Football Season Guide

At last there is a feeling of optimism at Nottingham Forest again at the end of an ill-fated Al Hasawi ownership. They have now been taken over by Evangelos Marinakis, whose initial progress has been very positive, restoring areas that were lacking off the field and providing far more stability. In Mark Warburton they have a manager who is astute in his management of all areas and he has certainly impressed so far, especially in terms of his summer arrivals. He has strengthened the attack with Daryl Murphy and Barrie McKay and Jason Cummings arriving from Scotland. Tendayi Darikwa has joined from Burnley while Andreas Bouchalakis has come in from Greece. They have though sold Britt Assombalonga to Middlesbrough for a massive £15 million which should be a good deal for Forest given he was not quite the same player after injury a couple of years ago. Much could depend as well on whether Ben Brereton remains at the club with the young player offering plenty of excitement. Warburton does not appear to have settled on a set formation yet if the pre-season matches are anything to go by. Forest came close to the drop last term but there should not be the same worry this time around. Indeed, at last the club and their fans can look towards a possible push at the top end of the division. The City Ground has always been a happy hunting ground for Forest with its old-fashioned feel making it difficult for opposing teams. They were pretty poor on the road last term though and that is something Warburton will be desperate to address this time around. A couple of further signings could still be possible prior to deadline day.