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Yahoo
5 minutes ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Messi's 'winning spirit' surprising: Inter Miami's Mascherano
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano hailed Lionel Messi's winning mentality after the 2-1 win over Porto at the Club World Cup on Thursday. (ALEX GRIMM) Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano admitted he is surprised at Lionel Messi's desire to win after the MLS side shocked Porto at the Club World Cup on Thursday. Veteran playmaker Messi curled home a fine free-kick in a man-of-the-match performance at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the winning goal in Miami's 2-1 Group A victory over their Portuguese opponents. Advertisement Mascherano said his Argentine compatriot's competitive spirit at 37 was more surprising to him than the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's quality. "Beyond his goal... he's a player who shows us how to compete, his hunger, his desire to continue competing at whatever level it is," Mascherano told reporters. "In a footballing sense, what else is there to say? He's the best player that has played this sport in its history, but what is surprising is his will to win. "Today, even in the last minutes, tired, with a knock, he kept helping the team in any way he could, in attack, in defence, to get the result... Advertisement "We know having him gives us an advantage, but above all, through his contagious spirit, the winning spirit that he has." Many expected Porto to beat Inter Miami but the American side recorded a first ever victory in a competitive match for an MLS team against European opposition and the first shock at the Club World Cup. "I think that we understood that in football there are obviously hierarchies, and we were facing against a team at a high level, with international players," said Mascherano. "But we were convinced that if we did what we had to do, if we had a plan, if we supported each other, if we were together, but above all, if we dared to play, we could compete." Advertisement Samu Aghehowa netted a first-half penalty for Porto but Telasco Segovia and Messi's strikes after the break earned Inter Miami victory which puts them level on four points with Palmeiras at the top of the group. "What I told them (at half-time) was... to raise their spirits, because we had clearly showed we could compete, and that we had reached a moment where I didn't care about the result," added Mascherano. "What I was interested in was showing we were capable of playing with and without the ball, and they understood, they picked themselves up and in the end it was a great afternoon for us." rbs/sev
Yahoo
6 minutes ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Carlisle United's 'irreplaceable' head of recruitment lauded in 2024 interview
Stephen Robinson with Martin Foyle during time at Motherwell (Image: SNS) CARLISLE United's new head of recruitment was hailed as "irreplaceable" in a 2024 interview with St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson. Martin Foyle was announced to be taking over Greg Abbott's role on June 18, following a 'a comprehensive, top-to-bottom review' of the football club. Advertisement Foyle was celebrated by the St Mirren boss for uncovering 'gems' that helped the Saints achieve a place in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League last season. The Scottish club's impressive recruitment put the spotlight on Foyle, with manager Robinson hailing the 61-year-old Englishman as "invaluable". Robinson told the BBC in August 2024: 'A lot of people don't notice the work that he does. "I've been working with Martin for a long, long time. He is irreplaceable. He finds me gems from his network of contacts all around the world. "We shouldn't get first refusal on a lot of players but because of his relationships we do. Advertisement "He's been invaluable to me; he certainly deserves a lot of credit.' Foyle explained why he decided to make the switch to Carlisle in an interview with the club on June 18. He said: 'There are things going on in the background that people don't see. "But my connection with Stephen is absolutely fantastic. He's a top-drawer manager, but sometimes, you need to move on. "Fresh faces, meeting people, but it's the project of trying to get Carlisle back in the league that excites me."
