Jesse Lingard is the ideal signing to inspire Nottingham Forest to a dream Premier League return. On August 6, a 23-year curse will finally be broken when the Reds make their top-flight comeback against Newcastle United.
A staggering 8,505 days would have passed since Forest’s devastating relegation in April 1999. St James’ Park is the venue for their long-awaited revival, with a homecoming at the City Ground not expected until West Ham arrive the following week.
New arrival Lingard raised eyebrows when he became the Reds’ eighth summer arrival on Thursday. Forest were the only club willing to match his hefty wage demands - understood to be around £200,000-a-week.
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Ironically, Newcastle and West Ham were the English clubs believed to be interested in signing the 29-year-old before he opted to join the Tricky Trees. In January, Lingard came close to joining the Magpies on loan to help steer them clear of the relegation zone.
However, the deal broke down, with reports claiming Manchester United demanded a “survival bonus” be placed in his contract should Newcastle beat the drop. An interesting side note is how Lingard’s impressive record against the Tynesiders makes him the danger man for Forest from day one.
Three goals in as many starts against Newcastle is a record Eddie Howe’s men will be wary of ahead of the August 6 showdown. Lingard has also bagged in his previous two outings against the Magpies - which included a 4-1 victory - to become a thorn in their side in recent times.
Failing to land the England international could haunt Newcastle and play into Forest’s hands. With naysayers already criticising the move, Lingard certainly has a point to prove as he aims to reignite a stalled career.
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