It has been a busy few weeks for Nottingham Forest as they step up their preparations for the Premier League season.
Steve Cooper’s squad have been out in Spain for an intense training camp, which was rounded off with their first friendly of the summer against Coventry City. And the Reds have also been busy in the transfer market.
Four signings have been made so far, with more to follow, while some players have headed in the opposite direction. Forest reporter Sarah Clapson held a Q&A live from Spain, answering fans’ questions and responding to comments. Here’s how it panned out.
READ MORE: Cooper sets out Nottingham Forest coaching situation after Steven Reid departure
READ MORE: Cooper sets out Nottingham Forest transfer plan in preparation for Premier League
Q: What's happening with Lolley and Taylor and for that matter Cafu and Silva? Is Ojeda staying and be given a chance?
A: I'd be surprised if all of those players are still at Forest come the end of the window. It is a big pre-season for some of them. Was doubts over what the future held for some of them before the return to training - although minds can always be changed if someone really impresses over these next few weeks.
Believe Aris still have some kind of interest in Silva, although not heard any suggestion it's anything more than that at this point. Ojeda was pretty far down the pecking order last season, and it's only going to be harder to get in the team this time around, so really needs to get game time somewhere else.
Cafu would be a valuable player to keep around, for me - assuming he's happy with probably not playing every week. Hoping Lolley plays in the friendly so we can get a proper look at him. If he can find his best form, he could still have a part to play.
Q: I’m enjoying seeing all these signings coming in but surely we can’t continue to spend the way we are? I believe we’re still going to need a few more squad players to compete. So, do you think we might have lost a step on a few free transfers like Cyle Larin, Jed Wallace, Joe Rothwell, just to name a few who might not have been high profile players but would still have kept a competitive squad balance?
A: Marinakis certainly can't be accused of not backing the manager! Great credit to him for that, he's really shown his commitment. On paper, it all looks like good business, too. Not just throwing money around for the sake of it, and recognising where it's difficult to compete with others e.g. with Spence/Spurs.
Signings have been well thought through. Cooper has always stressed the importance of having the right characters, as much as the right quality, too. That was something he was really aware of getting right in January, and this will be no different.
There's a definite balance to be had when it comes to the squad. You need players like Cafu (and Figueiredo last season) who won't play every week but are still dependable figures when they do and also have a role to play in the dressing room.
The squad isn't finished yet. Forest are still strengthening - even after Williams and Richards, assuming they go through as expected. The transfer window has a long way to run, and a few weeks left to go before the start of the season.
Agree, there are still holes to be filled at the minute. But have faith! Lot of work being done. Signings made so far bode well.
Q: Do you think we still have a chance of signing James Garner?
A: There's a chance, but not sure it's a particularly big one. A lot depends on what Manchester United's plans for him are. And with pre-season in its early stages, it's going to take a while for them to run the rule over him. Guess it depends whether Forest are prepared to hold out.
Q: Sorry to dig up the past, but now we are EPL I kind of wish Carvalho had only been sent out on loan again. I think he might have flourished in the top flight as a number ten. Have I lost my marbles?
A: As much as I was a Carvalho fan and thought he'd be better suited to the Prem - more than the Championship - it feels as though Forest are already a step up from where he was at. Just in terms of the players who have come in and those they are looking at.
When he was on his game, Carvalho was brilliant to watch. But he wasn't consistent enough, and I don't think that would have changed in the PL.
Would have been good to see how he got on, but Forest are already showing they mean business for next year. Even if he was still a Forest player, not sure there would have been much leeway given over waiting to see whether he could cut it or not. Great to see him link up with Zinckernagel again at Olympiacos, though!
Q: Assuming Williams signs, plus the French RB we've brought in, what future does Laryea have with us?
A: There was doubt over where Laryea fitted into Cooper's plans even before Forest began dipping into the transfer market. Seems like it took him a little while to adapt to the Championship/English football at first, and it was tough to get a look-in last season. Thought he did well when he got his chance, though.
Just think he's going to need regular football to really get to grips with everything. He's not going to get that at Forest this season, so loan would be in everyone's best interests.
He's in a similar position to Horvath - wants to be playing with a view to the World Cup. As for the longer-term, there's a lot of factors which will come into play. Important that if he does head elsewhere, he makes the most of the opportunity.
Who would you like Forest to sign? Have your say in the comments below
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