Yahoo
29 minutes ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
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New York Times
33 minutes ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Lee Johnson on managing abroad: ‘It's crunch time for English coaches, we need success stories'
Next season's Premier League will probably start with only three English managers or head coaches. The lowest number of English bosses to feature across a full Premier League campaign is six. This pattern is not exclusive to the Premier League. In the Championship, fewer than half the head coaches are English. Of the 96 clubs in Europe's top five leagues, there are just four: Strasbourg's Liam Rosenior joining the Premier League trio of Eddie Howe, Scott Parker and Graham Potter. And last year, the Football Association (FA) chose German Thomas Tuchel as the most suitable candidate to coach England. Advertisement Lee Johnson is trying to reverse the trend. Appointed permanent head coach at Belgian second division club Lommel this month following a successful interim stint, Johnson has called on fellow English coaches to be 'brave' and to consider moving abroad. 'We need more success stories,' Johnson told The Athletic. 'It's crunch time for English coaches. Everyone dreams of managing in the Premier League, but no route guarantees it.' Johnson's managerial career began in 2013 at Oldham Athletic. Aged 31, he was the youngest manager in England's top four divisions. Six clubs and over 500 matches later, he is still younger than 16 Premier League head coaches. 'I feel the pressure of being an English coach, there is a label which doesn't have the respect because of the lack of names. That can change, but only once we start winning.' English coaches abroad are notable by their rarity. Will Still, appointed Southampton head coach this summer, was at Reims and then Lens in Ligue 1. Still, however, was born and raised in Belgium. Rosenior enjoyed a strong first season at Strasbourg, qualifying for the UEFA Conference League. 'There needs to be more structural support,' Johnson adds, 'but more coaches must be willing to believe in themselves and take that risk.' English coaches are part of an unforgiving culture. Through the lens of English football, managerial careers rise and then fall. Success leads to opportunities at higher ranked clubs, but one disappointing stint leads to a move backwards, often down a division — the drop is often irreversible. This managerial stock culture is different elsewhere, most notably Italy, where head coaches are regularly hired and fired and often coach multiple clubs at the same level. Earlier this month, Ivan Juric was appointed head coach at Atalanta — who finished third in Serie A in 2024-25 — following a difficult season at Roma and Southampton. While neither culture is perfect, Johnson believes the mentality of owners within England needs to change. Advertisement 'Chairmen and owners need to start viewing coaching hardship as a virtue,' Johnson says. 'Every club is different and so contextual with their own specific circumstances, certain coaches are just a better fit for that club's environment. Once a manager has had 150 games, they have experienced behind-the-scenes politics, the ups and downs with players and fans, and how to handle the media.' Johnson's coaching career through Oldham, Barnsley, Bristol City, Sunderland, Hibernian and Fleetwood Town broadly reflects the English view on coaching: a trajectory rising through the English divisions before a reverse. Yet Johnson, whose father Gary enjoyed a four-decade managerial career, says it is natural that coaches learn more from defeats. 'Now, I have a point to prove on a personal level too, there is extra motivation.' In March, Johnson was appointed head coach of Belgian second division side Lommel until the end of the season. Winless in 13 matches, Lommel were in danger of relegation. 'The approach had to be simplicity, clarity and conciseness,' says Johnson. His first game was a 1-0 win at league leaders Zulte Waregem, and he got a win against third-place Molenbeek. Earlier this month, Johnson's appointment was made permanent. Johnson's move to Belgium came after 15 months out of management, the first meaningful break in his coaching career. 'It felt like being on a treadmill,' Johnson says, speaking of the daily pressures of a multitude of managerial responsibilities. 'It's only when you are away from that cycle you realise you needed time to reflect, to rest, and to give the energy to your family.' The break gave Johnson time to help his teenage daughter with studying but he also enjoyed a range of eclectic coaching-related activities; visiting the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and leading grassroots coaching seminars before travelling; speaking to sports psychologists at FC Copenhagen in Denmark and scouting at youth tournaments in Nigeria. Advertisement 'The Nigeria trip was particularly beneficial,' Johnson says. 'I'd never been to Africa but it helped me understand the culture, what players need to go through, the hunger and work they need, but the luck too.' That experience is now directly useful at Lommel, where there are five African-born players. 'You have to stay curious, and I know this may sound a bit cringey but those opportunities give you a chance to work on yourself, the man-management skills and understanding you need for management,' Johnson added. 'There are great coaches who struggle to manage. 