Gabriel’s farewell message to Reds as he joins Blackpool
FULL-BACK IMPRESSED ON LOAN WITH SEASIDERS
JORDAN Gabriel has said farewell to Nottingham Forest on social media.
The right-back has signed a fouryear contract at Blackpool, with the option of an extra 12 months, for a fee of around £700,000.
Gabriel returns to the Seasiders having spent a productive loan spell at the club last season where he helped Blackpool win promotion to the Championship.
Gabriel came through the club’s academy and played four times for Forest this season with his last appearance coming in a 1-1 draw at Derby.
And taking to social media, he said: “Thank you @NFFC. From a boy to a man. Can’t thank the staff enough especially @Gazbraz.
“The fans have been amazing! My team-mates have helped me along the way, brothers!
“Wish the club all the best in the future.”
Then in another post shortly after signing his deal at Blackpool, he Tweeted: “Delighted to be back and be at a place where I’m wanted!
“Can’t wait to start, and be in front of our fans! Thank you for all the messages!”
Blackpool boss Neil Critchley says Gabriel “expressed real desire” to return to Blackpool after landing the full-back.
Gabriel had been a top target for
Critchley who had been impressed by the defender’s performances at Bloomfield Road last season.
And Critchley believes the defender will prove to be a valuable asset.
“Jordan made a big impression both on-and-off the pitch last season, so we’re delighted to welcome him back home to Blackpool,” he said.
“We were always keen to sign him after his loan spell and he’s expressed a real desire to return. I’d also like to thank Simon (Sadler) for his support in making this deal happen.
“Jordan’s at a good age with his best years still in front of him and the potential to keep improving. His character fits within the group we have here, and I’m sure our supporters will be looking forward to seeing him in a tangerine shirt again.”
Gabriel told the Blackpool website: “I’m over the moon.
“I can’t wait to get started, I’m so happy to be here.
“I loved my time here last season and it created a lot of memories. That’s now what I’m wanting for the future.
“Together, with the group that we’ve got, we can hopefully do that.”
Meanwhile, yesterday Forest also confirmed the loan exits of striker Nuno Da Costa and midfielder Harry Arter.
Arter has joined Charlton Athletic on a season-long loan while Da Costa has joined Ligue Two side
Caen in a similar deal.
A statement on the club’s official website read: “Harry Arter has joined Charlton Athletic on a season-long loan.
“The midfielder joined The Reds from Bournemouth at the start of the 2020-21 season following a successful loan spell at Fulham during which the men from Craven Cottage were promoted to the Premier League.
“Arter, who started his career at
Charlton, now joins up with Nigel Adkins’ side who finished seventh in League One last season and also include former Reds Ben Watson and Chris Gunter in their first-team squad.
“Nuno Da Costa has also joined Caen in the French Ligue 2 on loan for the rest of the season.
“Da Costa joined The Reds in January 2020 and spent last season on loan at Mouscron in the Belgian top flight.
“The Cape Verde international made one appearance for The Reds this season as a substitute in the victory against Bradford City in the Carabao Cup.
“The club would like to wish Harry and Nuno all the very best with their loan spells.”
There could be further exits with Carl Jenkinson and Gaetan Bong free to find other clubs, but that looks unlikely as the Post went to press.