Jack Bidwell has been linked with a move to Nottingham Forest on numerous occasions, and has recently been released by Queens Park Rangers.
Mark Warburton was, according to the Nottingham Post, said to be interested in the left-back during his time at the club.
In the end, the Reds weren’t able to get a deal over the line for the 26-year-old defender.
Ironically, it’s the same manager who has decided to not offer him a new deal, following his recent arrival at Loftus Road. Whether or not this has any financial reasoning behind it is unknown at this early stage.
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However, on paper, that does seem to be the most likely explanation behind his departure. It seems unlikely he wasn’t offered a new deal for footballing reasons.
He made 40 appearances in the Championship last season, and was a key player under both Steve McClaren and John Eustace. At just 26-years-old, he still has plenty of years left in him at this level.
He wasn’t the only player to be let go by the club. Alex Baptiste, Jordan Cousins, Joel Lynch and Pawel Wszolek will all also leave next month.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Reds rekindled their interest in the left-back now that he’s available for nothing.
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Experience
There’s no doubt that the left-back has a wealth of experience in this division. He has racked up over 300 appearances during the last few years at Brentford, and more recently, QPR.
The Reds haven’t previously registered their interest in him for no reason. He has shown that he has the quality to be a solid player.
QPR will find it difficult to find a better left-back at this level without significant investment. It’s certainly a blow for them to lose him for nothing. They signed him from Brentford three years ago for a fee of £1.3 million, which may have potentially risen to £2.3 million.
Competition
Jack Robinson has eased long-term left-back issues at the City Ground this season. But he’ll need some competition for his place next season.
It’s fair to say that Reds supporters won’t want to see Ben Osborn filling in again. He’s at his best when utilised at wing-back or in midfield.
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There would be little risk involved for the Reds to sign a left-back with Championship know-how on a free transfer. What could possibly go wrong?
For the time being though, Martin O’Neill’s priority will be reducing the size of his squad. It may be the case of offloading a few before any additions can be made.
In this case, Bidwell wouldn’t be a bad addition to the squad, even if he is only used as back-up to Robinson.