'You need to know how to speak with players when you leave them out of a squad or substitute them, but also having more empathy with players and colleagues, to understand how that time and energy can deliver results rather than conflicting with coaching time.' Lommel are part of the City Football Group (CFG), the ownership group who are majority-owned by Abu Dhabi whose flagship club is Manchester City. Since CFG acquired the club in 2020, there have been a succession of English managers, including Liam Manning, Brian Eastick, Steve Bould and Ryan Garry. During his year out of management, Johnson helped coach fringe players at City. He has long been close to CFG'S managing director of global football Brian Marwood, dating back to Johnson's youth career at Arsenal. 'Connections are important,' Johnson admits. 'After Fleetwood was when my stock was lowest, I still believed in myself, and so did CFG — I am very grateful for that.' Multi-ownership groups in football are not without controversies, but Johnson was keen to point out how Lommel's relationship with City helped them defeat Molenbeek. Lommel were without full-backs for that match, so Johnson worked on a tactical plan to shut down space centrally by inverting players in those positions. This was how Pep Guardiola had deployed John Stones during games, so they leaned on City's idea for their trigger to pull off the multi-player move. 'For 25 minutes or so we were absolutely brilliant, because we used that manoeuvre five or six times,' Johnson explains. 'It was a small detail that made a big difference. There are tactical, scouting, performance or data benefits that we can lean upon to tweak our own style.' Lommel present unique challenges; their side's average age in 2024-25 was 21.9 ('the youngest in the world for a senior side,' claims Johnson) with 16 nationalities. 'Finding ways to communicate is key but not always straightforward,' Johnson admits. 'Sometimes it must be through videos and gesticulating, or through positive body language. Me and the staff must make players feel at home. If players are emotionally stable, they have more self-confidence and can take risks in games, which is when their talent comes out.' Advertisement Johnson draws parallels to his objectives at Lommel to his time at Bristol City. 'When I joined, the objective was to stay up in the first season, reduce the age the following season and the third was moving forward; we reached the Carabao Cup semi-final, beating Manchester United en route, and challenged for the play-offs.' With Johnson's managerial career spanning over a decade, a lot has changed including the generation of players, technologies available to coach them and tactical shifts. Johnson speaks of the need to 'stay curious' in coaching; he encouraged the use of virtual-reality headsets to replicate in-game simulations during training drills, drones for training sessions and pitchside tactical monitors. 'You assess and trial what adds value, not because it's a gimmick.' Johnson's approach to innovation is the same as his messages to English coaches. 'Football is evolving and so must coaches. We should never stay in our comfort zone.' (Header image: Maarten Straetemans/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)
New York Times
36 minutes ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Rating Nottingham Forest's 102 permanent signings under Evangelos Marinakis
Since Evangelos Marinakis became majority owner of Nottingham Forest in May 2017, there have been more than 100 signings for the club at a combined cost of around £400million. The first arrival of the new era was Jason Cummings, a promising young striker from Scotland. The most recent — the 102nd permanent addition under the current regime — is Tyler Bindon, a New Zealand international. Advertisement Forest's recruitment in recent years has been outstanding, with players including Murillo, Nikola Milenkovic, Matz Sels and Elliot Anderson all proving impressive bits of business. So with the club hitting the century of permanent signings in the Marinakis era, we decided to take a look at the successes… and the failures — and, just for a bit of fun, to rate every one of them out of 10. Grab yourself a coffee and settle in. Signed: Hibernian (June 2017, £1million) Left: Shrewsbury (September 2019, undisclosed) Scored one goal, before being sent out on loan to Rangers, Peterborough and Luton. Now an Australia international playing in the Indian Super League. Impressive tattoos. 4 Signed: Rangers (July 2017, £500k) Left: Swansea (July 2018, undisclosed) Winger who briefly looked like an outstanding talent. Scored five goals for Forest in 26 Championship appearances — but was plagued by inconsistency. 4 Signed: Newcastle (July 2017, £2million) Left: Bolton (September 2019, free) It felt like a big fee for a 34-year-old, and it became a long-standing debate. A physical presence up front, Murphy scored 13 goals in 60 appearances. 5 Signed: Burnley (July 2017, £1million) Left: Wigan (January 2021, free) A full-back who helped Burnley to promotion to the Premier League, before being signed by Forest to try to achieve the same. Made 63 appearances, scoring once, before a serious knee injury he did well to bounce back from. 6 Signed: Olympiacos (July 2017, free) Left: Olympiacos (July 2018, free) Scored two stunning goals in his league debut, a 4-3 away win against Brentford. Greece international midfielder who had ability but seemed to struggle with the pace of the Championship. 5 Signed: Leeds (August 2017, £1million) Left: Lincoln (August 2020, free) Advertisement He brought leadership but never really broke into the side after Aitor Karanka's appointment as manager the following January. 