Lewis McGugan thinks Chris Wood is perfect for what Nottingham Forest need right now. The man who came through the academy at the City Ground has been talking to the Garibaldi Red Podcast.
Wood has come under fire from certain sections of the Forest support. Plenty of fans believe he has been a poor signing, with some seemingly wanting Sam Surridge to get more minutes instead.
The 31-year-old signed from Newcastle in the January transfer window. Forest agreed on a deal to make the move permanent after he started three games and he’s now a Reds player.
Wood scored an equaliser against Manchester City recently. That result gave Forest a huge point in their fight against survival but it’s still not enough for some fans.
McGugan has jumped to the defence of the uncompromising talisman. He believes that he’s exactly the type of player that Forest needed to sign during the January transfer window.
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He told the Garibaldi Red Podcast: “Listen, he’s had a great career. He’s not had the career that he’s had if he doesn’t offer something. He’s different to what they’ve had before.
“Forest need a face to lead the line and Chris Wood is a good option for that. On Sunday, he was part of the build-up for the first goal. He’s going to do ugly work and let Morgan (Gibbs-White) find space in pockets, to let Brennan (Johnson) influence games.
“Wood isn’t going to be this striker that is flicks and turning people. He’s an old-school striker. “With games coming up and the season on the line, he’s what Forest need.”
McGugan thinks Wood is perfect for Forest
Some of the criticism sent in the direction of the man signed from Newcastle has been ridiculous. He’s being asked to play in a different role under Steve Cooper and that will take time.
Wood works hard and a lack of form hasn’t been through a lack of trying. Having spent £15 million on him, it would seem as though the head coach will be giving him plenty of time to get up to scratch.
McGugan played with some brilliant target men during his time at the club. His comments here are refreshing and hopefully Wood can prove his critics wrong in the coming weeks.