Ben Watson hopes to extend his stay at Nottingham Forest beyond the end of the season.
The midfielder did sign a deal that kept him at the club until the end of the 2019/20 campaign, but in an interview with the Nottingham Post, the 35-year-old explained that he is keen to remain at the club for next season too.
Ben Watson Keen to Stay at Nottingham Forest
Sabri Lamouchi an Influence on Ben Watson
The midfielder’s desire to stay at the City Ground has been instigated by manager Sabri Lamouchi.
The former Rennes boss has been impressed by Watson during his 12 months at the club. Lamouchi signed a new deal last month and has made it clear, he wants Watson to too.
The Forest veteran insists if it wasn’t for Lamouchi, he could’ve been shown the exit door last summer.
He said: “When he took over… it’s not rocket science, without him coming in I probably didn’t have a future at the City Ground. That’s me being honest.
“He’s come in, he’s seen something and the respect we’ve got for each other is huge. Not just that, he understood that I could bring something to the table this season – probably more than anyone else thought.
“At this point in my career, he’s up there with the best I’ve had.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity he’s given me this season. I’ve enjoyed it so much and hopefully it finishes on a real high.”
A Great Career for the Forest Man
It’s been an impressive career for Ben Watson. He was part of a Crystal Palace side that won the Championship play-offs in 2004 and was part of Wigan Athletic’s many escape acts in the Premier League.
Arguably his greatest moment of his playing days was when he scored a 90th-minute winner for the Latics in the 2013 FA Cup Final against Manchester City – one of the biggest upsets in the cup’s history.
He then had a stint at Watford, where he helped them win promotion to the top flight in 2015.
Watson has been influential for Nottingham Forest this season. He’s played 42 games this season, bagging four assists and scoring three goals, which has helped the Reds to 1-0 wins over Brentford and Barnsley, as well as a draw at Reading.
Forest could seal their place in the play-offs if they beat Swansea City at the City Ground tonight.
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