Dawson: I’ve still plenty to offer Forest
NOTTINGHAM Forest defender Michael Dawson admits thoughts have turned to “the next chapter” of his career while he has been sidelined with injury.
But the 37-year-old is certain he still has plenty to offer Chris Hughton’s side in their bid to get their season back on track.
Even after almost two decades in the game, Dawson retains the same level of enthusiasm he did when he first pulled on the Garibaldi.
He is not, he concedes, the best of spectators, having been restricted to sitting in the City Ground stands due to a calf problem.
And he has been itching to get back on the training pitch – something he was able to do last week.
With Scott Mckenna, Tobias Figueiredo and Loic Mbe Soh in the squad, as well as Joe Worrall on the road to recovery, the centre-back knows he faces a battle to earn a place in the team.
However, Dawson accepts he can have just as big an influence off the pitch as he can on it.
“Whether it be in the starting XI or in and around the squad, I still believe I’ve got something to offer,” he told the Post.
“I’ve been out now for a few weeks and it’s been disappointing that I’ve not been able to be in and around the lads.
“I’m 37 now. Even with Sabri (Lamouchi) last year, I just tried to help the lads. I’m one of those players.
“I’ve always said I want to play but I’m not stupid.
“Scott and Toby have generally been magnificent, to be honest.
“Then you’ve got Wozza coming back and Loic and myself.
“We’ve got options at centrehalf.
“But I certainly believe I’ve got something to offer on the training pitch and on matchdays, for sure.
“That’s down to the gaffer; he names his squad.
“But I’m no different, whether I’m playing or not – on the training ground with the lads, you just try to help them.”
Nottingham Forest’s Steve Hodge challenges Argentina’s Diego Maradona during England’s 1986 World Cup quarter-final