Nottingham Forest commenced their pre-season preparations with a 0-0 draw against Chesterfield, opting for a lineup comprised of mostly inexperienced players, as several key members of the squad were still on an extended break following their international commitments. Among the notable names who featured in the match were Ola Aina, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Willy Boly, Jota Silva, and Ryan Yates, who gained valuable playing time. Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Forest aims to bolster the team by securing the signatures of at least four new players, with Morgan Gibbs-White reportedly on the verge of a move to Tottenham Hotspur.
Despite the competitive outing against Chesterfield, it became evident that certain players may not have a future with the Reds. Speculation surrounds Lewis O’Brien’s potential move to Wrexham, while David Carmo and Marko Stamenic might be loaned out once again. The absence of Emmanuel Dennis, who spent the previous season on loan at Blackburn, and Josh Bowler, who has yet to make a competitive appearance for Forest, suggests that their positions within the team hierarchy are uncertain following their exclusion from the pre-season fixture.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s preference for a compact squad notwithstanding, Forest recognizes the need to reinforce the team with new additions. The departure of Anthony Elanga, who recently joined Newcastle, coupled with Gibbs-White’s imminent exit, has prompted a sense of unease among the fan base. As the pre-season progresses, Forest plans to reintegrate more senior players into the fold, signaling a shift towards a more cohesive squad dynamic.
For Bowler and Dennis, the outlook appears grim as they appear to face an uncertain future at Nottingham Forest. The club, eager to secure suitable destinations for the duo, aims to facilitate their transfer to new clubs before the close of the transfer window, ensuring a smooth transition ahead of the upcoming season.
