Finding players with the right character was as important as signing those with the right qualities for Nottingham Forest in the January transfer window.
Head coach Sabri Lamouchi admits it proved to be a tough market for the Reds as they looked to strengthen their squad for a promotion push.
But he is pleased with the business done as striker Nuno da Costa, winger Adama Diakhaby and defender Gaetan Bong all put pen to paper, while front man Tyler Walker was recalled early from his loan spell at Lincoln City.
“I was happy with the transfer business because before the opening of the window I knew it would not be easy in January to find the right profile and the right players,” said Lamouchi. “Because everyone wants the same. Everyone wants quality players in the same positions.
“January is not the right time to find the right players.
“But I am happy with the business we have done.”
Team spirit has been a big factor in Forest’s climb up the Championship table, and Lamouchi was keen not to disrupt that.
Finding players who could fit into the dressing room was key.
“It is important not to affect the team spirit,” said the Frenchman.
“We are where we are because we have a fantastic dressing room.
“But the players need to understand that it is not only about team spirit. It is also about quality. And the players need to believe more in themselves, because they have quality.
“Of course when you have a togetherness, you are stronger.
“It was really important for me to keep the dressing room like that.
“The new players were a good choice.
“Nuno and Adama have a different profile. They are young and fresh. They will help us.
“And we asked for Tyler Walker back, which was really important for us.
“He is one of us, so he knows the club and the dressing room.”
Although eight players headed in the opposite direction last month, for the most part, the Reds kept hold of the key members of their squad.
Matty Cash was one of those linked with a move away, with a number of Premier League sides, as well as Italian giants AC Milan, all said to have shown an interest.
The Nigel Doughty Academy product has excelled at right-back under Lamouchi, but his manager believes there is still a lot more to come.
“He was being talked about because he is doing well,” Lamouchi said.
“But it is just the beginning for him.
“I am sure this is the right position for him. He will have a fantastic career at right-back.
“But he needs to learn, he needs to be patient and he needs to focus more, especially in defensive situations.
“He is a fantastic guy, very clever, so nice and so professional.
“I am not surprised, but it is just the beginning for him.
“He will improve and he will get better again.”
