Nottingham Forest are feeling the effect of playing behind closed doors more than most, according to defender Cyrus Christie.
The last time Reds fans were able to watch their team in person was back in March, with a 3-0 home defeat to Millwall.
Since then the City Ground stands have been empty due to the coronavirus pandemic, leaving the likes of summer signing Christie and new manager Chris Hughton yet to walk out in front of the Trentside crowd.
Meanwhile, on the pitch during that time, Forest have struggled - missing out on the play-offs last term and now finding themselves close to the relegation zone.
After a summer recruitment drive, which had Christie as one of 14 new additions, Hughton has a squad with plenty of quality but which has yet to deliver results.
And the Reds right-back says the club’s attacking players are missing the adrenaline rush which comes with playing in a full stadium.
"Confidence is a big thing in football. We have a lot of players who play off confidence,” Christie said, ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Preston North End.
"This is a club which needs the fans back.
“We have some entertainers who want to put on a show for the fans.
"At times, like against Stoke when we're on top, if you can hear your fans it gives you an extra gear.
"It looks like it will be a while before fans are back. They've been a big miss."