5 Signed: Free agent, January 2018 Left: Tractor (August 2018, free) The Iran international midfielder made his debut as a 76th-minute substitute at one of his former clubs, Fulham. A knee injury ensured that was his only Forest appearance. Unlucky, but a flop nevertheless. 3 Signed: Huddersfield (January 2018, £2million) Left: Sydney FC (August 2022, free) Got Forest's player of the season award in 2018-19, when he also scored their goal of the season, a thunderous strike in a 5-5 draw at Aston Villa — a game in which he provided four assists. After Forest won promotion in May 2022, Lolley was sidelined, which was not a fitting end to the winger's City Ground career. 8 Love you Lolleh 🍭❤️ #NFFC @JLolley23 — Joe Worrall (@JoeWorrall5) January 28, 2020 Signed: Middlesbrough (January 2018, free) Left: Al Gharafa (August 2019, undisclosed) Famed for his long-range shots, which brought him a few spectacular goals during both spells at Forest (he was previously at the club for 18 months in 2012 and 2013). His final goal — fired into the corner from outside the box in a 3-1 win over Wigan — epitomised that. Wasn't quite as good this second time around. 5 Signed: Watford (February 2018, free) Left: Charlton (September 2020, free) Forest's manager at the time Sabri Lamouchi called him the 'brains' of his side. It took Watson a while to win around the Forest fans, but his passing ability eventually swayed opinion — and earned him the nickname 'The Ginger Pirlo'. Started all but one of the 46 league matches in the 2019-20 Championship. 7 Signed: Free agent, February 2018 Left: Werder Bremen (August 2018, €300,000) Advertisement Arrived with a big reputation, having played Champions League football with previous club Olympiacos and for Greece. Looked a decent shot-stopper but made only four appearances during his brief stay. 4 Signed: Free agent, February 2018 Left: Free agent, July 2018 Has there been a more unlucky player to have signed for Forest? The Spanish full-back had been a free agent for six months when he joined, after leaving Osasuna the previous summer. He broke his leg in a committed challenge with Barnsley's Dimitri Cavare in the April — on debut. The injury was so severe it led to his retirement the following year, aged 29. Not his fault, but… 3 Signed: Watford (July 2018, undisclosed) Left: Denizlispor (September 2020, free) A goalkeeper who was capable of brilliance but also of making the occasional error. After Forest made the previous season's six-month loan permanent, he played 44 Championship games in 2018-19, before being frozen out under Lamouchi. 5 Signed: Sporting CP (Loan January 2018, made permanent for £2million August 2018) Left: Hull (June 2022, free) Made 122 appearances, including 26 in the league during the promotion season. An old-fashioned, no-nonsense centre-half. Reliable. 6 Signed: Newcastle (loans in January 2018 and July 2018; August 2020, free) Left: QPR (July 2023, free) Scored one of the club's most remarkable goals in recent years when, from very wide on the left, he sent a curling volley inside the far post, in a 4-0 win over West Bromwich Albion in April 2022. His calming presence was a big factor in Forest's promotion that season and subsequent survival in the Premier League. With Watson too, it was an era when ginger midfielders thrived. 7 Signed: Hull (May 2018, free) Left: Retired, August 2021 Advertisement Dawson made only 28 Championship appearances across three seasons following his return to the club where he began his career before a 2005 move to Tottenham… but his influence was vast. Lamouchi — a man who was often modest with his praise — said he would keep him at Forest 'for life'. 8 Signed: Benfica (June 2018, £13.2million) Left: Olympiacos (January 2022, undisclosed) Forest wanted it to be a statement of intent when they smashed their transfer record to sign Carvalho. He scored four goals and provided eight assists during a promising debut season. But more than one manager saw him as being more style than substance. Had hair like Al Pacino. 4 Signed: QPR (June 2018, free) Left: Sheffield United (January 2020, £500,000) A no-nonsense performer. Made 59 appearances before getting an opportunity to play in the Premier League. 6 Signed: Dinamo Zagreb (June 2018, €3million) Left: Olympiacos (June 2019, undisclosed) Scored two Championship goals in one start and five substitute appearances, but knee and leg injuries effectively ended his only season at Forest. Disappointing. 4 Signed: Bournemouth (July 2018, £6million) Left: Al Ahli (August 2022, free) It took then-manager Karanka weeks of phone calls to get Grabban to sign for the club. He believed his instinctive finishing power could fire Forest to promotion. He was right, but it was under Steve Cooper that Grabban finally helped them into the top flight, scoring 12 Championship goals in that 2021-22 season. 8 Signed: Bristol City (August 2018, free) Left: Released, July 2020 A goalkeeper who scored on his Forest debut, in a 10-9 penalty shootout win against Bury in the Carabao Cup. Was generally kept out of the side by Pantilimon, though. Unlucky. 5 Advertisement Signed: Huddersfield (August 2018, £300,000) Left: Retired, July 2021 Played only 18 times for Forest before a succession of injuries ensured he was unable to play for two-and-a-half years. 4 Signed: Olympiacos (September 2018, free) Left: Lecce (January 2019 loan made permanent July 2019, €500,000) Tachtsidis was said to have been so upset about leaving Athens, he shed tears on the journey to Nottingham. The Greece midfielder's mood will not have changed; he never played a game for Forest. 