Midfielder Ryan Yates says the relationship between Nottingham Forest players and fans is "the best" he’s known during his time at the club.
And he believes it can help get the Reds over the line in games - just as the City Ground atmosphere played a part in a dramatic equaliser on Saturday.
The 24-year-old came off the bench to net his fourth of the season and rescue a 2-2 draw for Steve Cooper’s side against Stoke City, after goalkeeper Brice Samba had been sent off.
It could prove to be an important point come the end of the campaign as Forest target a promotion push, with Yates eager to grasp the opportunity.
“I’ve been here for many years, watching in the stands and being a ball boy,” said the academy graduate.
“We’ve been through so many managers.
“This is the best connection between the fans and the players.
“Twelve months ago, if we had played like we did on Saturday, we all know it wouldn’t have been a very good environment. But the fans stayed with us throughout the whole game.
“It’s those small details which maybe helped get us the point. It’s a fantastic atmosphere.
“We were disappointed with the performance, but if we still pick up results when we’re not playing well, it only bodes well for what’s to come.”
The Reds have gone from being bottom of the table when Cooper took charge in September to two points below the play-off spots ahead of Friday night’s trip to Bournemouth.
“I can’t pin down what’s changed. It’s about so many people - it’s the players you recruit, it’s the manager’s style of play, it’s the players buying into that, the supporters buying into it,” Yates added.
“When we’re winning football games, it’s a lot easier for the fans to get on board.
“We started really well with the manager. But I feel like there’s so much more to come from me personally and the team.
“Performances like Saturday aren’t the best, but as long as we’re picking up results, that’s the most important thing. It’s the business end of the season now.
“We’ve just got to stay focused.”
