It’s not really been much of a secret that we’ve been after former Notts County defender Kelvin Wilson, since Preston rebuffed a bid for him earlier. But upon a revised bid of £300k, it was accepted and the youngster has agreed a four year deal with us, turning down Doncaster (and Leeds – ha!) in the process, although I presume the Leeds deal was a while ago since they’re currently under a transfer embargo.
The pacey centreback seems to come with positive feedback from both Preston and Notts fans, and whilst he’s been touted as a right back candidate, this seems to be a weaker position for him. There is also a sell-on agreement for County, which should hopefully cheer up some of the whingeing Sadpies after we ended up making our friendly with them less attractive by playing against Derby a day later.
The outshadowing could occur because of the not inconsiderable rumour from numerous sources that Andy Cole could be on the verge of joining up with us. I’m treating this rumour very much like I did the rumours of Neil Lennon arriving, with a huge rhinoceros-sized pinch of salt – but well, what a signing THAT would be if it were to happen. Smoulds has rightfully penned smug words on the official Forest site, and we’ve been revised as favourites for the title now by Bet Fred on the strength of our preseason signings.
Of course, it’s not inconceivable that Forest could still bugger it up – but fair play, I am starting to get a wee bit excited about the prospect of the dawning season!
Filed under: Transfers
It can hardly be more painful than last season.
I have had a bet of £50 at 6-1 on Forest winning the league-if Cole signs i may increase it to £500 and face devorce proceedings!!!! You reds
I think it’s great to see another local lad with some promise in the squad.
Is it just me, or are we lacking a recognised right full back? Perhaps they think the highly rated prospect Maloney is now ready for the first team or plan to move Perch back there?
I wouldnt like to see centre backs like Chambers and Wilson constantly played out of place.
[...] Kelvin arrives, but will he be outshadowed? [image]It’s not really been much of a secret that we’ve been after former Notts County defender Kelvin […] [...]
Andy Cole coming To Nottingham Forest seems a little unlikely, but still, sounds more realistic than that group trying to get old Stan Collymore to play!
Our defence is going to be a hard one to pick this year. I think our best midfield is easy to pick for the upcoming season with commons, cohen, lennon and davies (sorry to be over reliant on the new boys) and upfront I am sure Calderwood knows the best partnership (injuries played their part last year), but in defence it’s a difficult blend. I think the only guaranteed starter in defence is lockwood as bennett is not going to give him much competition. Then there is a lot of competition for the 2 centre half positions with chambers, breckin, morgan and wilson (great as they all bring different qualities). Then there is the right back slot which the largely touted perch (I think it will be his best position, though needs time), Wilson can play there though do you want to play him in is less preferred role, and there is the emergence of maloney to consider. I know everyone will want all the new boys in there (I am counting chambers as one of the new boys) but the blend will have to be considered and also the fact that breckin is still captain means he is going to start the majority of games.I think there is going to be a lot of debate about the back line in the terraces next season. What do you think NFFC?
Tough call, isn’t it? I think both Brecks and Wes have had shaky moments over the last season.. Brecks keeping the captaincy would suggest that he’s still considered ‘first choice’ – but with Chambers and now Wilson breathing down their necks, they’re gonna have to keep performing!
I’m hoping Smoulds isn’t considering Wilson as a right back, given the squad number of 2, as I’m reliably informed by both Preston and Notts fans that this isn’t his forte, just as it certainly isn’t for Chambers either. Perch would be my pick for rightback in the flat back four, but with the number 7 shirt, is that what the manager has in mind? Who knows!
The other consideration is a back three with wingbacks – certainly Lockwood fits the bill on the left, and maybe Perch on the right? But that means the width that Commons and Davies could give us on the flanks wouldn’t be fulfilled – so all in all, I guess I have no idea – it’s good we seem to have the personnel to fit a number of systems – although I hope that doesn’t lead Smoulds into needless chopping and changing…
On a different note, I see that Marlon has signed for the ‘one that got away’ (Martin O’Neill) at Villa for an undisclosed fee
Does anyone know if Forest had a sell-on clause seeing as we only got 500k from West Ham??