Michael Dawson is welcome at Nottingham Forest whenever he wants, and fans of a certain age have never seen a player like him play at the City Ground.
Dawson spent two seasons at the club as a player, and Forest is a club close to the heart of the man who represented England four times throughout his career.
The Premier League resumes on Saturday, following a summer spent watching Euro 2024 and the Olympics, and it cannot come soon enough.
Forest will want to put the previous two seasons in the Premier League behind them and focus this season on proving to critics that the team belongs at this level.
As domestic action resumes this weekend, commentators have begun to predict where teams will finish the season.
Dawson has shared his thoughts on Forest, predicting whether the club will be involved in another relegation struggle this time around.
Michael Dawson gives Nottingham Forest’s relegation decision.
Dawson is now a regular analyst on Soccer Saturday and is frequently consulted when discussing Forest on Sky Sports.
This week, Michael Dawson spoke on behalf of Sky Sports as part of their start-of-season football campaign, which brings together 92 enthusiastic football fans from each Premier League and EFL team to voice their wishes for the 2024/25 season.
Dawson feels Forest will have enough this season, but it would be wonderful if things were a little more comfortable in 2024/25.
He told Sky Sports on YouTube: “If you look at Nottingham Forest’s team, this is their third season back in the Premier League, and they’ve fought relegation in both of those seasons.
“When I look at the teams this year, there might be no difference between finishing 10th and 18th; it’s razor-thin margins, and it’s all about beating the teams around you. That is what secures your position in the Premier League.
“I believe Nottingham Forest will be safe this season with the team they have.” I believe Forest will stay up, but I hope it will be more comfortable than last year.”
Forest has the tools to shine in the Premier League this season.
Being really greedy, another striker would be an excellent addition to the Forest squad. A standout addition between the posts and a left-back would also be desirable, but Forest may not get their wish this summer.
Players are being connected with the club, but with PSR averted for another year, Forest will want to ensure that it is not even a minor problem in 12 months.
However, Forest must ensure that Nuno Espirito Santo has the necessary instruments for his work. The Portuguese manager did well to keep the club in the Premier League, and he will now want the Reds to succeed this season.
Morgan Gibbs-White, Murillo, and Callum Hudson-Odoi have all remained at the City Ground, which can only be good for the club this season.
Dawson speaks for the entire fanbase. The previous two seasons have been emotional football torment at times, and maybe this will be the year when Forest can enjoy a pleasant ride around the top of the Premier League’s lower half.
