Nottingham Forest manager Martin O’Neill remains coy about transfer plans

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Martin O’Neill saw his Nottingham Forest side end the season with a third consecutive win against Bolton Wanderers. 

But with the Reds finishing eight points off the play-offs, the hard work for the Northern Irishman starts now. He’ll be looking to ensure the Reds are firmly in the promotion race next season.

For this to happen, the squad will have to be improved. But it seems he’ll be keeping his cards close to his chest in regards to his plans for the summer transfer window over the coming weeks.

That was the impression given from the Reds boss when he spoke to BBC Radio Nottingham after his side’s 1-0 victory against the Trotters at the City Ground.

When questioned on what is required to transform the Reds into a top six outfit, O’Neill joked: “I think that you and I will discuss that during pre-season.

“I think after 19 games I have a fair idea (of what additions need to be made). What you need and what you get are sometimes two different things.”

Decisions

There’s no doubt that the Reds have far too many players on their books at present. In the immediate future, O’Neill will be making decisions on the club’s current loan players – does he want to try and keep them or not? Of course, it isn’t as easy as that.

Molla Wagué, Sam Byram, Jack Colback, Pelé, Diogo Gonçalves and Léo Bonatini will all be returning to their parent clubs. Some of them clearly haven’t done enough to earn a return to the City Ground.

But O’Neill is keen to bring a few of them back either permanently, or on loan again, for next season.

He said: “That is very possible (re-signing loan players). I think that one or two haven’t done badly at all. We’ll look to see what their situations are with their clubs.”

It’s fair to say the Reds have ended their season on a brighter note with three consecutive wins. Although there was still an overwhelming sense of disappointment at the City Ground on the final day.

There’s no doubt that a lot of work has to be done over the summer to ensure next season is a more successful one.