Nottingham Forest want to “seize the moment” as they prepare for their play-offs semi-final against Sheffield United.
The Reds head to Bramall Lane for the first leg on Saturday, with the return tie to come next Tuesday (May 17th). And boss Steve Cooper has told his players they must ensure they are left without any regrets in their bid to reach the Premier League.
It has already been a remarkable transformation at the City Ground, with Forest finishing fourth, having been propping up the Championship table when Cooper arrived last September. But nobody at the club wants the story to finish there, as the Blades lie in wait.
“You don’t want any regrets, do you? For all of these teams in the play-offs, in all of the leagues, anything could happen - good, bad or indifferent,” said Cooper.
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Transfer talk
Nottingham Forest have been linked with a move for free agent midfielder Joe Rothwell.
The 27-year-old’s contract with Blackburn Rovers expires this summer, and he has confirmed he will be leaving the club. It seems he will have no shortage of interest.
According to the Telegraph, the Reds will make him an offer - whether they are planning for life in the Premier League or plotting another promotion push, following the play-offs. And Championship rivals West Bromwich Albion are also said to be keen.
Rothwell made the move to Ewood Park from Oxford United in June 2018. He was offered a new deal with Rovers, but LancsLive report it became apparent he would not put pen to paper after January interest from Bournemouth.
Eyeing silverware
Nottingham Forest Under-18s have already made history in the FA Youth Cup. And boss Warren Joyce says it would be a "massive achievement" to make a bit more.
The Reds are in the final of the competition for the first time and will come up against 10-time winners Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday night. The occasion is set to see the highest final attendance for the tournament, with more than 62,000 tickets sold - including almost 5,500 to Forest fans.
And while their opponents may be familiar with this particular piece of silverware, Joyce’s charges go into the game on the back of a 13-match unbeaten run in all competitions. They have their eyes on the prize.
“You go into the game to win it. That’s been the theme throughout the tournament,” the Reds boss told NottinghamshireLive.
Uncertain future
Nottingham Forest striker Lyle Taylor says he is uncertain what the future holds, following the end of his loan spell at Birmingham City.
Struggling for regular game time at the City Ground, the 32-year-old spent the second half of the season with the Reds’ Championship rivals. He bagged five goals in 14 appearances for the Blues, having made the move in January.
However, with their campaign over, Taylor’s future is up in the air as the summer transfer window approaches. He still has another 12 months to run on his Forest contract, but there is a question mark over what will happen to him as changes are expected Trentside - whichever division Steve Cooper’s side find themselves in next term.
Birmingham ended their season with a 2-1 defeat at home to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday. And afterwards, the front man posted a message on social media reflecting on his time at the club.
