Nottingham Forest’s Daryl Murphy has said he is hoping to achieve his second promotion in as many years with his new team.
The veteran striker told the Nottingham Post that the Reds should be aiming for a play-off spot at the very least this campaign, despite narrowly surviving relegation to the third tier on the final day of last season.
“We have to aim for at least a play-off spot. There will be a lot of teams in the Championship thinking that as well, but we have to be aiming for that at least,” said Murphy.
“The manager will sign more players and we have some good young players here already. I have come in to add some experience to the side.”
The 34-year-old, who joined Mark Warburton’s side from Premier League side Newcastle United, also praised the infrastructure of his new club, citing Mark Warburton as a key influence, and claiming that now is a ‘good time’ to join.
“I have admired the manager over the years with what he has done with previous teams.
“I remember playing against Brentford a few years back; with their style of play and the way they kept the ball you always knew it was going to be a tough game. They played some attractive football and created chances so I am looking forward to that.
“There is a good feel about the club from the moment I came in. I have been talking to everyone and it all seems to be in the right order and looking up.
“It is a good time to be signing and hopefully be part of something special.”
Murphy helped Newcastle storm to the league title last season, bouncing back to the top flight at the first time of asking.
He scored five times in fifteen appearances for the Magpies, with the majority of his goals coming from the substitutes’ bench; top scorer Dwight Gayle was often preferred to the Irishman up top by Rafa Benitez.
However, despite the fact that Murphy is no spring chicken at 34 years of age, the former Ipswich Town and Sunderland man is a formidable force in front of goal at this level; he proved it during the 2014/15 season when he scored a whopping 27 times to fire the Tractor Boys to the end of season play-offs.
“I am coming here, still feeling fresh, I’m feeling good and I am looking forward to getting started,” he said. “Hopefully I can bring a bit of experience to the team as it is a young squad and hopefully I can help the younger players out, get on the pitch and score some goals.”
Nottingham Forest kick off their season at home, as they entertain newly-promoted Bolton Wanderers on August 4th.
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