James: King is my inspiration

Kevin James today revealed Marlon King is his inspiration as he bids to resurrect his Nottingham Forest career.

King will play in the Premiership this season after firing Watford to promotion in the play-offs.

That came despite a miserable spell at the City Ground.

James has also endured a troubled time at Forest - but he believes King is proof that he can turn his fortunes around.

'Marlon is a good friend of mine and I speak to him all the time,' said James.

'He's done excellently since he left Forest and he's really pleased with how it's turned out for him.'

After going out on loan to Walsall last season, James has impressed during pre-season and, after talks with Colin Calderwood, is confident he has a future at Forest.

'We had a chat before and he told me to come back in and see how things go,' said James. 'He's the new manager and wants to see what he's got.

'It's a massive club. I never said to anyone that I want to leave and I'm just looking forward to playing.

'I ended up at Walsall last season, but I'm back now so I'm hoping to prove myself.

'You can't ever give up. I never thought my career at Forest was over. I still got on with it even when I was out in the cold.

'When Gary Megson left me out I was still working hard in the reserves, playing games.

'I never let myself believe it was over. I always believed I could step out in front of the fans and perform.

Calderwood has so far been impressed with James' attitude along with a number of the players who found themselves on the fringes last season. 'The players who have come back have all given themselves a chance,' he said.

The Evening Post reports.

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