1 Signed: West Brom (September 2018, free) Left: Nacional (January 2020, contract mutually terminated) The Argentine midfielder occasionally looked the part but was not involved at all at the start of the 2019-20 season and was allowed to leave in the winter window. 4 Signed: Free agent, November 2018 Left: Al Sailiya (July 2019, free) The Iran international who had left Olympiacos in summer 2018 scored two goals in three starts and nine substitute appearances. Did not shine. 4 Signed: Leicester (January 2019, undisclosed) Left: Aris (October 2020, free) Martin O'Neill's first signing. Fiercely committed: in 14 appearances, he collected seven yellow cards, two red — but also scored the vital goal in a 1-0 win over Derby. So fans will forgive him. 5 Signed: AIK (February 2019, free agent) Left: Contract terminated (October 2019) The Sweden international made 12 appearances under O'Neill, but was quickly moved on by Lamouchi, who did not rate him as highly. 4 Signed: Bolton (June 2019, free agent) Left: Middlesbrough (June 2021, free agent) A winger who was capable of unadulterated brilliance… and of sometimes having all the grace and balance of a newborn deer. Was a key figure in his first season with five goals and nine assists. 6 Advertisement Signed: Feirense (July 2019, undisclosed) Left: Olympiacos (October 2020, undisclosed) Many were disappointed to see Silva depart. Technically gifted, creative and comfortable on the ball. Forest did get Cafu from Olympiacos in return. 6 Signed: Benfica (July 2019, undisclosed) Left: Legia Warsaw (August 2021, free) The product of the Benfica academy established himself as first-choice left-back. A tidy player with energy and work rate. Made 52 league appearances. 6 Signed: Aston Villa (July 2019, free) Left: QPR (October 2020, free) Felt like a smart signing. But Adomah was swiftly loaned to Cardiff and released the following summer. Expected more. 4 Signed: Dinamo Moscow (August 2019, £600,000) Left: Lens (August 2021, free) In 2019-20 Forest had a win rate of 52 per cent with the midfielder in the side and 30 per cent without. The Mali international was a huge presence. But injuries limited his impact massively. If he could have stayed fit, he would have been brilliant. 7 Signed: Arsenal (August 2019, £2million) Left: Melbourne City (January 2022, loan) The full-back had amassed close to 100 Premier League appearances with Arsenal and West Ham and won an England cap. But he never got going at the City Ground. Baffling. 3 Signed: Caen (August 2019, €5million) Left: Lens (July 2022, €5million) At the time, Samba was by far the best goalkeeper to have played for Forest in years. A force of nature in the dressing room. A hero in the Championship play-off winning side, who will be remembered for his penalty shootout saves against Sheffield United in the semi-final. Sh*thouse. 8 Signed: Levante (August 2019, €1million) Left: Getafe (January 2020, undisclosed) The defender made 10 appearances in six months before Lamouchi approved his return to Spain. A future quiz question. 4 Advertisement Signed: Strasbourg (January 2020, undisclosed, but thought to be around €2million) Left: Auxerre (August 2022) Intelligent and interesting character, who speaks five languages. But an awful signing. He scored one goal — an own goal in the 4-1 defeat to Stoke City on the final day of the 2019-20 season, which ensured Forest missed out on the play-offs on goal difference. A haunting memory. 2 Signed: Brighton (January 2020, £500,000) Left: End of contract (June 2022) His debut, against Charlton, was so unimpressive that Lamouchi never used the defender again. He was restored to the squad by Chris Hughton, who had managed the defender at Brighton — where he was regarded as a reliable, steady performer. At Forest, he rarely showed those qualities. Mystifying. 2 Signed: Reading (August 2020, free) Left: FC Cincinnati (August 2021, free) The Manchester United academy arrived with some pedigree. But he had an injury-hit campaign making nine Championship starts and five sub appearances. Wasn't the answer to Forest's annual left-back problem. 3 Signed: Charlton (August 2020, free agent) Left: Released (July 2023) Lyle Taylor's reportedly free to leave Forest. The best penalty taker in the country? 👀 — Second Tier podcast (@secondtierpod) August 22, 2022 The striker, affectionately known as 'Boris' because of his love of politics and his dyed blond hair, was not a prolific scorer, netting seven times in 23 starts and 34 sub appearances in the league. But his late brace at Bristol City — which earned a 2-1 win in October 2021 — helped provide the first hint that Cooper's side might be capable of something special. His penalty-taking style still leaves your nerves shredded. 6 Signed: Malmo (August 2020, nominal fee) Left: Omonia Nicosia (August 2021, free) Advertisement Lamouchi believed Bachirou was somebody who could dictate the tempo in midfield. But his one Championship appearance was as a 58th-minute substitute in a 0-0 draw with Barnsley. Last seen plying his trade at Matlock Town. 2 Signed: Olympiacos (September 2020, undisclosed fee) Left: Rayo Vallecano (February 2021, undisclosed fee) The forward occasionally looked the part and was more of a No 10 than a 9. But he also made nine appearances without scoring. 3 Signed: PSG (September 2020, a fee of up to €5m) Left: Beerschot (August 2024, following release) Forest thought they were signing one of the brightest young talents in French football. But he left after loan spells with Guingamp and Almere City. Beerschot sounds like a fun place. 