It’s the time of year when players are getting released, and a young player has received wishes from first-team stars after leaving Nottingham Forest.
The 2025/26 campaign has seen Forest play in the Europa League, and ultimately, that has opened the door for a number of youngsters to take places on the bench in those games.
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Forest have a brilliant academy and the club have a long-standing record of including at least one academy-produced player in first-team matchday squads.
Now, one academy player has announced on social media that it’s over and out for him at the City Ground after a solid innings with the club.
Justin Hanks announces Nottingham Forest departure
Hanks has been a solid servant over the last few years at the City Ground, helping the team reach the final of the FA Youth Cup during the 2021/22 campaign.
In recent seasons, he’s been part of the squad that won the Premier League International Cup last season and also helped the team reach the Premier League 2 play-offs.
Hanks hasn’t been offered a contract extension, however, and now he’s posted an emotional message on Instagram that his time at the club is over.
He said: Thank you to everyone at Nottingham Forest and Nottingham Forest Academy for everything.
“From joining at 10, you’ve shaped me into the player and person that I am today.
“11 years of memories which will stay with me throughout the rest of my career.
“Excited and ready to see what’s next.”
Ryan Yates and Taiwo Awoniyi react to Hanks’ exit
Hanks has been in and around the first-team dressing room of late, and Awoniyi posted on his Instagram shortly after he announced his exit.
He said: “Oh, good luck, my brother.”
Yates also posted his best wishes to the departed starlet, posting a love heart emoji on his emotional message.
Which of these two Nottingham Forest academy stars will become a first-team regular first?
Let us know in the comments below!
It’s never nice to see young players depart the football club and being in the Premier League makes it harder for the academy players to keep making an impact.
Hanks feels ready for men’s football, however, and it will now be fascinating to see where he ends up in the future.
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