Dave Rogers has delivered his verdict on the decision made by Nottingham Forest to enter the EFL Trophy. The Reds will enter an under-21 outfit in the competition for the first time during 2021/22.
The Finn Harps boss was overseeing the under-21s at the City Ground last season. He left to pursue a management career at senior level but Forest are still in his heart.
Forest have taken the decision to enter a young team into the group stages of the EFL Trophy next season. The Reds could face Derby County, Mansfield or Notts County who will all be mandatory entrants into the competition.
The Reds have played in the tournament before but when their senior ranks were in League One. Furthermore, under-21 teams weren’t permitted to play in the competition the last time Forest played in it.
After Forest announced their decision yesterday, Rogers reacted on Twitter. He thinks this will be a good idea taken by the Reds and is intrigued to see how the team will get on.
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He said: “Really pleased to see this and what a fantastic challenge point for all of the U18s and U21s to gain valuable experience against EFL clubs. Well done to all the hardworking coaching staff and everyone at Forest.”
Rogers reacts as Forest enter EFL Trophy
This is a good move by the Reds. It will bridge the gap for several players between youth football and senior action, with the draw for the group stages to take place next Thursday.
Forest could get some mouthwatering ties in the group stages. There will be a north-south divide and at this stage, the Reds await confirmation of which geographical draw they will be in.
Rogers clearly still has a fondness for the Reds. He’s now getting his feet under the table at Finn Harps but the work he did on Trentside didn’t go unnoticed.
As someone who is familiar with football at academy level, he thinks this is a good idea. That certainly bodes well and hopefully, the Forest under-21s can give a good account of themselves.