Frank Clark: Former Nottingham Forest boss praises ‘excellent’ start

Just as Forest have Chris Wood leading the way with eight goals so far, Clark had Stan Collymore and Dutchman Bryan Roy finding the net at a prolific rate back then.

Collymore scored six of his 22 league goals that season in the first 10 games, while Roy scored the next five goals in that same time en route to amassing 13 for the season.

“I didn’t expect to be second in the league after 10 games; we had a good start,” Clark said, reflecting on the 1994-95 season.

“Bryan and Stan hit it off right away, which wasn’t a given at the beginning of the season.

“Now I have to raise my hands when Chris [Wood] The first one arrived. He could have been one of the doubters, but now he has silenced everyone. “He’s a fantastic lad, I’m told, and he’s on a purple streak at the moment, so it’s great for him.”

Beyond a fit striker, Clark says Forest have the players needed to maintain their place at the top of the Premier League table.

“We look in good shape and it’s a well-balanced team,” he said.

“Those back four are probably the strongest back four we’ve had in a long time. I love the center back.” [Nikola] Serbia’s Milenkovic is a true center back. He and Murillo make a great couple.

“I have a good feeling about the team. I go to the games and I look at the team and I look at the team and I feel very comfortable with it.

“We’re not going to win every game, but we look like a real team.”

Forest have won three consecutive Premier League games for the first time in more than a quarter of a century to move up to third place, and are the only team to beat leaders Liverpool this season.

Their upcoming fixture list is demanding, starting with a home game against Newcastle on Sunday and including trips to Arsenal, champions Manchester City and Manchester United in quick succession after the international break.

“There will be some tough games, but that won’t necessarily define the season,” Clark said.