Steve Cook is eager for his teammates to grasp just how much winning promotion to the Premier League with Nottingham Forest could change their lives.
The defender has been there and done that at former club Bournemouth, and was almost an ever-present during their five years in the top-flight.
It is something he is desperate to experience again.
Ahead of Saturday’s clash with Derby County at the City Ground, the Reds are just five points adrift of the play-off places.
The aim is to break into the top six in the second half of the season, and Cook has made clear to the squad exactly what it would mean if Forest can make the step up.
Brennan boost?
Amid Brentford’s interest in Nottingham Forest ace Brennan Johnson, boss Thomas Frank says Championship players are “too expensive”.
And he believes it isn’t “essential” the Bees make any signings before the January transfer window closes in little more than a week’s time.
The Premier League outfit have been chasing Johnson for some time, going back to the summer, when he returned to the City Ground after impressing on loan at Lincoln City.
Reports this week suggested they would be prepared to pay a club record £15m to secure his signature, while former Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksen has also been linked.
Spence message
Boss Steve Cooper has brushed off speculation about the future of Nottingham Forest defender Djed Spence.
The Reds head coach insists it isn’t something he has paid attention to as he remains focused on getting the best out of the Middlesbrough loanee.
Spence is set to spend the full season at the City Ground, but has caught the eye of a number of clubs - at home and abroad - with some standout performances.
Given he has already played for Forest and Boro this term, he would be prevented from representing a third team.
Good impression
New signing Richie Laryea hasn’t yet made his debut in English football, but he is already well aware what it means to play for Nottingham Forest.
Head coach Steve Cooper says the full-back has quickly settled into life Trentside, after making the move from MLS side Toronto earlier this month.
He was not involved as the Reds triumphed 1-0 at Millwall last weekend, and Cooper says it will take time for him to get up to speed.
But the Canada international has made a good first impression on his new boss.
“He’s been good. He’s settled in here,” Cooper said.
