Dean Henderson has full confidence in the Nottingham Forest squad and likened the scenes after the win over Southampton to a “New Year’s Eve party”.
Forest sit three points above the drop zone, following their huge win at the City Ground on Monday. The Reds appear to be hitting their stride at just the right time, winning two of their last three games and producing spirited displays in their recent defeats to Brentford and Liverpool.
Henderson was first-choice for the Reds before a thigh injury in January ruled the Manchester United loanee out for the rest of the campaign, though he is still heavily invested in Forest’s bid for survival. Describing the dressing room after the win over Southampton, the goalkeeper admitted he has been surprised by the team spirit that Steve Cooper has managed to build this season, particularly considering how many new signings have come through the door.
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Henderson told BBC Radio 5Live: “After the Southampton game, it was like a New Year’s Eve party, there were that many people in there! Honestly, everyone was buzzing, they were delighted. Loads of different players have come in, different cultures, but they’re all top guys and everyone’s got on.
“I can’t believe how good the team spirit is within the group because from the outside looking in I bet people are thinking, ‘They can’t be together’, but I’ve never seen a team so united.Everyone wants to win and does their best for the team.
“I think that’s a credit to the manager, the way he’s dealt with players over the season and communicated with them because everyone seems to want the same thing. That’s testament to the gaffer, to be honest.”
Unlike some of their relegation rivals, staying in the Premier League has been Forest’s main goal from the outset, which Henderson believes has been an advantage in the final weeks of the campaign. However, the England international has admitted that he will be the same as most Forest fans as he prepares to watch the team’s clash with Chelsea at home.
“I think the confidence within the group after the last couple of weeks, obviously getting those two important wins, is huge,” he continued. “The boys know on any given day we can beat anyone. We’ve proved it over the season.”
Henderson added: “I’m so nervous sat here today, I think I’ve got my Forest shirt ready for tomorrow in front of the TV! It’s all I’ve been thinking about but the lads are full of confidence and hopefully they can go down to Stamford Bridge and nick a result.”
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