Nottingham Forest defender Michael Dawson admits thoughts have turned to “the next chapter” of his career while he has been sidelined with injury.
But the 37-year-old is certain he still has plenty to offer Chris Hughton’s side in their bid to get their season back on track.
Even after almost two decades in the game, Dawson retains the same level of enthusiasm he did when he first pulled on the Garibaldi.
He is not, he concedes, the best of watchers, having been restricted to sitting in the City Ground stands due to a calf problem. And he has been itching to get back on the training pitch - something he was able to do last week.
With Scott McKenna, Tobias Figueiredo and Loic Mbe Soh in the squad, as well as Joe Worrall on the road to recovery, the centre-back knows he faces a battle to earn a place in the team.
However, Dawson accepts he can have just as big an influence off the pitch as he can on it.
“Whether it be in the starting XI or in and around the squad, I still believe I’ve got something to offer,” he told NottinghamshireLive.
“I’ve been out now for a few weeks and it’s been disappointing that I’ve not been able to be in and around the lads.
“I’m 37 now… Even with Sabri (Lamouchi) last year, I just tried to help the lads. I’m one of those players.
“I’ve always said I want to play, but I’m not stupid. Scott and Toby have generally been magnificent, to be honest. Then you’ve got Wozza coming back, and Loic and myself. We’ve got options at centre-half.
“But I certainly believe I’ve got something to offer on the training pitch and on matchdays, for sure.
“That’s down to the gaffer; he names his squad.
“But I’m no different, whether I’m playing or not - on the training ground with the lads, you just try to help them.
“When you’re maybe not on the best run of form, collectively and individually, you’ve got to try to keep that mental side strong because there’s always another game around the corner.
“When the matches are coming thick and fast, you don’t have time to get too high or too low. That will never change. Football’s easy when you’re winning.”
Injury problems hampered Dawson last term too, but he still racked up 19 appearances as the Reds agonisingly missed out on a top six finish with Lamouchi at the helm.
He then signed a new one-year deal this summer, though without the routine of training in recent weeks, his mind has drifted to what might come next.
“I’ve had times in the mornings where I’ve been going out there and doing a little bit with the Under-18s,” Dawson continued.
“You do look at your next chapter.
“I’ve got a little bit of media coming up as well.
“When you’re playing and training, everything is perfect. It’s that period when you have a little bit more time, when you’re sat in the treatment room for longer times and are maybe thinking about things a lot more.
“How much longer I play for, I don’t know.
“I’ve always said, I’m very thankful for the career I’ve had and the opportunities I’ve had. And I’m still enjoying getting on the training pitch.
“Even on the training pitch, you’ve got to try to have a buzz around the place, because it’s not easy when you’re losing or when you’re not performing.
“But you can get that buzz and energy from players coming back from injury - not just myself, there’s Wozza, Samba (Sow) and Grabbs (Lewis Grabban); senior players who had a big part to play last year and will be back in and around the mix, whether that be playing, as a sub or in training.
“It just gives the lads a real lift, to try to help them, because we’re all in it together.”
“I’m just happy to get back out there with the lads and training. I always say it’s a big part of it,” he added.
“When you’re not training, you’re not involved with the lads all the time - you’re in at different times and doing longer days. It’s always nice just to be on the grass.
“For any player who’s injured, it’s alway frustrating. Everyone’s the same.
“It’s the worst thing about football, being injured - just not being able to get on the grass and give the manager a headache; not being up for selection.
“I’m not the greatest of watchers - certainly when I’m injured!
“When I’m just not involved it’s a little bit different because you’re watching with different eyes.
“Being injured and knowing you can’t be part of it is hard.
“But it’s part and parcel of football, and it’ll never go away. If it did, we’d have 11 players and that would be the squad.
“Coping with injuries is when the depth in the squad, and that rotation, is needed.”
Manager Hughton certainly has options when it comes to his defence, when all his centre-backs are fit.
Worrall has been out of action with a broken foot, while Mbe Soh has yet to feature under Hughton, having played twice under Lamouchi following his move from PSG.
Summer signing McKenna has impressed, partnering Figueiredo in the back line, with Dawson arguing the pair haven’t always got the results they’ve deserved.
“I think the pair of them have been magnificent,” he said.
“They would have hoped to get - and deserved more - clean-sheets than they’ve got.
“I always say, it’s not just about the back four or the back four; the whole team gets the credit when you keep a clean-sheet.
“Since Scott has come in, he’s been magnificent. A left-sided centre-half - something that I believe we needed.
“He’s got a lovely left foot and heads it in both boxes.
“It’s been a real plus having Scott come into the squad, for sure.
“Wozz played every minute of every game last year, then second game in this season, he does his foot. That’s how football can go.
“He’ll be wanting to show the gaffer he’s ready.
“Everyone knows what he can do, but then you’ve got to try to get that shirt and perform on a daily basis on the training ground.
“There’s so many games, he’s going to be needed. He’s going to play games, along with Loic.
“When required, you have to step up and perform. Sometimes that can be hard when you haven’t played for a long time. You’ve got to get that run of games, stay fit and get some consistency.
“Certainly as a defender or a goalkeeper, when you look at your performances, if you’re winning games and keeping clean-sheets, job’s done, it’s as simple as that.
“I thought Loic, when he came in and played a few games, did really well.
“He’s still young and has a bright future. He’s another good signing.
“It’s hard. He comes in, a young lad and wants to play all the time, but sometimes you’ve got to be patient.
“Not just when you’re young, when you’re training you’ve got to keep focused and be ready.
“Wozz played every minute of every game last year, but that’s a really big ask, certainly when the games are crammed into a shorter period.
“He’ll play games. He’ll need to be ready, and whenever that is, he’s got to be focused on performing.”
