Nottingham Forest are among the favourites for promotion this season. Here, Sports Mole previews their chances of living up to expectations.
With the Championship all ready to get underway at the weekend, Sports Mole takes a look at Nottingham Forest's work over the summer break and what could be in store for them in the 2013-14 campaign.
In:
Jamie Paterson (From Walsall, Undisclosed), Dorus De Vries (From Wolverhampton Wanderers, Free), Gonzalo Jara (From West Bromwich Albion, Free), Eric Lichaj (From Aston Villa, Free), Djamel Abdoun (From Olympiacos, Undisclosed), Jamie Mackie (From Queens Park Rangers, Undisclosed), Jack Hobbs (From Hull City, Loan)
Out:
David McGoldrick (To Ipswich Town, Free), Lewis McGugan (To Watford, Free), Matt Regan (To Tamworth, Free), Adam N'Kusu Landu (Released)
Last Season: 8th
Manager: Billy Davies
Three key players:
Jack Hobbs - Manager Davies will be under no illusion - his owners want the club to be promoted this season. In Hobbs, he has recruited a player who knows all about playing in matches at the top end of the table. The centre-back featured on 22 occasions as Hull City returned to the top flight automatically in May. With Forest a little light in the centre-back department, the 24-year-old's arrival is a welcome one at the City Ground.
Andy Reid - In terms of creative ability, there are few better footballers in the Championship than Reid. The Republic of Ireland midfielder possess a left foot that "could open a tin of beans" as one supporter recently wrote on a fans' forum. His knack of swinging the ball into dangerous areas from a free kick or a corner is worth a few goals a season on its own. What's more, his five goals last season show that he is capable of finding the net himself and not just laying on chances for his teammates. At the age of 31, he may not have many more chances to reach the Premier League with Forest.
Jamie Mackie - The Scot has showed some true fighting spirit in his career so far, having battled back from a broken leg during the 2010-11 season. Last year, while a number of the Queens Park Rangers squad were lambasted for a lack of effort, it wasn't an accusation that was aimed at Mackie. The 27-year-old may not be the most prolific of attackers, but he refuses to allow defenders any time in possession. It makes him the ideal partner for someone like
Simon Cox, who can now focus more of his attention on what is going on inside the penalty area.
First game: Huddersfield Town (A), Complete fixture list
Sports Mole says: Despite the best efforts of Davies and his players upon his return to the City Ground, the Tricky Trees just missed out on a place in the playoffs last season. The Scot has had a full pre-season now, though, to implement his style and bring in some of his own players. It means that the pressure will be on from owner Fawaz Al-Hasawi to deliver the goods. Scrolling down the squad, it would be a major surprise if Forest are not in the mix for a top-six finish come the end of the campaign. They may very well miss Lewis McGugan's goals from midfield, however, and unless he is replaced, it could come back to haunt Davies's team.
Predicted finish: 7th
