​The City Ground was the site of a truly bittersweet scene this weekend. While Nottingham Forest cruised to a professional 2-0 victory over Ligue 1 side Brest in their final pre-season tune-up, the afternoon was defined not by the goals, but by a classy, emotional tribute to a departing fan favorite.

​As the half-time whistle blew, the festivities were paused for a moment of genuine sentiment. Striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who has been a cornerstone of the club’s recent history, was given a full guard of honor by the first-team squad and coaching staff. Amidst cheers and an impromptu session of “the bumps” from his teammates, a visibly emotional Awoniyi bid farewell to the Forest faithful. He is officially set to finalize a £17 million move to Coventry City in the coming days.

​It was a rare moment in modern football—a public, heartfelt goodbye for a player who defined the “Forest spirit.” Joining the club in 2022, Awoniyi was instrumental in the 2022/23 campaign, netting crucial goals that kept the Reds in the Premier League. He leaves not just as a departing asset, but as a player who gave everything, never complained, and perfectly embodied the values of the City Ground. When he returns to face Forest later this season, he won’t be met with jeers; he will be met with the standing ovation he thoroughly deserves.

​A Stroll in the Sun: Netz Steals the Show

​While the farewell was the emotional centerpiece, the on-pitch performance provided plenty for manager Oliver Glasner to smile about. Though the “A-team” sat this one out—having played a behind-closed-doors friendly against Coventry earlier in the day—the fringe players proved that the club’s depth is stronger than ever.

​The undisputed star of the afternoon was German full-back Luca Netz. Signed for a measly £1.1 million back in February, Netz is looking like the absolute “steal of the century.” The 23-year-old was electric from the first whistle, constantly bombing forward and creating chaos in the Brest defense. His persistence paid off in the first half when he drew a penalty—coolly converted by a razor-sharp Chris Wood—and he later capped his own performance by finishing a sublime team move orchestrated by Nicolas Dominguez.

​Netz’s pace, tactical awareness, and willingness to crash the box suggest he is ready to take a massive leap forward this season. For a player who has already tasted the Premier League, his performance yesterday served notice: he is no longer just a rotation player; he is a genuine contender for a starting role.

​Wood is Back – And He’s Dangerous

​Perhaps the most encouraging takeaway for Glasner was the clinical form of Chris Wood. After an injury-ravaged 2025-26 campaign that saw him sidelined for over five months, the veteran striker’s fitness was the biggest question mark heading into the new season.

​Any doubts were laid to rest at the City Ground. Wood didn’t just tuck away his penalty with professional ease; he looked mobile, sharp, and physically dominant. Having Wood back at full speed is arguably the biggest “transfer” Forest could have made this summer. If he can stay healthy, his presence completely shifts the ceiling of this squad.

​The Big Picture: Momentum Before Leeds

​With a dominant victory over Brest in the books, Forest now turns its full attention to the Premier League curtain-raiser against Leeds United next weekend. While the absence of stars like Morgan Gibbs-White was noted, the fact that Glasner’s tactical system—high intensity, aggressive pressing, and structural discipline—was executed flawlessly by the reserves proves that the culture in Nottingham is perfectly aligned.

​The squad is leaner, meaner, and hungry for the new campaign. With £17 million incoming from the Awoniyi deal and a rejuvenated roster ready to fight, the atmosphere at the City Ground is electric. The pre-season “stroll in the sun” is over; the real test begins now. Forest is ready, the system is working, and the Reds are coming for the Premier League.