New head coach Philippe Montanier has now been presented to the media for his first press conference, and he’s obviously excited about the challenge Nottingham Forest will be in the Championship season of 2016/17.
Speaking to the Official Forest Site at his first media meet and greet, he explained.
‘I am truly honoured to be appointed head coach of this great club. The Championship is a tough league but our ambition is strong. I have watched Championship games on TV in France and there’s a real atmosphere in English football which cannot be matched. To be the first foreign manager of Nottingham Forest is a very proud moment for me. As a young goalkeeper I was a big fan of Peter Shilton so to take over as head coach of his old club is a dream come true.’
There is obviously work to be done, not least his backroom staff, and on that question he answered.
‘I will be bringing two assistant coaches with me who I have worked with before. I know them very well so that will help. I am looking forward to a bright future with Nottingham Forest. We will work hard to succeed and enjoy it together.’
Having met the first team squad at the Nigel Doughty Academy yesterday following his appointment, he was quick to talk about the Academy itself and Forest growing more of their own in the future.
‘I want to promote young players into the first team. Tomorrow, six young players will come and train with us for the first time. We want to bring new players to the club but I also want to assess the players we already have. That is important.’
He added on the question of signings with the club now out of the embargo.
‘Today is not a day to talk about future signings but we hope to confirm a deal tomorrow to bring someone to the club.’
With plenty of transfer links so far, and one in particular more prominent, suggestions lately say his first signing could be Bastia’s Floyd Ayite.
The 27 year old winger is a Togo international and he’s scored 14 times in 53 games for his club – it’s said the fee will be around the £1.65million mark.
As for often linked Aposotolos Vellios, the latest on him says he has used social media to say goodbye to the fans, so again potentially a quick announcement there now Montanier is in place possibly?
