15 Jul 2025 20:38:10
After much thought, I've come to the conclusion that the most logical solution to Forest's current issues is actually hidden beneath our own noses - our Academy. Widely regarded as one of the best in the country, it seems to have become rather 'out of favour' within our own Club. It appears that our great Academy has become another feeder unit for other clubs as our 1st team seems to have always been.

Personally, I'd be amazed if we attract anyone of the right quality, PL-proven and at the right price to fill the gaps in our 1st team. However, we have a pool of talent sitting there in our Academy who are chomping at the bit to be given a chance to prove themselves - all with experience of playing competitive football in this country.

IMO, why should we gamble our limited resources on Brazilian 'unknowns' in the faint hope of being lucky enough to find another Murillo? I'm not a gambling man, but surely we have better odds in finding gems like that within our own Club setup if we invest enough in quality coaching staff and re-ignite the belief in Academy players that they can progress into our 1st team?

1.) 15 Jul 2025
15 Jul 2025 21:30:07
I have to say, if I was Big M and it was my money - I'd sack Edu and his entourage and appoint Steve Cooper as head of player development at the Academy - responsible for quickly developing talent from our Academy into our 1st team. The guy would be perfect for the role.

2.) 15 Jul 2025
15 Jul 2025 22:10:26
That would be an excellent appointment, he would be perfect for the job. Brilliant idea legolas.

3.) 15 Jul 2025
15 Jul 2025 22:32:05
Unfortunately lego mate, there's not a lot coming through right now, we've let quite a few move on in their Kate teens or early twenties as they won't get anywhere near premier standard
We are attracting better youngsters because of our premier status now, but it will take a few tears to see any come through that can play premier league, Abbotts about the only one and tbh I'm not sure he'll make the grade from what I've seen
It's a nice thought, but it's notca reality right now I'm afraid.

4.) 16 Jul 2025
15 Jul 2025 23:46:47
Looking at it from outside the club, who makes the decisions about players!, seems there's too many cooks, what's Ross Wilson's roll now, how often does Edu get to the training ground with his international brief?, and parents are important where there kids go, they want to see they will get a chance in the first team, and you can not see that with the model of recruitment we have now.

5.) 16 Jul 2025
16 Jul 2025 00:05:34
I hear what you're saying DTP, but I don't think this is some 'pipe-dream'. What's the alternative mate - we pee in the wind hoping for the right players to show up out of nowhere at a bargain price, who can hit the ground running in the PL? That really is the pipe-dream mate. We were amazingly lucky with Murillo to find such a quality player who adapted to life in the PL so quickly. I'd be amazed if we had such luck again.

Let's face it - this character Edu's life must have been quite easy attracting top players to Arsenal. Not quite as easy trying to attract such quality players to Forest I'm afraid. IMO he's destined to fail at Forest. As I said, if it was my money I'd invest in the Academy with Cooper in charge.

6.) 16 Jul 2025
16 Jul 2025 08:17:03
What I'm saying is they will come along, but it will take 5 years to start seeing young players coming through that can make an impact in the premier.

7.) 16 Jul 2025
16 Jul 2025 11:00:46
Wilson's job is redundant effectively and he's going to Newcastle. Edu (and Marinakis) is on charge of recruitment now.

8.) 16 Jul 2025
16 Jul 2025 15:22:50
Good posts Lego and DTP et all.
“ Build it and they will come” is the foundation stone ( especially as we are now ( and for the foreseeable future with Leicester and Derby difficulties ) Premier League and Academy development adds nothing FFP wise.
The only fly in the ointment is that our Academy is going through a fallow period and the future Yates, Robertsons, Johnsons, Reids, Dawson’s etc might take years to come through. Unfortunately, time is one thing Premiership managers ( unless you work for the “big” moneybags teams) haven’t got ( and Nuno in particular working for an ambitious and trigger happy owner ).

9.) 16 Jul 2025
16 Jul 2025 16:11:53
Good shout Lego!