Nottingham Forest started their build-up to the 2023/24 Premier League season this week as the players reported for duty after their summer break.
Monday was a testing day as the Reds checked back in, then they were out on the grass on Tuesday. Preparations will continue to step up ahead of their first friendly, against Notts County a week on Saturday.
There is little more than a month to go before Steve Cooper’s side open their campaign with a trip to Arsenal on August 12. They have a big few weeks before then to get ready as they aim to kick on in the top-flight.
Forest have posted pictures and clips on social media of the players’ first couple of days back, along with a video on their YouTube channel. Here’s a look at what we spotted…
READ MORE: Everyone who has left Nottingham Forest since the end of last season
READ MORE: Forest news and transfers live as Reds eye summer signings
Injury boost
After waiting for so long, Reds fans will hope to finally catch a glimpse of Omar Richards during pre-season. The defender has been sidelined with a hairline fracture of the leg since last summer and is yet to make his debut for the club.
In a positive sign, footage showed him arriving at the Nigel Doughty Academy and pictures showed him on the grass. Having him available would be a big boost for Cooper, particularly as the left-back spot is up for grabs following the end of Renan Lodi’s loan spell.
Giulian Biancone was also a long-term absentee last season due to the ACL injury he sustained in November. He rejoined the group towards the end of the campaign, although could not feature, and looked happy to be back with his teammates again as he aims to stake his claim for a place this time around.
Loanees return
Josh Bowler and Hwang Ui-jo are yet to pull on a Forest shirt. The pair immediately headed out on loan after putting pen to paper last summer, although both endured tough seasons.
Initially, they linked up with fellow Evangelos Marinakis-owned side Olympiacos. However, after struggling for game time in Greece they moved on in January. Bowler returned to former club Blackpool, where he suffered relegation from the Championship. Ui-jo went to FC Seoul.
The duo were seen in the gym on the Reds’ first day. It is uncertain whether they will be part of Cooper’s plans, but they will no doubt hope to give the manager food for thought over the coming days.
All smiles
Forest’s team spirit was a key factor in their survival mission. And it will be just as important this year as they prepare to go again.
As they returned for pre-season, it was generally smiles and hugs all round. Ryan Yates arrived with a big grin, Danilo was embraced by Emmanuel Dennis and Joe Worrall, and Willy Boly and Biancone appeared to share a joke.
Gustavo Scarpa was quick to showcase his Rubik’s Cube skills when he arrived in January, and it was a craze which soon caught on in the dressing room. By the looks of it, he is still ready to teach any newcomers some of his tricks as a collection of the puzzles could be seen in his locker.
‘Beast mode’
That was the comment from one fan about Felipe as the club’s video showed the defender being put through his paces. The Brazilian impressed in the second half of last term, following his January move, and will be a key player again this time around. He’s clearly ready for business, having grinned at the camera and flexed his biceps after completing a workout routine.
New training kit
The club unveiled their new training kit this week - and it looks smart! The players were kitted out in it as they turned their attention to the upcoming season.
A new partnership with adidas had already been confirmed. And Forest announced on Monday that E.ON would be their official training wear partner. The energy company’s logo appeared on the front of the players’ training tops.
