Nottingham Forest academy gems Nicky Hogarth and Lewis Salmon have confirmed that they have now departed the City Ground. Much like the first-team squad, the academy ranks will also be trimmed this summer.
In the case of Salmon, he has moved on to sign for another club. He’s announced in the last 24 hours that he’s joined National League North outfit Alfreton Town after his Forest deal expired.
It was reported last week that Hogarth would leave the Reds. He’s been with the club for two years and although he’s trained with the first team, he’s never made a senior appearance for the club.
Hogarth has announced his departure on Instagram. He spent last season on loan with Falkirk and gained some invaluable experience playing in the men’s game north of the border.
During his time playing in the third tier of Scottish football, he did quite well. Hogarth played 17 times in total, keeping five clean sheets and conceding just 19 goals between the posts.
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It’s thought that he already has some offers to consider. Teams from England, Scotland and Northern Ireland are thought to be preparing contract offers for the talented 21-year-old.
For Salmon, he’s returning to a league that he knows all about. He played 18 times for AFC Telford United during 2022/23, scoring three goals as they were relegated out of the division.
He’s also played for Alfreton previously too. He spent a short period at the club when he first signed terms with Forest; scoring once in eight games during that particular loan spell with the Derbyshire-based outfit.
Hogarth and Salmon have confirmed they’ve left Forest
It’s impossible for Forest to keep every single young player on their books. Ultimately, these two are now in their early twenties and it’s definitely the right time to let them leave the City Ground.
Both lads look to have some potential. Ultimately, they just have far too many obstacles standing in their way when it comes to either of them receiving a proper chance to play at Forest.
Hogarth and Salmon will both be wished well by the Reds. Now, it will be interesting to see just how both of them can progress away from Forest and at clubs where they will play regular senior football.