MATT Mills says the chance to work with his former Wanderers boss Dougie Freedman played a big part in his move to Nottingham Forest.

The defender, who signed a three-year deal at the City Ground after being released at Bolton, also had talks with Fulham.

But the former Wanderers skipper is delighted to work again with the Scot, who left the Macron in October last season.

“It was the perfect situation for me,” he told The Nottingham Post.

“With my contract at Bolton expiring, this was the best move for me.

“I have worked with the manager before, so it ticked a lot of boxes.

“As soon as the season was finished, I just wanted to spend some time with my family after a long, hard season – and leave my agent to talk to clubs.

“But when Dougie picked up the phone, it was an easy decision for me. It was just a question of getting things sorted.

"We had successful times at Bolton, we just missed out on the play-offs through goal difference.

"Then the club had financial problems and the manager had to juggle with that.

"I am very keen to learn and he is a fantastic coach, as well as a manager, so he can help me do that."