Chris Hughton heads into tonight’s big East Midlands derby looking to further enhance his stock with Nottingham Forest fans.
It will be the 98th league meeting between the Reds and bitter local rivals Derby County, with Forest currently edging the bragging rights.
Hughton is a manager who displays a calm exterior, a student and thinker of the game who has two promotions on his CV and is approaching 500 matches.
But the 62-year-old admits that despite his image, he’s no stranger to reading the riot act when required.
“I’m afraid the Hughton hair-dryer does exist,” he said.
“You always try and stay calm but sometimes that goes out the window on occasions when you blow a little bit. When you’re not happy you want the players to feel the impact, so it has an effect and they know about it.”
Forest go into tonight’s clash at Pride Park in fine fettle, having registered only two defeats in their last 14 league matches.
“It’s a good place to be and there’s a better feel around the club now, certainly better than it was a few months ago,” he said, speaking to the Telegraph.
“We’ve worked hard to get to this stage but the hardest thing is continuing it. It’s about what I want from the team as a manager, a way of playing and the expectations. Sometimes it can take a little bit of time.”
Taking three points off the Rams is the immediate task tonight but the ultimate goal, of course, is a return to top flight football.
“Everybody is always striving for that one glorious season when it happens,” he said.
“The supporters will always feel there will be a time when it changes.
“Forest is still regarded as a big club and not just because of the history. I had other opportunities before I came here but this one really excited me, because of the club’s standing.
“It’s about personal pride for the players and our supporters, to finish the season in the best position we can.”
