Discovery+ and Quest pundit Ian Holloway has insisted that Nottingham Forest could now be facing a fight to avoid relegation to League One after failing to achieve their goal of securing a return to the Premier League in recent years.

The Reds were seemingly on course to book a place in the play-offs last year after producing a host of impressive performances under the guidance of manager Sabri Lamouchi.

However, Forest capitulated on the final day of the 2019/20 campaign as they missed out on a top-six finish due to a 4-1 defeat to Stoke City.

Since this particular clash, the Reds have been on a downward spiral in the Championship.

After parting ways with Lamouchi, Forest turned to Chris Hughton for inspiration last season.

Whilst the 62-year-old managed to guide Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion to the top-flight during his time in charge of these two clubs, he was unable to replicate this feat at the City Ground as he was given his marching orders earlier this month.

Drafted in as Hughton's replacement, Steve Cooper will be aiming to transform Forest's fortunes in the coming months.

If the Reds are unable to pick up their performance levels, they could potentially be dragged into a relegation dogfight next year.

In an exclusive interview with Football League World, Holloway has revealed that he believes that Forest are now facing a battle to survive this season.

The former Queens Park Rangers boss said: "It's a fantastic football club [Nottingham Forest] that has struggled to get to the Premier League.

"And they have now got a challenge on to stay in the Championship because of the start they have had.

"So if Chris Hughton couldn't do it, I wish Steve [Cooper] all the very best because Chris is a fantastic manager."

 

 

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