4 Signed: Genclerbirligi (September 2020, free) Left: End of contract (June 2021) Signed as a back-up goalkeeper to Samba and Jordan Smith. Did have injury problems. But was never likely to challenge Samba. Left without making an appearance. 3 Signed: Bournemouth (September 2020, £5million) Left: End of contract (June 2024) When Forest won promotion to the Premier League, it triggered a clause in Arter's contract extending his deal until 2024 and earning him a healthy pay rise. The last of his 14 Forest appearances was in January 2021. He was told he was surplus to requirements the following summer. But did not leave until three years later. Gold star for his agent. But from the club's point of view: 0 Signed: Aberdeen (September 2020, £3million, potentially rising to £6million) Left: Las Palmas (August 2024, end of contract) The defender started 45 Championship games as Forest won promotion. The Scottish international was a vital figure in ending the club's 23-year exile, even if he subsequently could not hold down his place in the Premier League. Did what he was signed to do. 8 Advertisement Signed: APOEL (September 2020, £500,000) Left: Como (July 2021, initially on loan) The Cyprus international started five Championship games after signing, but never featured for Forest again after being sent off against Luton Town in October 2020. On the naughty step, rather than the bench. 2 Signed: Brighton (February 2021, free) Left: Retired (May 2021) Murray added some experience to the front line. But it was not the swansong he would have wanted for his impressive career. Two goals in eight starts and eight sub appearances. Has since admitted he realised it was time to hang his boots up during a Forest training session. 5 Signed: Olympiacos (October 2020, initially on loan, permanent February 2021) Left: Rotherham (July 2023, free agent) The midfielder celebrated his only Forest goal in the Championship — in a 4-1 win at Swansea — like he had scored in a World Cup final. He will also be remembered for his joyous celebrations after the play-off final. Did get to make one Premier League appearance. Clearly loved every minute. 6 Signed: Club Brugge (July 2021, free) Left: Cardiff (February 2024, undisclosed) The USMNT goalkeeper was understudy to Samba, so found his opportunities limited. Made a brief cameo off the bench in the play-off final. Won promotion with Luton too. 5 Signed: Olympiacos (August 2021, free) Left: Basel (August 2023, free) The Tunisia international did not play a game for Forest, before being offloaded to Luzern on loan. Extra point for having a name like a Bond villain. 2 Signed: Olimpia (August 2021, £2million) Left: Real Salt Lake (August 2022, loan then permanent) Was handed three Championship starts and there was a hope that he would evolve into Forest's future No 10. He didn't. But the Paraguay international has established himself in the MLS. 4 Advertisement Signed: West Ham (August 2021, £200,000) Left: Dijon (August 2022, undisclosed) Made two starts and eight sub appearances. Hard to remember much about any of them. 3 Signed: Alaves (September 2021, free) Left: Contract terminated (January 2022) Came through the youth ranks at Milan and made more than 100 La Liga appearances with Alaves and Almeria. The central defender did not make a single Forest appearance. 2 Signed: Bournemouth (January 2022, free) Left: QPR (August 2023, undisclosed) The defender provided a calm head in the second half of the promotion season — even scoring from the spot in the play-off semi-final against Sheffield United. Provided the same qualities as Forest fended off relegation. Astute signing. 7 Signed: Toronto FC (January 2022, $1million) Left: Toronto FC (August 2024) His one Forest start came against Hull City, ahead of the Championship play-offs, when Cooper rested key players. Had pace and directness. But Forest had better options. 5 Signed: Stoke City (January 2022, £2.2million) Left: Nashville (July 2023, £5million) Chipped in with seven goals for Cooper's play-off winning side, including a hat-trick in a 5-1 win over Swansea. All but one of his 20 Premier League appearances came off the bench. Honest pro. 7 Signed: Dijon (January 2022, £1.2m) Left: End of contract, 2025 Made only one Championship start before loan spells with Coventry, Cardiff, Standard Liege and Rio Ave. A tough era for a central defender to earn an opportunity. 5 Signed: Union Berlin (July 2022, £17million) His 10 goals were a major factor in keeping Forest in the Premier League, during their first season back. Has been unfortunate with injuries since. But his contribution has been significant. A very well-liked figure behind the scenes. 7 Advertisement Signed: Troyes (July 2022, £5million) Left: Olympiacos (September 2023, undisclosed) The French defender made only two sub appearances in the top flight, before suffering a season-ending knee injury in training. Unfortunate. 4 Signed: Mainz (July 2022, deal worth up to €15million) Left: Lyon (July 2024, £27million) Suffered a hamstring injury in only his second game and did not return until March 2023. Was a useful member of the squad in 2023-24. A good player — but his sale helped Forest remain within profit and sustainability regulations. 