[Getty Images]
Ideally, this summer season will see Nottingham Forest construct on the success of European qualification and near-misses within the FA Cup and making the Champions League.
It’s fairly apparent the place we have to recruit – accidents and fatigue caught up with us on the finish of the season and shedding the likes of Chris Wooden, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Murillo value us in necessary video games.
Commercial
Final summer season’s enterprise, including Elliot Anderson and Nikola Milenkovic, was notably astute. However the different signings didn’t strengthen the squad as we would have hoped, and the recruitment staff will do nicely to seek out a number of extra tough, and even polished, diamonds.
We’re nicely stocked in central midfield however really want competitors in defence and assault.
Our place now, in contrast with 12 months in the past, is a distinct proposition for potential gamers – slightly than battling relegation, these seeking to make a reputation within the Premier League exterior of the ‘large six’ have a brand new vacation spot. And financially we’re in a reasonably good place to be rising the squad sustainably.
That mentioned, past new signings it’s a time to think about how we develop tactically.
Commercial
Steve Cooper tried and failed to maneuver from a 4-2-3-1 formation to 4-3-3, and it’s no straightforward transition with out well-drilled gamers and strategic nous.
Foregoing possession and enjoying on the break has served Forest very nicely in current seasons, nevertheless it was evident within the latter video games of the marketing campaign that when groups supplied up the ball the Reds had been probably not positive how finest to capitalise. What occurs when we now have greater than 50% possession? How will we adapt to these video games?
That drawback will rear its head once more. In fact, I am not the one one considering this – and Nuno Espirito Santo could have inevitably began serious about how we progress.
Higher depth in gamers, in addition to a settled squad and administration staff, will make the transition simpler.
Commercial
However, for the primary time in a technology, we will begin a brand new Premier League season with out nervously trying over our shoulder and as a substitute setting our sights above us.
Discover extra from Pat Riddell at