Head coach Steve Cooper says strengthening an already buoyant dressing room can be a “positive” for Nottingham Forest in their battle for survival.
It has taken time for a group which welcomed 22 new arrivals in the summer to gel. But a strong team spirit is now developing on and off the pitch - something which is playing a key role in securing results.
January signing Gustavo Scarpa made his Reds debut in Wednesday night’s crucial 1-0 victory over Southampton after linking up with the squad last month. Further additions will follow, with Forest targeting reinforcements at centre-back, in midfield and in attack in the winter window.
READ MORE: How the Reds rated against Southampton
READ MORE: Forest face six big transfer decisions in January window
“We will need to, and want to, for sure,” Cooper said of bringing in new additions. “I’m not sure if anything is imminent, if I’m being honest.
“My focus is just to work with the players every day. We’re really enjoying our work. We’ve had some tough moments this year, and maybe we’ll have some more, but it’s really making us stronger every day.
“If there’s something we think can improve us and the club want to do it, and we all want to do it, then great. I think that will be a real positive.
“Every time I get asked about the transfer window, I think about everyone’s thoughts of, ‘here Forest go again, signing loads of players’. But this transfer window is completely different to the last one. The context is different. We have to treat it for what it is, and our present situation. If we think something is right, we’ll do it.”
Taiwo Awoniyi’s goal at St Mary’s clinched the Reds’ first Premier League victory on the road this season. And it lifted them out of the relegation zone, up to 15th place.
“What we’ve got to do is commit to our work. Nights like this give us brilliant experiences to keep growing our togetherness and our spirit,” Cooper said.
“The dressing room is so vibrant. It is anyway. I loved the hotel on Tuesday night; the lads are sitting together and there is a real bond forming. We are going to need that.
“There are no easy games in this league. They are all tough. But if we can stick together like this and play some of the football we did in the first half, we will give ourselves a chance.
“It’s step by step. Don’t take anything for granted. Be proud to play for this club. Let’s see where it takes us.”
What transfer business should Forest do in January? Have your say in the comments below
READ NEXT
