After a barn-storming end to last season, losing just two of their last 17 matches, Nottingham Forest were considered serious promotion contenders in the run up to the new Championship season. However, Joe Kinnear's side have endured a difficult start, winning just two of their first 16 games and are currently languishing in 22nd place. There is little doubt that Forest have missed the physical presence of striker Gareth Taylor, who scored three goals in his first five starts, before being sidelined through suspension after picking up two red cards. The 31-year-old Welsh international still has two games to sit out before he can return to the fray, and he told givemefootball's Mark Shail how much he is looking forward to returning to the action.
Q:IS IT FAIR TO SAY THAT FOREST HAVE HAD A DISAPPOINTING START?
A:We actually began the season quite well, and from a personal point of view I was happy with my start - three goals in my first five games. But since then things have gone wrong for me - in between picking up a knee injury I was sent off against Coventry and Preston and, as a result, I have only played ten games so far.
Q:DID YOU AGREE WITH YOUR TWO DISMISSALS?
A:I have no real defence for the one against Coventry because it was a rash challenge and I couldn't really argue with the red card. However, the sending off against Preston was particularly harsh because I did little more than accidentally tread on the heel of one of the Preston players.
Q:HOW FRUSTRATING HAS IT BEEN WATCHING FROM THE STANDS?
A:It has been very frustrating, especially because the team have been struggling. I think it is probably fair to say that the manager didn't get the funds he would have liked in the summer to improve the squad. As a result, we are a little light in terms of numbers, so to lose players through suspension is something we could have done without. I've got two matches left before I return, so all being well I will be back a week today.
Q:CAN YOU PUT YOUR FINGER ON WHY THINGS HAVE YET TO CLICK?
A:It's difficult to say, but we certainly need to turn it round sooner rather than later. Last season we were in the bottom three, before went on a great run and actually showed promotion form for the last third of the season. Having spent so long at the wrong end of the table a year ago the last thing we want is to be in a relegation battle this time round.
Q:HOW MUCH TRUTH IS THEIR SURROUNDING THE POSSIBLE EXITS OF ANDY REID AND MICHAEL DAWSON?
A:I think there is interest in both players, but that has been the case for quite some time. It's down to them to show that that they are good enough to get a move to a Premiership club and the only way they can do that is by performing well for Forest.
Q:APART FROM WIGAN'S FINE START, THE CHAMPIONSHIP LEAGUE LOOKS WIDE OPEN THIS SEASON?
A:We played Wigan earlier in the season and actually drew 1-1. They are very well organised, don't concede many goals, and have two guys up front who are full of confidence. But other than them, I don't think there any sides to fear in this division.
Q:WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS A REALISTIC TARGET FOR FOREST THIS SEASON?
A:It's still relatively early days, so I don't think a top ten finish is unrealistic. You only have to look at what Crystal Palace did last season - they were in the bottom half of the league with just a couple of months to go and now they are playing in the Premiership. If we can go on a run, and start turning draws in to wins, I'm sure we will climb out of trouble.
