With the summer now upon us, Nottingham Forest will go in search of a winning formula – and crucially a new-look squad.
Chris Hughton will know he has work to do and a busy summer is to be expected for the Reds boss.
In order to make changes to his squad, the manager will have to offload some players who are surplus to requirements.
With that in mind, we’ve looked at five players who might have kicked a ball for the last time in the famous red shirt.
Harry Arter
Arrived amid massive optimism but has proved to be one of Forest’s most disappointing signings in recent times.
He managed just 14 appearances for the club and wasn’t even included in the 25-man squad for the second half of the season.
MORE FOREST STORIES
When he checked in it was anticipated he could take Forest into the higher echelons of the division but in truth he looked way off the pace.
A move away from the City Ground looks to be best for both parties.
Fouad Bachirou
The Cosmoros international was always going to prove an intriguing signing and he did – but for all the wrong reasons.
Bachirou played just 45 minutes in the Championship and hasn’t really made the grade in England.
He’s struggled all season long with a hamstring problem and that hasn’t helped his progress.
With just Malmo and Greenock Morton on his CV, the combative midfielder always looked a strange addition to the Forest ranks.
Carl Jenkinson
When he signed from Arsenal for £2 million in 2019, it looked as though he might become a decent player.
Having spent 11 seasons with the Gunners, some Forest fans thought he might be capable of doing a job.
Jenkinson has played just 15 times in two seasons for the Reds and hasn’t really covered himself in glory when called upon.
Forest need better quality and it would make sense for the club to seek another club for the 29-year-old
Gaetan Bong
Forest fans were up in arms when the word ‘Bong’ appeared on the team-sheet during the 2020/21 campaign.
His last outing came away at Brentford and a solid performance was ruined when the Cameroonian clumsily bundles over Ivan Toney in the box.
Despite Hughton trusting him from their Brighton days, even he couldn’t let that one go and didn’t utilise him in the team again.
At 33, the left-back is unlikely to improve and his days look increasingly numbered.
Jordan Smith
Hughton has raved about the professionalism of Smith but at 26 the time could come for him to go and play some football.
The Forest goalkeeper played three times last season and he just isn’t sound enough competition for Brice Samba.
Already, Hughton has been linked with the signing of an experienced goalkeeper and that could help keep the Congolese stopper on his toes.
That could be bad news for Smith though who could find himself on his way this summer.
