Nottingham Forest adopt ‘the early bird’ approach to bolster their ranks

Nottingham Forest have fixed their eyes on making a charge for the play-off places in the second half of the Championship campaign, having already secured early important business with the transfer window just a few days old.

Having made a miraculous leap from the bottom of the league in late September to now sitting just outside the top six, Forest’s ownership appears to have learnt from previous mistakes in January’s gone by to fully prepare Steve Cooper for having a crack at promotion this time around.

In January 2019, Forest unceremoniously parted ways with Aitor Karanka after the Spaniard had them knocking on the promotion door. The end result was a relative disaster, with the appointment of Martin O’Neill disappointing and Premier League hopes falling by the wayside.

His replacement Sabri Lamouchi was left hamstrung after a trio of disappointing signings on Trentside the following year, with Forest sitting second in the table in early February 2020.

Given that the current 2021/22 season was almost a write off after a disastrous start with Chris Hughton at the helm, Cooper has knitted Forest’s squad back together quickly with a more attacking approach to their game. His philosophy has reignited a hunger that has led to vital players in Lewis Grabban and Brice Samba returning to form.

There has been little doubt of the quality of players that Forest have possessed in previous campaigns, but this season, in particular, the squad appears short on numbers.

Having navigated injuries in recent weeks, Cooper’s team selection has been weakened, and it’s perhaps no coincidence that Forest have lost ground over the festive period.

With back-to-back defeats against Middlesbrough and Huddersfield Town, it may not be a bad thing that the owners have seen first-hand the pitfalls of failing to invest further on some excellent progress made by Cooper.

With the transfer window only a few days old, the Reds have already addressed some key areas that should strengthen them in the second half of the season.

Djed Spence

Arguably the best of the early deals so far, Spence has been in outstanding form for the Reds since joining on loan at the end of the summer transfer window.

Spence has been pivotal to Forest’s attacking play under Cooper and has made key contributions from right wing-back. With Middlesbrough agreeing to honour his season-long loan, given the emergence of Isaiah Jones, Reds fans have certainly been handed a belated but much-welcomed Christmas present.

Whilst it remains to be seen if there will be an option to buy at the end of the season, Middlesbrough will at least be content to see his stock rising if he continues on the same trajectory.

Steve Cook

Seen as a legend in many eyes of Bournemouth supporters, Cook’s achievement of leading two promotion campaigns on the Cherries’ way into the Premier League has written him into local folklore. With game time restricted under Scott Parker, the 30-year-old has found a move that suits him best and joins the Reds at the peak of his powers.

A centre half that is comfortable in possession of the ball, Cook is the next piece of the jigsaw for Cooper, given his preference to a back three central unit.

Technically better than Tobi Figueiredo but equally competitive, the defender should upgrade the defensive department. If he sits alongside the impressive Joe Worrall and under the radar performer Scott McKenna, Forest’s backline will be an even harder wall to penetrate.

When expectations rise at Forest, experience and leadership will be crucial, and Cook looks to be a solid signing that ticks those boxes.

Keinan Davis

The 23-year-old arrives at The City Ground on loan from Premier League outfit Aston Villa, having seen his opportunities restricted at Villa Park. The chance to kick start his season at Forest should make for an exciting addition to the Reds squad.

With Lewis Grabban already in good form in front of goal, Cooper’s backup options have been limited. With Lyle Taylor struggling to find his feet at the club and not kicked on since his two goals in the win at Bristol City, Forest will need greater depth in the squad.

Davis should bring an added dimension to the attack with his ability to hold the ball up and bring others into play. With Grabban and Taylor not renowned for this attribute within their play, Cooper may have a solution to freshen things up top when required.

Although Davis is not renowned for his goalscoring ability at Villa, he has scored goals in the England under-20 setup, which will be familiar with Cooper.

Given that the forward is dropping down a division and Forest are creating chances, the loan deal could prove to be an excellent catalyst for his career and Forest’s promotion aspirations.

There are rumours that the Reds are looking to further bolster their options in both wing-back positions, with interest in Derby’s Lee Buchanan and Toronto FC’s Richie Laryea.

The movies would certainly avoid Cooper’s recent problems in fielding players out of position or academy youngsters.

Teenager Finn Back was drafted in against Boro for the ineligible Spence, and Jack Colback has been filling in for the injured Max Lowe, who has made a strong impression since joining from Sheffield United on loan.

Further up the pitch, Forest are said to have had a bid turned down for Blackpool winger Josh Bowler before turning their attentions to Millwall’s Jed Wallace.

Both players are out of contract in the summer, but Wallace would be a real show of intent if they can beat off competition from Turkish club Besiktas.

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