Nottingham Forest have allowed Riley Harbottle to leave the club permanently, with the defender signing for Hibernian. The SPL outfit have got their man and the centre-back has received messages from Brennan Johnson, Tyrese Fornah and Alex Mighten.
Harbottle has risen through the youth ranks at Forest and perhaps some expected that he might earn a senior shot. Last season, he was instrumental in the Mansfield Town team that narrowly missed out on the play-offs.
The uncompromising defender leaves the Reds with first-team appearances under his belt. Harbottle made two appearances in the Carabao Cup for the team that he supported as a boy.
Last season was a strong one for Harbottle. Under Forest legend Nigel Clough, he made 37 appearances in League Two and bagged himself six goals during his time with the Stags.
Now, he’s off to pastures new and a different country altogether. Hibernian are managed by Lee Johnson and since he’s been with the club, he’s not been afraid to bring players in from England.
MORE FOREST STORIES
It’s a bit of a shame that Harbottle hasn’t had more of a chance in the team at Forest. His time was probably when Chris Hughton was in charge but he ultimately chose to go with experience instead.
Forest have allowed Harbottle to leave the City Ground
This doesn’t come as a major surprise and it’s time Harbottle made a career for himself. After last season at Stags, he will want to be playing regular football and he will fancy doing that north of the border.
Following confirmation of his move, several Forest players have sent Harbottle their well wishes. Tyrese Fornah, Brennan Johnson and Alex Mighten have all posted on his emotional Instagram post.
Johnson goes way back with Harbottle and he simply put: “Congrats brother!!!”
Mighten has also spent a lot of time playing academy football with the centre-back and he said: “All the best my bro.”
Finally, Fornah has also responded to his post by saying: “Buzzing for you bro.”
Harbottle will head out of Forest with everyone’s best wishes. At 22, he has plenty of time to kick on and it will now be interesting to see how his career pans out from here.