David Johnson has told The Telegraph what Nottingham Forest head coach Steve Cooper told him about Brennan Johnson when he first arrived at the club.
The 20-year-old has been magnificent since Cooper was appointed by the club in September. In total, he’s scored eight goals and claimed six assists during 2021/22.
Johnson has grown under Cooper. He’s become one of the top players in the Championship and subject of several bids by Brentford during January.
The youngster will play in the Premier League. It is anticipated, however, that Forest will try and offer him a new deal to preserve his valuation.
Johnson has just a single year on his current deal. If a new contract isn’t signed, it will leave Forest in a sticky situation when the summer window opens.
The academy graduate’s dad knows all about what it takes to be a hit with the Forest fan base. He spent some happy times at the City Ground and now travels around the country watching his son in the Garibaldi.
He has explained exactly what Cooper said to him when he was appointed as the head coach of the Forest first-team.
Johnson senior told The Telegraph: “Brennan is a throwback because he likes to run down the line and whip in a cross.
“A few days after he came in, Steve Cooper called me and said ‘I’m going to look after him and make him a top player’.”
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Over the last few months, the Forest attacker has been in scintillating form. He has produced several match-winning displays and fans are delighted that he will see the season out at the City Ground.
Johnson is clearly thriving under Cooper. It’s clear that he’s built his team around the academy graduate and he’s staying true to the words he gave to his dad.
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Forest will hope that Johnson can be tied to a new deal. The club will be in a perilous position come the summer if they can’t get the youngster to commit.
Hopefully, the regular game time can convince him to put pen-to-paper and secure his future at the City Ground.
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