New boss Steve Cooper says he is even more motivated to succeed at the City Ground after meeting a number of Nottingham Forest supporters during the international break.
The Welshman took part in a fans’ forum last week, discussing a range of topics with a cross-section of supporters.
It is a relationship he is keen to build on, just as the same goes for his start to life in the Reds hot seat.
Cooper was well aware of the history and sense of expectation which comes with taking on the Forest job. And getting to know the stories of those who have followed the club through thick and thin has given him an even greater insight.
Team news
Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper says patience is required when it comes to summer signings Braian Ojeda and Mohamed Drager being in contention for the first-team.
The duo pulled on a Reds shirt for the first time before the international break when they featured for the Under-23s.
But Cooper says they are not quite ready yet for their Championship bows.
Both only recently linked up with the senior squad, having completed a period of self-isolation following their deadline day moves.
Transfer talk
Nottingham Forest have been linked with a January move for Aston Villa striker Keinan Davis.
The Reds tried to bring in another forward in the summer, but didn’t manage to get any deals over the line.
They did strengthen their attacking resources through Philip Zinckernagel and Xande Silva, with the latter able to play across the front line, while the likes of Joao Carvalho and Brennan Johnson returned from loans elsewhere. But they do still lack strength in depth when it comes to out-and-out strikers.
Villa are said to be prepared to send Davis out on loan when the winter opens, as he looks to get game time under his belt.
'Are Forest cursed?!'
It is a thought uttered by countless Nottingham Forest fans down the years: “Is the club cursed?!”
The play-offs pain. The final day collapse. The more than two-decades absence from the top-flight. The relegation to League One. The managerial merry-go-round.
After the glory days of old, Reds supporters have had to put up with their fair share of misery in recent times.
The hope is that Steve Cooper can be the man to put smiles back on faces - even if some patience might be required.
