New Nottingham Forest manager Mark Warburton has spoken about Derby, the Premier League and Frank McParland in his first press conference at the City Ground.
Warburton was announced as the new Reds’ boss on Tuesday (March 14) morning and will face Derby County at the City Ground on Saturday (March 18) in his first match in charge.
Derby also announced Gary Rowett as their new manager the same morning.
Warburton takes over from Gary Brazil and Jack Lester who were originally told by Fawaz Al-Hasawi, after Philippe Montanier was sacked, that they would be in charge until the end of the season.
Speaking in his first press conference, Warburton said: “In the short term, we need to stay in the division and steady the ship, get the performances in and get points on the board.
“We have a sizeable squad with a lot of players but every player is a blank canvas, everyone has the chance to impress.
“We need to provide the fans with stability and information and hopefully they’ll see progress.
“The Premier League is the promised land and we need to get there.”
Warburton said that new director of football Frank McParland was a key figure in him signing for Forest.
He said: “I know Frank very well; his knowledge of football is outstanding and he’s one of the very best in the business.
“I’m confident we’ll get the backing we need to take this club forward.
“I had a good chat with Brazil and Lester and look forward to, hopefully, continuing to work with them in the future.”
Warburton’s first game at the City Ground is against Derby on Saturday and while he says he respects the Rams, he’s fully focused on the Reds.
He said: “These are the games that players must relish and understand the passion involved.
“We respect that and we have to play well, we will train well and look forward to a tough encounter where we want three points.
“At Rangers, you are aware of the big clubs and I understand the significance of this game and what it means to the people in the area.
“I’ve respect for Gary Rowett and Derby but it’s all about Forest and what we can do.”
Warburton will only focus on ‘one game at a time’.
“They’ve got to understand what we want from them and we need clarity.
“The international break gives us time to work with the players after the game to get to know the players and work closely with them.
“This division is relentless and I know there is a job to be done but there is no doubt about the potential of Nottingham Forest.”
