Nottingham Forest have quickly got down to business, having returned for pre-season training this week.
Most of the Reds players have been back at the Nigel Doughty Academy as preparations step up for the start of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign. There is little more than a month to go before their opening fixture against Arsenal, while next Saturday will see Steve Cooper’s side take on Notts County at Meadow Lane in their first friendly of the summer.
Monday was a testing day as Forest checked back in. Since then, they have been out on the grass, being put through their paces.
The work may not have included any new signings as the club are yet to make their first addition, but a few things still caught our eye. Here’s what we spotted from the most recent video posted by the club on social media and on their YouTube channel, a clip of which they kindly shared with NottinghamshireLive.
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Reid’s return
The Reds sprung a surprise when they announced Steven Reid was back as first-team coach. The news was very well received, both around the club and by supporters.
Reid has got stuck straight in, with footage showing him whistle in hand and giving instructions on the grass.
The former Republic of Ireland international was a popular figure during his first spell Trentside. It wasn’t forgotten how he kickstarted the promotion season by overseeing victory at Huddersfield Town in his game in caretaker charge, and he formed a key part of Cooper’s backroom staff as a place in the top-flight was secured. Getting him back was a smart move.
The Cooper effect
More evidence of why the head coach just “gets” it. Not to mention the little touches which make him such an excellent man-manager.
Ever since he came in, the Welshman has embraced Forest’s history. Reds legends are often invited to watch training, and Cooper has always been particularly keen to have John McGovern involved. The European Cup winner was on hand as the team took to the grass again, with Cooper shaking his hand and offering an embrace.
There is also another example of how the Forest boss has a knack of fostering a strong team spirit. Emmanuel Dennis is a player who is likely to move on during the transfer window, but Cooper was there giving him a hug and sharing a joke. It just shows how he managed to keep players fully invested in the cause even when they were not involved last season.
Youngsters involved
This week has seen some notable absentees as players who have recently been on international duty have been given a bit of extra time off. Meanwhile, Morgan Gibbs-White is bidding to make history with England Under-21s as they take on Spain in the Euros final today.
But a number of young players have been part of the training group. Riley Harbottle was among those involved, following an impressive loan with Mansfield Town. Likewise, Fin Back, who had been doing well at Carlisle United before injury stopped him in his tracks.
Cooper always likes to include youth-team players in training sessions when he can. Several of them looked sharp as they joined in this week.
Futures in doubt
Forest have plenty of decisions to make over players this summer as they look to trim numbers. The likes of Dennis, Jonjo Shelvey and Jonathan Panzo are likely to move on, while there are question marks over players such as Sam Surridge, Hwang Ui-jo and Josh Bowler. All were out there on the training pitch, regardless of any uncertainty over their futures.
Also involved was someone who looked very much like Adnan Kanuric - the young goalkeeper who was among those released when the Reds announced their retained list last month. It appears he is still training with his former teammates as he looks to get fixed up with a new club.