7 Signed: Bayern Munich (July 2022, £8.5million) Soon after he signed, it was discovered the full-back had a hairline fracture in his leg. Three years later, he is yet to play for Forest. Has had loans at sister clubs Olympiacos and Rio Ave. 2 Signed: Liverpool (July 2022, £17million) Cooper felt Forest had signed one of the brightest full-back talents in the country when he persuaded Williams to sign. It took a bit of time for Williams to evolve, but he looked to be exactly that last season, when he was outstanding at left-back. 9 Signed: Burnley (July 2022, free) Was signed as a backup, although he did make four Premier League starts in his first season. His character and professionalism have been valued by Nuno Espirito Santo, who has spoken about him taking on a coaching role. 6 Signed: Alajuelense (July 2022, €950,000) Left: Rio Ave (July 2024, undisclosed) The Costa Rica international was immediately sent out on loan to Guanacasteca, before further loan spells at Estoril and Bristol Rovers. Played a total of four minutes of Premier League football for Forest. 4 Signed: Huddersfield (July 2022, £10million joint deal with Lewis O'Brien) Left: End of contract June 2025 Advertisement Despite making only 57 appearances across three seasons for Forest, the defender still managed to make a positive impact. Made a vital clearance off the line in his one Premier League start of the season at Tottenham. Was a mental health ambassador for the club. All round nice guy. 7 Signed: Huddersfield (July 2022, £10million joint deal with Toffolo) After making 13 Premier League appearances in the first half of the campaign, O'Brien wasn't even included in the squad for the second. Loans at D.C. United, Middlesbrough, LAFC and Swansea have followed. 4 Signed: Manchester United (July 2022, free agent) Left: Released May 2023 Was he a flop? Realistically, yes. He provided no goals or assists in his 17 Premier League appearances. Yet he was a popular figure; somebody who helped with unity and team spirit. He was not the signing Forest had hoped. But perhaps not the character people expected, either. 5 Signed: Stuttgart (July 2022, £10.5million) Left: Lyon (January 2024, £10million loan fee, followed by £15m to make move permanent) A dynamic, driving midfielder who evolved into an important figure. His sale helped to ensure Forest stayed on the right side of PSR. A vital piece of business. 7 Signed: Watford (August 2022, £10million) A signing that was announced via a glitzy video. Dennis had scored a respectable 10 Premier League goals in a struggling Watford team, but has never produced at Forest. Has been on loan to Basaksehir, Watford and Blackburn. 3 Signed: Crystal Palace (August 2022, free) Left: End of contract, May 2024 Was signed to bring experience and knowledge, and was largely used as a substitute. But he did everything expected of him. 6 Signed: Atalanta (August 2022, £7.6m) Left: Bologna (September 2023, part of a swap deal with Nicolas Dominguez) The Swiss international was dubbed 'the conductor of the orchestra' at Atalanta because of his ability to dictate the tempo. He was a player with quality and he was good to watch at times. But he also seemed to struggle with the dynamism of the Premier League. 6 Advertisement Signed: Wolves (August 2022, £25m, rising to £42m) Some felt it was a big price tag for the attacking midfielder, who had not always had regular game time at Wolves. It was not. He was always Cooper's number one signing in the first summer after promotion and he has subsequently demonstrated why. Has evolved into one of Forest's most influential players and an England international. He would be almost impossible to replace. 10 Signed: Bordeaux (August 2022, £4million) Left: Alanyaspor (September 2024, free) An odd signing. The South Korean joined Olympiacos on loan, where he barely played, before further loan spells at FC Seoul, Norwich and Alanyaspor. In February, he was given a suspended sentence for secretly filming sex with a woman. 1 Signed: Wolves (September 2022, fee rising to £4.6million) Last season, Boly only started one Premier League game — but Forest are still keen to extend his contract, which tells you a story. Brings experience and leadership. May be useful in Europe. 6 Signed: Blackpool (September 2022, £2.3million) Had done reasonably well with Hull and Blackpool in the Championship but was untested in the top flight. He still is. Has been on loan to Olympiacos, Blackpool, Cardiff, Preston and Luton. Signing for Forest did not aid his development. 3 Signed: Villarreal (September 2022, free agent) Left: Galatasaray (February 2024, £100,000) There had been question marks about his attitude during his time at Tottenham. But there was zero evidence of that at Forest, where he was a mentor to the young players and a significant cog in the machine for a while. 7 Signed: Palmeiras (January 2023, free agent) Left: Atletico Mineiro (January 2024, £4million) He liked to skateboard and learned English by watching old episodes of Friends. He had won the Copa Libertadores twice with Palmeiras. Had all the ingredients to be a cult figure… but he made little impact. 4 Advertisement Signed: Palmeiras (January 2023, £16million) He was going to be part of Nuno Espirito Santo's first-choice midfield this season, alongside Ibrahim Sangare, before he suffered a broken leg on the opening day, against Bournemouth. Forest always believed he could evolve into a high-quality midfielder, and he has. He is expected to join Lyon this summer. 7 Signed: Atletico Madrid (January 2023, €2million) Left: Retired May 2024 A wise addition. The defender added experience and quality. A key figure in survival, particularly in his first four months. 6 Signed: Newcastle (January 2023, undisclosed) Left: Caykur Rizespor (September 2023, free) Shelvey should have been a decent signing. Newcastle wanted to keep him, but he felt he could play a bigger role at the City Ground. Somehow, the midfielder never fitted in. He was frozen out within a few months. 