Midfielder Cohen thanks fans for Reds award

CHRIS Cohen today admitted his delight at being named Nottingham Forest's player of the year by fans.

But he insisted: "It would have counted for nothing if we had been relegated."

The midfielder has been thrilled with the finale to the Reds campaign, which saw them clinch safety courtesy of Reading's win at Norwich on Monday night.

And, after being presented with the award prior to today's clash with Southampton at the City Ground, Cohen thanked supporters for their backing.

"It is really nice because there have been some great performances this season from lots of different players," he said.

"It is a lovely accolade for me though.

"It would not have meant much if we had not stayed up.

"But to have this and to have a positive end to the season and to win this award has been fantastic.

"I am really appreciative to the fans for them giving it to me."

Cohen, who has produced an outstanding work rate and consistency of performance in midfield, admits it has been a season of frustration for Forest.

"It has been a struggle this season, there has been a big weight on our shoulders pretty much since the first few games of the season when we dropped into the relegation zone," he said.

"But to get out of it the way we have and to play the way we have has created a great feeling for us.

"If Norwich had drawn again (against Reading) we would have needed a point, which would perhaps have been worse than having to win, because then you don't quite know how to approach the game.

"It was such a relief that Reading won and a few of the lads went out to celebrate, because it has been a long, difficult season for everyone, including the fans.

"There have been bad results during the season but we have to be pleased with our finish.

"We didn't doubt that we would stay up, because you see the quality we have in the squad.

"We knew we had more quality in the squad than a lot of teams that finished above us and we can't wait to go into next season and show these teams that got a result against us that we are better than them.

"Thankfully we will have the chance to do that next year."

And Cohen believes Forest will prove they are capable of more next season.

"We know we are good enough to compete against any team at this level," he said. "We went to Reading and dominated the whole of the second half.

"We put in good performances against Swansea and Preston as well.

"We are confident that we can compete and we will prove that next season, hopefully."