The 2008/09 season ended with Forest escaping relegation and climbing the league, James Perch found himself a big part of new manager Billy Davies’ plans, being handed the captaincy, and now, in the first part of his interview, he answers the questions you put to him.

What is your preferred position – centre midfield, centre back or right back?

I’ve always been a centre back so I’d have to say that, although I’m more than happy playing right back or midfield.

Where do you see your role next season?

I see myself playing an important role all the way through the season and probably mostly in the defence.

Who was the hardest player you played against last season?

The hardest player last season would have to be any of the Swansea midfielders – they are so good in possession!

What was your reaction when Billy gave you the captain’s armband, and do you think you can hold on to it next year?

I was over the moon when the gaffer gave me the armband. To captain the side that you’ve grown up with is an honour and to keep it next season will be even better.

What do you think you bring to the role of captaincy, and do you take the team through a particular pre-match routine?

As captain you are the connection between the players and the gaffer and vice versa and the fact I’ve been at the club a long time I know the club inside out. There is no set routine, I know players like to get ready for the game there own way so I leave them to it and maybe just have a little word with a few individuals in the dressing room.

Who is the most promising prospect from the academy and reserves that you have played or trained against?

Forest have always been known for their academy and a few trained with us last season. The one that stood out was James Reid, who is very good technically.

Play-off final, last minute of extra time, penalty to win the world’s richest game and promotion. Would James Perch step up?

Well as captain hopefully I’d have to. I don’t mind taking them it’s just that usually there are better takers than me on the field.

Read part two of the James Perch interview here…

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