Chairman Nigel Doughty is banking on Billy Davies delivering what every Nottingham Forest fan wants to see.

The Reds narrowly missed out on promotion last season and is pledging his full support to boss Davies as the countdown to the new npower Championship season gathers pace.

Outlining the Scotsman's fiery qualities, Mr Doughty revealed: "You want people who challenge the status quo all the time.

"You don't want people who are not prepared to delegate upwards; you don't want people who are not prepared to put pressure on you.

"That's why I recruited Billy and that's why I'm backing him so heavily because he's a winner and winners are like that.

"That's what the great people are about.

"Billy and I have a great relationship. We talk all the time on the telephone - we'll have lunch and dinner and that sort of thing.

"Our families know each other, so it's a good relationship."

Looking ahead to a campaign that begins at Burnley on Saturday, Mr Doughty added:

"It is cometh the hour - we've invested very heavily over the last four or five years.

"I think we've got to understand what the bookmakers are saying and what people will be thinking when we come to their home ground and play: '

Oh, it's Nottingham Forest they are one of the favourites …

"I think you've got to say that this year or next year it's got to be promotion."