Reid confirmed in top role Darikwa is star man

NOTTINGHAM Forest have confirmed Andy Reid in the role as head coach of the Under-23s.

Reid had been in charge of team on an interim basis following the departure of Chris Cohen in September.

He returned to the club in January last year, helping to coach the club’s academy players and playing a crucial role in helping the U23s lift the Professional Development League North title last season.

The former Republic of Ireland international spent two spells at the club as a player spanning 10 years, making 290 appearances having himself come through the club’s academy system.

His popularity among the players and staff has seen the young Reds produce some fine performances under his guidance.

Reid is delighted to be continuing his work.

“Everyone knows my affiliation with this club, so to now become head coach of the Under-23s is really special for me.

“We had a fantastic season last year and myself and all of the staff connected to the academy are determined to achieve parallel success this season and to see the continued development of these fantastic young players.

“It’s obviously an exciting time for the club, with plans and ambitions to move the academy into the category one status.

“There’s a lot of work to be done in order to achieve this, but we are all determined to see it through and give our players the best possible chance of going on to have successful careers.”

■■A rearranged date has now been confirmed for the trip to Coventry City in the Championship.

Forest’s progress in the FA Cup prompted the rearrangement. It will now be played at St Andrew’s on Tuesday, February 2 (7pm).

TENDAYI Darikwa marked his first game in 18 months by shining for Wigan Athletic during an eventful debut against Rochdale.

The Zimbabwe international joined the League One club last week after leaving Nottingham Forest.

He had not played since representing his country in the African Cup of Nations in June 2019, with his last Forest appearance coming three months earlier against Swansea City.

That was because of a serious knee injury, with the 29-year-old unable to break into the Reds team once he recovered.

However, he showed no sign of rustiness as it finished 3-3 against Rochdale, with the Wigan Observer naming Darikwa as their man of the match.

Darikwa took to Twitter after the game, saying: “18 months later... finally back out there, disappointing result but we keep moving forward together.”

Reds left-back Nicholas Ioannou made his debut for Aris after coming off the bench for the final three minutes of a 1-0 defeat to AEK Athens.

Ioannou is to spend the rest of the season on loan with the Greek Super League club.