Warbs: I’m on verge of good times at Forest

MARKWARBURTON insists Nottingham Forest can challenge at the top of the English Championship if they can add three or four signings in the summer.

The former Rangers boss has identified key targets as the latest takeover bid led by Evangelos Marinakis rumbles on after a 3-0 win over Ipswich Town saved Forest from League One.

Forest have been in decline over the last five seasons under Fawaz Al Hasawi, but Forest gaffer Warburton is convinced there are good times on the horizon, if some stability can finally be found.

“We do have a clear idea of what we want to do, even as the takeover process goes on. You cannot wait to start looking – to start planning,” said Warburton.

“You have to identify areas where you can strengthen and areas where you can add more quality. It is not about adding nine or 10 players, it is about adding three or four to the squad and using the loan market.

“If your young players are good enough, you give them a chance. Because there is no point in having an academy otherwise. I have no problem building a team with Jordan Smith, Ben Osborn, Ben Brereton, Matt Cash and Joe Worrall at the centre of it. If they are good enough, give them a chance.

“We are not proud of having been in a relegation fight. It was a muted celebration. But now we need a good pre-season and some shrewd work in the transfer market.”

Warburton still believes in star finder Frank McParland despite mixed success at Ibrox.

He said: “Frank is the best in the business. He knows how to push and get deals done. We hope he is part of things moving forward as well.

“Stability is the key word. Not just in the playing squad, not just in the football department and the playing squad. The club in general needs stability.

“We need solid foundations. We have to build and push and get better. You can’t rush it, we will live and die by the decisions we make this summer. I am excited by the potential here.

“I knew that there was enough here, playing wise, to have exciting potential. This could be the start of something.”