After a whirlwind appointment, just hours after the sacking of Stuart Pearce was confirmed on Sunday, Freedman has had a full week to work with his new squad and attempt the task of keeping Forest's play-off hopes alive while bringing some much-needed stability to the club.
Speaking ahead of the trip to Sussex, the Scot has been quick to make clear that he is inheriting a good squad of players and had no issues with their fitness levels. His immediate work has been aimed at boosting confidence levels in a side that started the season playing some attractive, attacking football.
And the former City Ground striker has challenged other players to take the goalscoring burden off Britt Assombalonga in the coming weeks.
Update: Freedman has named the following starting XI for his first game: Darlow, Lichaj, Collins, Hobbs (c), Fox, Antonio, Gardner, Osborn, Lansbury, Burke, Assombalonga