights for that one. Derby will be looking to reclaim the Brian Clough that they lost on their own turf last season and their fans are amongst some of the most bitter out there, so beating them again would be sweet as a nut!

WHICH OPPOSITION TEAM DO YOU HAVE HIGH HOPES FOR THIS SEASON?

I wouldn't say I have high ‘hopes’ for any other team that is in the league as they are effectively up against Forest. If you are asking who I think could do quite well then it would be easy to say the obvious ones who have signed well Middlesbrough, Derby, QPR, Hull. I will go for a surprising one and say that I think Preston North End could be the team to look out for this season. In Simon Grayson they have a manager who knows the league and their squad is littered with players who have Championship experience.

WHICH PLAYERS AMONG YOUR SQUAD SHOULD WE BE LOOKING OUT FOR THIS TERM?

Ben Osborn deserves a mention. This kid can go all the way if he carries on progressing at his current rate. Not the tallest of midfielders but he rarely loses the ball and this season could be a breakthrough season for the Derby-born youngster. Also Michail Antonio – the best player in the league on his day!

WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'LL END UP AT THE END OF THE SEASON?

Hard to say at this stage as I don’t know who else we will sign. I did a similar interview with Four Four Two magazine for their season preview and I said that if we keep Antonio and Henri Lansbury we would challenge for the play-offs and if we didn’t we would finish 12^th, so I will stick with that answer.