Former Nottingham Forest defender Michael Dawson admits owner Evangelos Marinakis didn't expect a relegation battle this season.

Forest are currently hovering just above the dropzone.

“The owner didn't see them being in this position. One, with a points deduction hanging over them, but I certainly know he wasn't expecting a relegation battle with the money they've spent," Dawson told Sky Sports.

“But it just shows how hard the Premier League is. I always said when they got promoted, try and stay in there for a few years and try to establish yourself.

"Don't think you're a top 10 side for a long, long time."