Chris Hughton has confirmed he will attempt to strengthen Nottingham Forest’s squad ahead of the domestic deadline as he admitted his task at the City Ground is “possibly” the biggest of his career.
The former Newcastle manager will be officially unveiled by the Reds at a press conference this afternoon after he was appointed successor to Sabri Lamouchi just hours after the Frenchman was sacked on Tuesday night.
Hughton takes charge of a Forest side that has lost all of its opening games so far despite having been heavily backed by owner Evangelos Marinakis who has sanctioned 13 summer signings.
But more now look set to be on their way as Hughton confirmed he would like to strengthen the squad having already been linked with Fulham’s Anthony Knockaert.
Speaking to Talksport, Hughton said: “It’s my responsibility to go through the squad, but unfortunately there’s only a short period of time that I have to try to make as many assessments as possible.
“But what I would like to do is that by the time the window closes is to have the best balance of squad I can get.
“I don’t see a lot of changes, but any opportunities we have of getting the best squad we can before that window closes, we will certainly capitalise on.”
The Hughton era officially gets under way at Blackburn Rovers on October 17 with Forest fans desperately hoping he can finally end their long pursuit of Premier League football.
There is still enough time left to challenge for a place back in the top flight and Hughton’s track record is hugely impressive having guided Newcastle and Brighton to promotion before.
Asked whether this was is biggest job in football so far given the weight of expectation, allied with the history of two-time European champions, Hughton said: “Possibly, with the timing. It’s been a difficult start to the season and a very difficult end to last season.
“First and foremost it’s about getting enough good results and it’s certainly in at the deep end with seven games in 22 days.
“But it’s a big job and I am really up for this challenge.”
