Nottingham Forest made a late bid for promotion last season, narrowly missing out in the end having done well to recover from a dreadful start. But this season they are determined not to have to play catch up and so far it is four wins out of four in League One. Givemefootball's Lawrie Madden caught up with central defender and captain Ian Breckin to discuss the club's flying start…
Q:NOT A BAD START THEN?
A:"It's a good start and a good platform to work from. It is only four games though, and you have a better idea of how to gauge things after ten games. We play Chesterfield, Huddersfield and Port Vale in the next few weeks, all teams in the top six, so we will have a better idea after that."
Q:CAN YOU PINPOINT A REASON FOR THE TEAM'S FINE START?
A:"I think there is a belief and confidence in the side. We have a new manager and players are out to impress. I think there is more of a team ethic this season as well, whereas last season we played as individuals at times. We had a great opportunity last season but didn't click until it was too late."
Q:ARE YOU SURPRISED BY HOW WELL YOU'VE DONE SO FAR?
A:"A bit. Normally if you had won two, drawn one and lost one you would have said that is not a bad start, but if we can win seven or eight from the first ten that would be a really good platform to build on."
Q:HAVE YOU EVER PLAYED IN SIDE BEFORE THAT HAS LED FROM THE FRONT?
A:"Yes. When I was at Wigan we went 18 games unbeaten and it breeds confidence. It means you're buzzing and can't wait for the next game."
Q:HAVE YOU GOT THE STRENGTH IN DEPTH FOR A LONG CAMPAIGN?
A:"I think we can cope better than most teams with injuries and suspensions. I think we have 21 or 22 players who can all go in and do a job. We have only one youngster in that squad, the rest are all 21 years or older. I actually think we will get stronger after Christmas."
Q:STRIKER NATHAN TYSON HAS GOT A LONG-TERM INJRY. HOW DO YOU THINK THAT WILL AFFECT YOU?
A:"We have lost Tyson for four months, but Scott Dobie has just come back after being out for 12 months so it's like a new signing. And Jack Lester and Grant Holt have also been doing well. So far we have scored in every league game and have only let in one goal. We have also missed three penalties, which has made the games a bit tighter. I think clean sheets might be our way forward."
Q:IS THE LEAGUE ANY DIFFERENT TO LAST SEASON?
A:"Obviously there are a lot of new teams, but I fancy Doncaster and Bristol City. And I think Swansea will come again. I think they might be suffering a hangover from last season at the moment but I think they will bounce back."
