Nottingham Forest made the record number of signings for a Premier League club as they added 21 players this summer, while 28 have departed the City Ground.
We discussed the positives and negatives of the transfer window on the latest Garibaldi Red podcast with Matt Davies, Michael Temple and Forest legend Garry Birtles.
Here is a transcript of part of the conversation with the full episode available here.
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How do rate the window? Any reservations?
GB: "No reservations. it had to be done. You have to give the owner, Mr Marinakis, credit again. Compared with other teams who've not spent a lot of money, he wants this club to stay in the Premier League. I'm glad it's over now.
"It's been dragged out like the race to be Tory leader! I'm glad it's done. It's been interesting listening to it (transfer talk) but now everyone can get down to business. This is when it starts now. We've just two very difficult games against Tottenham and Manchester City."
MT: "Forest have always been active in the window. Since the Marinakis ownership has begun we've always made multiple changes.
"If this had gone on for another week we'd have made more signings. There's no surprise there as there's always been resources for managers. I never foresaw we'd do surgery like this, but there's been a real statement of ambition.
"To survive in the Premier League you have to be brutal and cut ties with players who have done well for you in the past. We're looking at the 25 man squad now with all kinds of options. We're far better equipped to survive."
What was the best bit of business?
MT: "Dean Henderson is the standout deal for me. Man United were scrambling for a keeper yesterday and I think we've signed their best one on loan for the season.
"There's the penalty saves and the presence. It's really shrewd. We got in early and he's one of a handful of automatic picks this season."
GB: "I always look at strikers. We've not seen a lot of either of them - Dennis or Awoniyi. Obviously (Awoniyi) got the goal against West Ham. It's about the squad gelling now. It's important with the World Cup that we get points on the board. I think we can be mid-table at least by then."
Any deals that concern you?
MD: "There's a couple of things that concern me. Nothing against Batshuayi, but I think they've dodged a bullet there. Is he better than what they have? I'm not sure. Awoniyi and Dennis wouldn't have signed thinking all these forwards could come in.
"It might have presented Steve Cooper with more problems than positives if it happened. I'm pleased Surridge is still here.
"There's a lot of centre-halves at the football club now - nine I think. I like Bade, he sounds like what they need, but I question the signing of Boly. He's a very similar profile to the defenders already there. I'm not sure if Forest have stockpiled a little there.
"Aurier doesn't inspire me if he's coming in. Spurs fans have used the word liability a lot so hopefully he comes in with a point to prove. Overall it's been far more positive than negative, almost overwhelmingly positive."
MT: "My number two pick for best signing would have been Williams so focussing on a back-up for me when we have Biancone is a waste. I'm also glad we missed out on Batshuayi. Lots of clubs have looked at him and he's had loan spells, but never presented himself as a 15 goal a season man in the Premier League.
"I'd rather give those minutes to Dennis and Awoniyi for sure. We're stockpiled at centre-half now aren't we. What's the plan with Cook? I've not seen Boly play so I'll reserve judgement on him but I'm not sure he's ahead of McKenna, Worrall, Niakhate, Bade and Kouyate. Niakhate is a miss and if Bade can be that pacey defender then that seems a good move. It does feel like one or two too many defenders."
GB: "Boly has always looked ok. Solid, good in the air and a threat at set pieces. You don't need pace at the back always. It's about reading the game and concentration. Pace is important but if you're good enough you can be ok.
"You always need defenders if you get injuries in a busy period."
Should Forest have signed Batshuayi?
GB: "The one concern for me maybe is upfront but we'll have to see. Other clubs have been able to spend bigger fees on players upfront.
"It depends on supply too. Batshuayi did well in Turkey last season. I've seen the hype about him and negativity too. He's in a great Belgium team.
"He's capable but does he fancy it? I would have taken a chance on him. He can score goals. We can't judge the strikers here now yet."
What's your verdict on Forest transfer window? Have your say in the comments section below
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