How are summer leavers faring?
IT seems like a long time ago now, but the summer transfer window saw big changes at Nottingham Forest.
Ten new additions came in, with the majority proving to be decent signings for the Reds – including some standouts such as Djed Spence and Max Lowe.
But the overhaul also saw a long list of departures.
Eighteen left in total, either through contracts or loans expiring, or being moved on – albeit James Garner did return for a second loan spell.
Some of those who left have perhaps been missed more than others. We’ve taken a look at how they are all getting on.
■■Michael Dawson
Called time on a fine career at the age of 37, announcing his decision to hang up his boots after his Forest deal came to an end.
Has been keeping himself busy with plenty of media work, and is also a club ambassador for one of his former teams, Tottenham Hotspur.
■■Michael Hefele
Hadn’t played a competitive game for more than two years when he opted to retrire “due to medical reasons” in July.
Returned to Huddersfield Town for “a newly created role working with various departments behind the scenes”.
His job includes club ambassadorial duties, community initiatives and working with the commercial team, as well as coaching and mentoring academy players.
■■Abdoulaye Diallo
Failed to make a single appearance in the Garibaldi, not being helped by injury troubles.
Remains without a club.
■■Samba Sow
Headed back to French side Lens, where he started his career. The plan was to help “supervise” their reserves, and he has made three appearances for them. But it seems a route to the first team isn’t out of the question. Manager Frank Haise told lensois last month: “Samba returned to supervise the team of N2. “But at the same time, when there are good players, “I don’t look at their identity card to find out their age.”
He added: “If he deserves to have a role with us at some point, he will.” Subsequently, the midfielder was on the bench for a match against Montpellier soon after.
Some of those who left have perhaps been missed more than others
■■Sammy Ameobi
Signed for Forest’s Championship rivals Middlesbrough, but has yet to feature.
Teessidelive said last month: “He came in this summer and I think it was the first week of pre-season training he injured his knee and hasn’t been seen since. “It’s a really strange one. “We’ve asked a lot but never been able to get any clear answers on him.
“It’s a difficult one because either they genuinely don’t know what is wrong, which is the answer you get, or they do know but there will be a genuine and valid reason why they don’t want to tell us and have that public knowledge.
“The club recently put out a training gallery of five injured players rehabbing, but noted in that, along with Darnell Fisher who we know is out for the season, Sammy Ameobi still doesn’t have a timeframe for a return.
“It’s tricky.
“Fans want answers and we can continue to ask the question.
“But it’s clear that either there genuinely isn’t an answer to give, or they can’t or don’t want to give that answer. When there is something they can tell us, I’m certain the club will.”
Now he has a change in manager to contend with, following the appointment of Chris Wilder.
■■Glenn Murray
Another player who brought an end to his playing days when his contract was up. Has turned his hand to media work since then.
■■Filip Krovinovic
There was talk of a Forest return, but is now with Hajduk Split, in Croatia. Has made 12 appearances so far, weighing in with three assists. Netted his first goal for the club in September.
■■Anthony Knockaert
Back with parent club Fulham, following his loan on the banks of the Trent, but hasn’t really been able to work his way into the fold.
His only two run-outs were in the
MIXED FORTUNES FOR THOSE WHO LEFT CITY GROUND BEFORE SEASON
Carabao Cup, against Birmingham City and Leeds United.
■■Cyrus Christie
Like Knockaert, finds himself out of the picture at Craven Cottage. Only game so far this season was that cup match against Leeds.
■■Luke Freeman
Picked up plenty of game time in the early part of the campaign, back with Sheffield United after his Reds loan spell. But the last of his seven appearances this term was in September, with a hamstring injury having sidelined him.
■■Tyler Blackett
Made something of a surprise move to MLS outfit Cincinnati, and has made 11 league appearances so far, scoring one goal.
■■Fouad Bachirou
His time Trentside didn’t really work out, and he is now with Omonia Nicosia in Cyprus.
Has made a total of 12 appearances, including featuring in the Europa League.
■■Jordan Gabriel
Blackpool’s summer pursuit of the defender eventually paid off, following his successful loan spell.
There is competition for the right-back spot with the Seasiders, but eight of his nine league appearances have been in the starting XI – including against the Reds, when Steve Cooper’s side triumphed 2-1 at the City Ground last month.
■ Nuno Da Costa, Harry Arter and Nicholas Ioannou all remain on Forest’s books and are out on loan.