James Perch Turns From Villain To Hero

It may be early days in the season, but already James Perch has gone a long way to silencing his critics with some dazzling midfield performances.

Last season saw the former Reds' Academy player vilified by fans for some shocking displays, but this season so far he's cemented his place in the Forest midfield and looks to have become a new player.

He's been one of the most consistent players to date and has given his critics food for thought. Many, including myself thought his days in the side were numbered after a disappointing season for him last term. But Perchio has shown those of us that often made him the scapegoat last year, that he might just live up to the promise he showed earlier in his career.

Perch told the official site. 'I vowed this year to get myself super fit and keep myself at the forefront of the manager's mind when it came to selecting his side for the opening game. Fortunately, things have worked our pretty well for me.'

Perch sees himself more as a defender and is happy with his current role as a holding midfielder, after carrying the tag of 'Mr Versatile for so long. He's delighted to have been given an established role in the team. 'It's my job to make tackles and break up play and then give the ball to the flair players, like Chris Cohen, Lee Martin, Rob Earnshaw and Nathan Tyson.'

Hopefully his good form will continue and with it a clearly defined role in the team. It does seem that playing him in one set position is suiting him, rather than playing a different position every week. So long as he continues playing as he is at present, then his doubters will have nothing to complain about.

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