FOREST V STOKE CITY FULL MATCH REACTION:
JAMES Garner said the relationships he developed last season were the motivation for wanting a second loan spell with Nottingham Forest.
The midfielder is heading back to the City Ground on a season-long loan and could play a part in tomorrow’s Carabao Cup match at home to Wolves.
He made 20 appearances for the Reds last season, scoring his first Forest goal in the draw away to Derby County at Pride Park, then the winner away to Cardiff City and eyecatching long-range strikes against Queens Park Rangers and Preston North End.
Garner has been high on Forest manager Chris Hughton’s wish list all summer but the move had been held up until the player agreed a new long-term deal with his parent club, Manchester United.
That deal has now been done and the 20-year-old said: “I’m made up to be back.
“It’s been quite a long process but I’m looking forward to playing in front of Forest fans for the first time.
“It was good for me to get game time last season and score goals in important games like Derby. I know how much that match means to the club and I’m looking forward to Saturday.
“I think I matured off the pitch and on the pitch playing against good opposition every week with seasoned pros. I think the Championship is one of the toughest leagues.
“The fans have been great to me across social media since day one, despite me not being able to plan in front of them. That’s a big reason why I wanted to come back and, of course, the manager and the players here that I already know.”
The signing is a boost for Forest following defeats in all four of their first Championship matches this season, putting Hughton under increasing pressure.
“We’re really delighted to have James back at the club,” said Hughton.
“We’ve had the benefit of working with James for a long period last season and know exactly what qualities he brings to the side.
“It will also therefore be a very quick settling in period for him, which is important.
“We are really grateful to Manchester United for allowing James to come back to the City Ground to continue his development. “He’s player that made a very good impression around the club last season and we saw him develop on and off the pitch during that period.
“He has trained with the squad this morning and is available for Tuesday’s match against Wolves.”
The midfielder signed a new contract at Old Trafford on Saturday, keeping him at the club until 2024.
Garner has featured seven times for United’s first team and played during their pre-season programme. He also captained the Red Devils through age groups, having joined their academy at the age of eight. “Manchester United has been a massive part of my life for over 10 years now,” said Garner. “My ambitions are obviously to become a firstteam player here. “I know exactly what it takes, I’m ready to go and showcase my ability to everyone and keep on striving for all my goals.
“Signing this new contract shows the faith that the club has in me, it gives me extra motivation and means so much for me and my family. I want to be a big player for this club one day, that is my ultimate aim and I’ll be working every day to make that happen.”
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, meanwhile, has hinted that all parties will re-assess the situation in the winter, depending on Garner’s progress.
“He’s done really well in pre-season, and he’s really impressed me,” Solskjaer explained.
“I think for his career, another season, or another six months now to start with, playing regularly in the Championship will help him.”
I think I matured of the pitch and on the pitch playing against good opposition every week
James Garner