‘Forest may find they are Lin for a £10m bargain’
JESSE LINGARD could prove to be a Nottingham Forest bargain – despite his eye-watering wages.
That is the view of Tony Woodcock, the club’s Nottingham-born European Cup winner, who has hailed the club’s capture of Lingard as a brilliant piece of business.
Lingard completed his free-transfer switch to the City Ground from Manchester United last Thursday.
He will be the highestpaid player in the club’s history, reportedly earning close to £200,000 a week.
But Woodcock (right) reckons that if he keeps them in the Premier League, those numbers could represent one of the best deals Forest have ever pulled off.
Woodcock said: “It could be a great fit. He has signed a one-year contract and I’d imagine after a year he’s available on a free transfer.
“He will use that year to prove to other clubs that he still has it and has the desire and the skill to play at the highest level.
“Forest are not going to be lumbered with a threeor four-year deal, so I think it’s a clever move.
“It might cost £10million for a one-year deal, but, if he helps Forest stay in the Premier League, that’s going to be a little bargain for them.
“For Jesse, he’s got the chance to show his old club United, or whoever, that he can still play. This time next year he could have another big club wanting to take him.
“It’s a great deal all round, a good one financially for both the player and the club.
“I think it can help Forest stay in the Premier League and, for Jesse, it’s a motivational year.
“And, with a World Cup coming up, who’s to say he can’t force his way into England’s plans again?
“There are a lot of very good players out there, but Gareth knows exactly what he’s going to get with Jesse. He has proved himself at international level and knows what it’s like to play in a World Cup, too.”
The club’s transformation under Steve Cooper has been little short of extraordinary.
And Woodcock believes Cooper does not appear to be weighed down by the shadow of history.
“I hear nothing but good things about him,” added Woodcock.
“The fans have liked hearing what he has had to say since he arrived.
“At this club, you’re inevitably going to be compared to Brian Clough.
“But I don’t think that’s a burden – it’s something that should motivate every manager and player. And Steve represents all that’s great about this club.”