New boy Richie ‘buzzing’, in awe of Forest history
NEW Nottingham Forest defender Richie Laryea has realised a childhood dream.
Upon his arrival at the City Ground, the Canadian international admitted he felt “all those things I imagined in my head as a little boy”.
The 26-year-old joins from Major League Soccer side Toronto FC on a permanent deal and is head coach Steve Cooper’s third addition so far this month.
Laryea, in awe of Forest and the club’s history, explained his feelings and set out a goal for his time in the East Midlands.
“It feels amazing just being able to step out into the stadium and feel the history,” Laryea said in an interview with the club.
“You can see the history. you can see this is what English football’s about and this is what I’ve seen growing up as a kid.
“It’s nice to see it first-hand today and meet all the guys.”
Laryea flew into the country on Friday and underwent a medical on Saturday before putting pen to paper on a permanent deal at the City Ground.
“I’m buzzing to be here,” he added. “It’s been nothing but positive vibes since I step foot in here. I hope to continue and keep it that way.”
He added: “It’s exciting. I know it’s a lot of games (in a Championship season) and it’s high tempo. It excites me. I’m ready to get to work and obviously ready to play at the City Ground and see 30,000-plus fans here.
“Growing up, that was what me and my friends dreamed of. When you think of England, you think of the fans, the stadiums and that’s exactly what I felt as soon as I stepped out.
“I felt all those things I imagined in my head as a little boy.”
Laryea is the first Canadian player to sign for Forest since Jim Brennan arrived from Bristol City in 1999.
Brennan is someone Laryea knows well from Canadian football. “It would be great to follow in his footsteps, if not do better than he did when he was here,” he said with a smile.
“I’m looking forward to being able to do what he did here at Forest.”
Meanwhile, Forest are reportedly ‘interested’ in a potential January move for former Birmingham City loanee Riley Mcgree.
The 23-year-old spent the first half of the season on loan in the west midlands, impressing in his 13 Championship appearances for the club.
He has since returned to parent club Charlotte FC but could return to the Championship during the January window.
The Sun report that Middlesbrough are leading the race for the midfielder, having started talks with the MLS side over a potential move.
However, it is said that Forest are also showing an interest and could provide competition for Boro over any transfer.
It is claimed that Mcgree would cost a fee of £2m, with Birmingham unable to match the fee or wages needed in order to complete a permanent move.
Forest also continue to be linked with a number of other players, including Derby County’s Lee Buchanan.
Speaking ahead of yesterday’s game against Arsenal, Cooper said that he hopes to do more business in the window.
“I hope so. There’s no guarantee with that, and they have to be the right players and in the right situation,” he said.
“But as a club, we are very clear on what we would like to do.
“We are very much trying to get the balance right between getting players for the here and now, to make us better for the next game and onwards, but we’re also trying to build a team for the medium and longer term as well.”