Paterson admits: It was difficult for me at the start of the season

Follow us on Google Discover

The Forest forward says things have improved under Dougie Freedman.

Nottingham Forest star Jamie Paterson admits things were ‘difficult’ for him at the start of the season under Stuart Pearce, according to the club’s official website.

The 23-year-old saw very little game time earlier this season but admits things have now improved since Dougie Freedman took over at the City Ground.

Communication has been key between the new Nottingham Forest manager and his players and Paterson is hopeful he will be given chances by the new boss.

But times were tough for the forward at the start of the campaign, as he openly admits.

“Football is a funny game. One minute you’re in the team and playing well and the next you’re fighting to get back into the side. But that only shows what a fantastic squad we’ve got because anyone can step in at any time,” Paterson told Forest Player.

“It was difficult for me at the start of the season but the new manager is here now and we’ve spoken quite a lot. The future looks really positive and I’m just looking to get that one chance and hopefully stay in the team.”

As Opta stats show, the 23-year-old has only made 16 Championship appearances for Nottingham Forest this term – amounting to a stunningly low 489 minutes of game time.

Should he be given the chance to feature against Freedman’s old side Bolton Wanderers at the City Ground later today, Paterson will no doubt be rather grateful to his new manager.

Forest sit 10th in the Championship and have won twice and drawn once since Freedman took over from Pearce. But how will the boss cope against the side that sacked him only a few months ago?

Kick-off is at 3pm British Time.