Perhaps it was one particular night in early March when there was a tangible shift in the general opinion around Ryan Yates.
For so long the Nottingham Forest midfielder had been on the receiving end of plenty of flak, dividing the fanbase as many viewed him as not being good enough. It wasn’t unknown for negative comments to abound on social media when a starting XI was named with him in it.
The past 12 months have changed all of that. Now, Yates is seen as being crucial to the Reds’ cause. He was at the heart of last season’s promotion success, and he is using every fibre of his being to try to drag the team away from relegation trouble now they are in the Premier League.
READ MORE: Johnson chasing down leader Yates to become Forest fans' player of 2022
READ MORE: The four players who shone for Nottingham Forest in 2022
Those who doubted him before now appreciate how important he is. There are very few “Yaters” about.
The tide had already begun to turn, but that evening at Bramall Lane really stands out as one where Yates showed why so many managers have rated him. If anyone was going to rescue a point for Forest against Sheffield United by forcing their way into the mix to ensure they got on the end of a James Garner ball, it was going to be him.
“I can’t speak highly enough of him. He’s just an absolute diamond of a lad. He’ll do anything for the football club and anything for the team,” Steve Cooper said afterwards.
That marked the start of a run of four successive matches when Yates found the back of the net. And so the “if Yatesy scores, we’re in the sea” chant was born on that glorious Saturday in Blackpool which marked the start of the final run-in.
The academy graduate didn’t score that day, but he finished the campaign with a tally of nine goals from 51 appearances. And he helped to force the own goal at Wembley which ended the Reds’ 23-year absence from the top-flight.
Could he then make the step up in divisions? Fair to say there were question marks about that.
Yates would be the first to admit he isn’t the most technically gifted - although he constantly soaks up information and stats in a bid to improve - but he more than makes up for that with other qualities. Time and time again, he has put his body on the line this term, coming away battered and bruised - but with a fair few Man of the Match awards also in tow. He has arguably the club's most consistent performer in the Premier League.
All of that is why there can really only be one winner when it comes to picking Forest’s Player of the Year for 2022. It has to be Yates.
For the progress he has made. For his dedication and commitment. For the example he has set as vice-captain this season. For the way he has conducted himself. But especially for the part he has played in what has been a quite incredible 12 months.
Fellow nominees - as selected by NottinghamshireLive - Brennan Johnson, Joe Worrall and Scott McKenna deserve their honourable mentions, too. And it’s brilliant to see three Nigel Doughty Academy graduates in that group. But 2022 will go down as Yates’ year.
He is leading the way in the votes. But there is still time for you to have your say on who should take the crown using the widget above. Or click here and select ‘Nottingham Forest’ in the Fans’ Club Footballer of the Year section, then make your choice by clicking on your chosen player.
Get your votes in before the poll closes on Thursday. The winner will be announced on Monday (December 19).
What was your Forest highlight of 2022? Have your say in the comments below
READ NEXT
