Nottingham Forest have shown they “mean business” in the Premier League with their summer spending spree.
Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has backed Steve Cooper’s side to hold their own in the top-flight. However, he argues the number of signings the Reds have made is a “big gamble”.
Forest had little choice but to overhaul their dressing room after promotion, following the departure of a number of key players at the end of last season. They have made 11 new additions so far, although Brandon Aguilera is considered one for the future and has headed straight out on loan.
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Midfielder Orel Mangala will become the 12th arrival at the City Ground when his deal is confirmed. And Cooper is targeting further additions to give his squad sufficient strength in depth.
Fowler says the Reds proved what they can do against heavyweight opposition in their run to the FA Cup quarter-finals last term. Those games should give a “foundation” to build on as a 23-year exile from the top tier comes to an end.
Writing in his column for the Sunday Mirror, the ex-striker said: “I’m glad to see them (Forest) back in the Premier League now and it looks like they mean business because at the last count they’ve brought in 12 players – enough for a new team. This is a big gamble because it takes time for new players to settle, but it was probably needed if they want to avoid going straight back down to the Championship.
“Having seen what they achieved last season under Steve Cooper, after leaping up the table from a relegation spot, I believe they have the ability to compete in the Premier League. Last season, beating Arsenal and Leicester and giving Liverpool a real game, so the foundations are there.
“They hope bringing in players will take them to the next level. It’s good to see that the owner, Evangelos Marinakis, has backed Cooper – and so he should.
“It will be an impossible task to match what the (Brian) Clough side achieved when they came up – winning the league and two European Cups – but Cooper’s Forest side play the right way and I wish them all the best. Having said that, in the fickle football world we live in, he will still have to produce results – or last season’s amazing achievement will be quickly forgotten.”
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