Lewis Grabban and Joe Worrall standing either side of the trophy as they raised it aloft at Wembley was one of the defining images from Nottingham Forest’s promotion success.
Injury prevented the former from being out on the pitch that day. But there’s no doubting the part he played in getting the Reds to that point - not just this year, but in previous seasons, too.
Grabban has been a key figure during his four years at the City Ground. His contribution might not always have been fully appreciated by some fans, but he has been a respected figure in the dressing room.
Read more: Forest make transfer decisions as retained list is announced
Read more: Forest 'want' £5m-rated goalkeeper as summer transfer window officially opens
Only a few weeks into the job, Steve Cooper spoke about the striker’s influence as skipper. “He’s a great presence on the pitch, knows the role well and is being a real captain at the moment,” the head coach said back in October, after Grabban had scored his fourth of the campaign in a 3-0 win at Birmingham City. “We definitely feared him in previous years, coming up against Forest. He wasn’t always fit for the games, but we knew all about him and did a lot of work on that.
“I’ve spent a lot of time getting to know him as captain, and have put a real big importance on the role of the captain. I like how he’s going about it, both on and off the pitch.”
Cooper talked about the importance of Grabban many times after that, too - including sharing how he had been working with Keinan Davis to improve his instinct in the box, during a spell when the senior man was sidelined. So it’s no real surprise to see him offered a new deal by the club.
It could prove a good bit of business, too - if the 34-year-old decides to stay. It’s a decision which will not have been made out of sentimentality.
Bumper Forest promotion special - 48-page souvenir special now available to buy, grab your copy here
Going back to those words from Cooper, it’s about what Grabban can bring on and off the pitch. The experience he offers can be key as the Reds return to the top-flight for the first time in 23 years.
He can still have more to give in games, too. Forest will look to strengthen their attacking options regardless of what call Grabban makes; but while he would most likely not start every week, he could have an impact.
But for injury, you’d have bet on him reaching the 20 mark again this term. He’s a goal-poacher. The Reds will need that; chances can be at a premium in the Premier League.
