Dougie Freedman has blasted an un-named selection of Nottingham Forest fringe players for prioritising the footballer's lifestyle over actually playing the game, reports the Nottingham Post.

The Nottingham Forest boss has voiced his fears that a few fringe players are happy to reap the rewards of the footballer's lifestyle whilst not putting in the hard work needed to succeed as a footballer, indicating that he wishes to move several players on from the City Ground.

Freedman's task of signing new talent to join the Nottingham Forest squad for the 2015/16 Sky Bet Championship season has been made harder by players sitting tight and taking up a place in a squad significantly limited by Financial Fair Play regulations.

Under these rules, Forest are only allowed to maintain a squad of 24 'established' player's over the age of 21 and with 22 currently registered at the club, it is proving difficult for the Scotsman to sign the players he needs.

When pressed by journalists at the Nottingham Post, Freedman said to the Nottingham Post: "Unfortunately, there are some players here for whom football is not at the top of their agenda.

"The lifestyle is at the top of their agenda; the trappings of being a professional footballer. That is very difficult for somebody like me to take."

He also said: "On one hand, you have players who do not want to move on.

"But if you pay them off, you cannot spend that money. If they hang around, it is like a bad egg around the place, when you are trying to bring young players through."

Nottingham Forest currently have Nicky Maynard, Paul Taylor and Spanish defender Daniel Pinillos on trial at the club, yet Freedman believes that it is hard to find the balance between signing experienced trialists and giving youth a chance in the division, especially in Forest's current situation.

Whilst the criticised players remain un-named, it has recently been suggested that players such as Djamel Abdoun and Radosław Majewski are not pulling their weight for the club, which Freedman and Forest fans alike are increasingly frustrated at.

Freedman, in an attempt to sooth the worries of the Forest supporters, said: "hopefully the fans will understand the situation we are in and that they have a manager who wants to face up to it."

Time will tell whether Forest can move these players on, but for the club, it is easier said than done.

Forest fans..... What do you make of this news? Do you agree with Freedman's words? How do you think you will do in the league next season? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!