Steve Cook has explained how he is trying to bring noise into Nottingham Forest by being a vocal leader on and off the pitch.
The defender joined the Reds in the January transfer window following a 10-year stint at Bournemouth, where many players looked up to him. Now Cook is keen to instil what he has learned throughout his career to Steve Cooper's young team.
Prior to Forest's FA Cup win over Arsenal in January, Cook admits he saw it as the perfect 'opportunity' to make his voice heard amid a quiet dressing room. "The manager asked me to add something to the group, and from the first training session I tried to be a leader," the 31-year-old told the Daily Mail.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta reveals key factor in crushing Arsenal win over Forest
READ MORE: Forest sent painful message after 'pathetic' Arsenal thumping
"There is a point before matches when you can put your voice to good use. Our dressing room was quiet-ish so before the Arsenal [FA Cup] game, I thought it was an opportunity to lay down a marker.
"I have always been vocal and didn’t want to change with a new team. I wouldn’t say I have any top lines, I just don’t like dressing rooms being quiet. The manager has the music turned down after the warm-up and becomes even quieter, so my voice probably becomes even more annoying then!
"I don’t think you can have too many leaders. I like being challenged by the manager and team-mates, and challenging the players around me. It’s something that can be lost in modern football. When I was coming through at Bournemouth, I was brought up by guys like Tommy Elphick and Simon Francis.
"Listening to them in the changing rooms, I thought this is how I need to be. If I can give that advice to the younger lads now which helps them, I’ll be very pleased."
Is Steve Cook Forest's leading man? Tell us in the comments section...
READ NEXT
