Gibbs-White, transfers, Reid – Nottingham Forest questions answered as summer deals eyed
Forest do need to move on quite a few players, whether it be on loan or on permanent deals. Some still have question marks over them, and what happens may depend on who the club sign. They need to make sure they have sufficient strength in depth in all areas.
There’s still a month to go before the season starts and even longer before the window closes. There is plenty of time to get deals done. It could be a big pre-season for some players, however, either to try to catch Cooper’s eye or try to attract the attention of other clubs.
This summer was always going to be quieter in general than last year. There is still a lot of work to do, but there’s no need to panic at this stage. Far better for Forest to take time to get the right deals – both in terms of signings and for players leaving – than rush for the sake of it.
questions answered as summer deals eyed
Nottingham Forest will step up their preparations for the new season this week as they play their first friendly of the summer.
The countdown to the 2023/24 Premier League campaign can really begin on Saturday, when Steve Cooper’s side take on neighbours Notts County at Meadow Lane. There is just a month to go before the Reds’ opening fixture against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium
Meanwhile, it remains quiet on the transfer front. The City Ground is yet to welcome its first signing of the window.
Nevertheless, there was plenty to discuss when Forest reporter Sarah Clapson held a live Q&A on our Reds Facebook page. Here’s how it panned out.
A: The next generation at the club is really exciting. There’s a promising group of talented youngsters, many of whom are very highly regarded.
Several of those players went out on loan last season and did really well. The likes of Riley Harbottle, Fin Back, Aaron Donnelly and Dale Taylor all impressed.
They are not the only ones who look to have bright futures ahead of them. There’s also the likes of Zach Abbott, who there is quite a buzz about.
Some of the young players have been training with the first-team since they returned for pre-season. They are often involved anyway because Steve Cooper likes to have them in the training group when he can – he’s always keen to follow their progress.
I suspect we will see some of them involved in the friendlies. Cooper did give some of the young players minutes last summer, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if he does so again – even if it is just a few minutes towards the end of matches.
If they do get an opportunity, they will be really eager to at least give the manager food for thought. For a fair few of them, though, another loan seems most likely.
There is a difficult balance to strike. Everybody wants to see young players get a chance. They could also provide an option without taking up a squad place.
But the club also have to weigh up what is best for their progress. For the most part, you can’t beat getting regular game time – particularly in games where there is something at stake every week. If that isn’t going to happen at Forest this season, then another loan might work out better for all parties in the long-term.
Making the breakthrough into the first-team can be tough anyway, but even more so with Forest in the Premier League. Quite a few youngsters are ones to watch for the future, though, even if they do have to be a little bit patient.
It’s going to be interesting to see how Forest fare in the EFL Trophy, as a Reds academy side participates in the competition for the first time. If the Under-21s can go on a good run in it, it would be really valuable experience for them.
: I imagine the fitness specialist had a look back at Forest’s injury list from last season and puffed his cheeks! He will be hoping he doesn’t have his work cut out to quite the same extent.
Steve Cooper said it was something which would be looked at once the season was over, in the same way that everything would be looked at and analysed as the club try to progress. They are keen to improve in all areas, so it’s positive that a step has been taken to try to address that particular situation.
Hopefully Forest have better luck on the injury front this season. The good thing is players who had long-term injuries last season have made progress; Giulian Biancone rejoined the group towards the end of the campaign, and it’s been encouraging to see Omar Richards out on the grass in pre-season. Chris Wood wasn’t due back until at least mid-July.
As for Steven Reid, it’s great to see him back. He’s really well-liked around the club, among the players and staff, and with fans. He played a big role in the promotion-winning campaign and is such a lovely guy.
He took a big decision to step away 12 months ago, but it was for a very valuable cause as he took on the role of a specialist coach helping people with their mental health. He’ll bring that experience with him to the City Ground – he did anyway, as it was something he was passionate about.
He’s someone the players can talk to. He provides another link between the squad and the staff. He can provide another sounding board for the manager. And he knows a bit about the Premier League. All of that, coupled with the type of person he is, makes it a very good appointment.
When he was at Forest before, he oversaw the attacking set-play work. Whether he will do so again, I’m not sure, but it is still a big plus to have him back on board.
A: He’s an absolute joy to watch. And the exciting part is he can get even better. He’s got bags of potential.
It’s fantastic that he will link back up with the squad as a Euros champion, after his success with England Under-21s. That will have been a brilliant experience for him, and he’ll be able to take a lot from that going forward.
He’ll be absolutely buzzing when he walks back into the changing room. That can only rub off on the rest of the players as well. They were all so delighted for him; he’s a popular member of the squad. Hopefully he can carry that momentum and winning mentality into the new season.
I think he can take another step forward again this season and have even more of an influence on games. Steve Cooper will be challenging him to keep improving his numbers, as he did last year. Stats are something they talk a lot about – not just goals and assists – and the aim will be to keep improving them.
I really think Forest got a bargain with him. Eyebrows were raised at the fee, but he’s more than justified it and he has arguably increased his value in just 12 months – not that Forest will be looking to sell. Gibbs-White is one of the players to build the team around this summer.
He’s going to be such a key player again. Working with Steve Cooper certainly benefits him.
Q: I thought there would be a lot more outs by now …. it’s a bit worrying the lack of activity with friendlies coming up.
A: I don’t think there’s any cause for concern at the moment. A lot of work has been going on behind the scenes, and the transfer activity should start ramping up now the players are back for pre-season. That should specifically be the case when it comes to outgoings, as it is easier to get things sorted when the players are there to have discussions with.
Forest do need to move ongood news quite a few players, whether it be on loan or on permanent deals. Some still have question marks over them, and what happens may depend on who the club sign. They need to make sure they have sufficient strength in depth in all areas.
There’s still a month to go before the season starts and even longer before the window closes. There is plenty of time to get deals done. It could be a big pre-season for some players, however, either to try to catch Cooper’s eye or try to attract the attention of other clubs.
This summer was always going to be quieter in general than last year. There is still a lot of work to do, but there’s no need to panic at this stage. Far better for Forest to take time to get the right deals – both in terms of signings and for players leaving – than rush for the sake of it.
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