Winger Joe Lolley has expressed his pride at being part of a group which wrote their names into Nottingham Forest history.
But he insists being moved on in the summer isn’t a motivating factor for wanting to do well at new club Sydney. And the 30-year-old is enjoying the challenge of a new experience, playing in Australia.
A fans’ favourite, Lolley spent four-and-a-half years at the City Ground, having signed from Huddersfield Town in January 2018. He featured 171 times for the Reds and scored 26 goals.
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He struggled for form last season, finding it tough to pin down a place in the first XI, and was told he was free to move on in the summer. But he will still be remembered by supporters as being part of the squad which ended Forest’s 23-year absence from the Premier League.
It is an achievement which means a lot to Lolley, too. However, his focus is now on showing what he can do for Sydney, with two goals to his name already, from his first four appearances.
Asked if not being part of the Reds’ plans following promotion is a motivator for him this season, Lolley told Neds Australia: “I wouldn’t say it’s a real burning motivation. I think it’s such a big club, to be able to be part of that history is pretty incredible.
“Sometimes when you look too much into the past, it’s not good for your focus anyway. So I always try to look forward and be happy in the moment and what I’m doing now.”
He added: “I want to live a different experience; try something that’s a bit out of my comfort zone and something completely different. I didn’t want to do the same thing I’ve been doing for the last 10 years or so.
“Once I had that in my head, then it was a case of where to go, really. Luckily, a club like Sydney came in, which was exactly what I was looking for. The fact it’s the most successful club here in Australia and the fact we moved into the new ground, as well - it’s an incredible facility - and the fans we get to the games.
“I’ve had people at home who’ve text me after games to say they’ve been surprised at how good the level is. To be honest, I think the standard is really good - technically, really good footballers, and tactically the games are always pretty good.
“One of the goals you’ve got when you come out here is to be the best version of yourself you can be. That has to be the ambition. If I can be the best I can be, hopefully I’ll be one of the better players in the league.”
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