Former Nottingham Forest loanee Lee Tomlin set to return with Cardiff City

Add as preferred source on Google

Lee Tomlin will return to Nottingham Forest on Saturday and given the impact he made on loan he should get a warm reception from the home crowd.

The current Cardiff City playmaker made a positive impact during his relatively short spell at the City Ground in the 2017/18 campaign, having joined on loan from the Bluebirds.

Tomlin didn’t exactly play for the Reds at a time when the club was blessed with lots of quality. He provided Aitor Karanka’s side with a spark which helped them avoid being dragged into a relegation battle.

In truth, it wasn’t the best time for any loan player to arrive at the City Ground. However, the 30-year-old’s special relationship with Karanka ensured that he flourished for the Reds.

He made 15 appearances for the Reds, netting four goals in the process. He was a dedicated individual who had the ability to win a game by himself with a moment of magic.

The fact that the Reds didn’t pursue the forward on a permanent deal, is perhaps symbolic of how far Forest have come as a football club.

Karanka was instead backed heavily by the club’s hierarchy in the summer transfer window. The Reds smashed their transfer record by signing João Carvalho from Benfica for £13.2 million.

Talented

In another era Tomlin might have been a top transfer target for the Reds. However, there’s no doubt that the quality of the squad has improved since his spell on Trentside.

The Reds have a number of quality options in his position, including Carvalho and Tiago Silva.

Forest quickly moved on from the 30-year-old and so has he. After another short loan spell at Peterborough United, he turned his attention to forcing his way back into the Cardiff reckoning.

Tomlin has regularly featured for the Bluebirds this season. He has made nine appearances so far, netting two goals.

He has featured in Neil Harris’ first two games since he took over at the helm from Neil Warnock. This suggests he’s likely to be given the opportunity to start against the Reds on Saturday.