Cohen will start season as Forest left-back reveals manager Billy Davies
CHRIS Cohen will start the season as Nottingham Forest's first choice left-back, Billy Davies revealed today.
Julian Bennett is still not fully match sharp after 20 months on the sidelines with a career-threatening knee injury.
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Chris Cohen
And, while Aston Villa defender Nicky Shorey remains a target, the former England man is still holding out for a move to another Premier League club.
Cohen has previously admitted his preference for a midfield role.
But Davies says Forest will have little choice.
"It is a big ask for Julian, because he has not played for 20 months," said Davies.
"But we have a great player to fill this position, in the form of Chris Cohen.
"He gets paid to play for Forest and he will be playing at left-back.
"He is what we have got. He is what we have available to us.
"He has played at left-back during our pre-season games and he will continue to do so.
"Unless things change, whether Chris likes it or not, he will have to play in that position and do a good job for us, as he is capable of doing."
Davies says Cohen understands the situation.
"I have spoken to him about it and he does understand," said the Scot. "There is a lack of players in that position.
"These are the resources we have, this is the situation we are in and he will have to play there.
"Julian Bennett has not played there for 20 months at a competitive level.
"You can't jump from that kind of spell on the sidelines to playing in the Championship.
"He can play in pre-season games, to get him up to a level.
"But going away to some of the clubs we will face in the Championship is a different thing altogether.
"I made it clear to Julian at the end of last season that the objective would be to get him out on loan until January.
"Then we will bring him back and assess his position as a Nottingham Forest player."
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by SupportYourHomeTown, City
Monday, August 02 2010, 10:24PM
“Just Support Forest judge after the season and Support again”
by Robin of Loxley, The Major Oak
Friday, July 30 2010, 11:34PM
“Calamity James signed a 1 year deal at Bristol City? how do uyo go from world Cup to Bristol city of all places?”
by Robin of Loxley, The Major Oak
Friday, July 30 2010, 11:32PM
“Jeeez Calamity James has just signed for BRISTOL CITY???? whats going on there then, i know he's 40, but how do you go from World cup to Bristol city?????”
by andy, ireland
Friday, July 30 2010, 10:43PM
“this 25 man rule in the premiership,is slowing transfers up,once they are sorted out ,you will see movement on the transfer front,and i hope to see a few premiership players at forest,fingers crossed,”
by Andy, Supereds Eastwood
Friday, July 30 2010, 9:50PM
“Davies you've lost the plot. If anyone went to the Lyon game on Wednesday they would have seen a superb display by Jules. In my view he was by far the man of the match. What we missed was Cohen in midfield. His service to the front men would have made that difference. Excuses Excuses Billy already !! Get a grip we've got the players you just got the wrong system !
WAKE UP !!
UUUUUREDS !!”
by Hulk, Nottingham
Friday, July 30 2010, 9:42PM
“Good point Steve, Sunny Swad, I thought Gunter did well when he played left back, defence looked more balanced than it had for a while.”
by Steve, Sunny Swad
Friday, July 30 2010, 8:19PM
“Like most other fans I would love to see some signings but would prefer them to be good signings that will strengthen our already excellent team. I do not however want to see the club going into debt or paying mad wages to get these players.
With regards to who we are or are not after at this moment is of no great concern to me but like most other fans I would like the Chairman to clarify what the situation is. Don't need names or numbers, if we cannot afford players to come in then at least we will know and stop all this whinging.
Cohen did a brilliant job last season but I would prefer him in midfield.
Just a thought Gunter also played at LB last season (I know he was not as effective as when he is on the right) with Perch playing on the right. Why not do the same but with a natural attacking RB. He has had a years experience with Notts and got some good reviews.
Not too sure about the 4231 formation especially if we play it with 2 so called wingers. Leaves us light in the centre of midfield and allows teams to come on to us. Lets face it we lost the play offs in midfield as Blackpool overran us.”
by isp, beeston
Friday, July 30 2010, 7:57PM
“i have it on good authority that kelvin wilson is on strike demanding that we accept the 1 million offered by celtic,the arrogance is unbelievable”
by rob red till dead, the meadows
Friday, July 30 2010, 7:57PM
“mike notts. your a c,,t a w,,,,,r a b,,,,,d and most of all a grass, you reported mandy because she got to you, ya no wat report me cus id love to fill you in, COME ON YOU REDS”
by rob red till dead, the meadows
Friday, July 30 2010, 7:46PM
“a up macca, is it G M, no news mate just gossip about money if i hear owt it be on here soon as i know”