2 Signed: Newcastle (January 2023, loan with an obligation to buy for £15million) Some people thought Wood was going to be a dud. But he has emphatically proved his doubters wrong. After scoring 14 goals in 2023-24, he delivered 20 last season, as one of the most potent finishers in the top flight. 9 Signed: Al Sadd (February 2023, free agent) Left: End of contract, May 2023 A player Cooper knew and trusted from their time together at Swansea. Did not manage to win Forest fans round in quite the same way. 4 Signed: Torino (July 2023, free agent) One of the best free transfer signings the club has ever made. It is hard to think of a better right-back at Forest in the modern era. Has pace, intelligence, defensive positioning and attacking instincts — and is a positive influence in the dressing room. 10 Signed: Manchester United (July 2023, £15million) Advertisement The fastest player at Forest and possibly even in the Premier League. Provided six goals and 11 assists in the season just gone, with his rampaging wing play. United's loss was definitely Forest's gain. Key to the way Forest play under Nuno. 9 Signed: Arsenal (August 2023, £10million) The USMNT player was seen as the answer to Forest's problems in goal… He did not prove to be. After being loaned to Crystal Palace last season, he is expected to join Lyon. 4 Signed: Corinthians (August 2023, £11million) Had only limited first-team experience in Brazil, but very quickly evolved into a defender who is a joy to watch at Forest. Has attracted admiring glances from some of the biggest clubs in Europe. If he ever does move on, it will be for a massive fee. That 40-yard screamer is coming. 10 Signed: Bologna (September 2023, part of a swap deal with Remo Freuler) His importance to the side could easily go under the radar. Versatile, hard working, dynamic and capable of playing in numerous roles. Consistently good. 8 Signed: Chelsea (September 2023, £5million) Almost unstoppable when he cuts in from the left side. The winger has scored 13 goals, but he brings so much more. His pace is at the heart of Forest's counter-attacking style. A bargain. 8 Signed: Benfica (September 2023, £6.8million) Left: Newcastle (July 2024, £20million) Conceded 12 goals in his five league starts for Forest. Had played in the Champions League with Benfica and previously flourished at Panathinaikos. But generally looked uncertain with Forest. 4 Signed: PSV (September 2023, £30million) Forest regarded Sangare as a transformative signing; a midfielder who could allow them to adapt how they play. His impact has been limited by injury. But the Ivory Coast international began to show his class again in recent months. 7 (but could still rise to 8) Advertisement Signed: Norwich (September 2023, £11million) The central defender was regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the Championship. Made 11 league appearances for Forest in 2023-24, without looking out of place. Has been on loan at Strasbourg this year, who do have an option to make the move permanent. 6 Signed: Strasbourg (February 2024, £5million) Sels has been outstanding this season, keeping 13 clean sheets to win the Golden Glove award alongside Arsenal's David Raya. Then there were his repeated penalty heroics in the FA Cup. What goalkeeper problem? 9 Signed: Red Star Belgrade (June 2024, £5million) Was immediately sent on loan to Olympiacos, where he has not pulled up any trees. Still young. 5 Signed: St Pauli (June 2024, £1.25million) Signed as a long-term investment for the future. The 19-year-old did make two brief sub appearances in the Premier League — but was never expected to make an immediate impact. 6 Signed: Newcastle (June 2024, £15million — due to £20million part exchange of Vlachodimos) Was signed to compete on the left side, but instead made one of the central midfield spots his own. An outstanding debut season. He is an England Under-21 regular and must be pushing for a senior cap. Expect him to be a big player again next season. 10 Signed: Corinthians (July 2024, £3.4million) Was seen as backup to Sels, but also as a player who could push the Belgian for his place. But is yet to do so. 5 Signed: Fiorentina (July 2024, £11million) A transformative figure in the Forest defence. Solid, dependable and unflinching — he also made Murillo better alongside him. A complete bargain. Amazing that no other Premier League sides made a serious effort to sign him. 10 Advertisement Signed: Vitoria (August 2024, £6million) The Portuguese Jack Grealish has made 26 of his 31 Premier League appearances off the bench, but always looks determined to make something happen. Has scored three goals. Feels like there is more to come. 7 Signed: Talleres (August 2024, £11million) His one start and 18 sub appearances only amounted to 284 minutes of football. Forest always felt that it might take a season for Sosa to settle. 6 100. David Carmo Signed: Porto (August 2024, £10million) Immediately returned to Olympiacos (where he had impressed during the 2023-24 campaign) on loan. Has become a well-respected defender in Athens. Is expected to get the chance to prove himself in pre-season at Forest. 7 Signed: Benfica (August 2024, £15million) Of his 26 appearances, 20 have been as sub. On the many occasions when Morato came off the bench, you felt assured that Forest would not concede a goal. Did dip slightly in form a little. Hugely imposing. 7 Signed: Reading (February 2025, nominal fee) Immediately rejoined Reading on loan after signing for Forest — and won their player of the season award. The defender is highly regarded. May go out on loan again. 6 (Top photos: Getty Images)
