It is “not a perfect happy camp” at Nottingham Forest as the season reaches a crunch period - but boss Steve Cooper is pleased with that.
It means he is having to make tough selection decisions which involve leaving good players out of his starting line-up, and even out of his matchday squad.
Cooper says he has a group who are all desperate to get out on the pitch at the business end of the campaign, with the Reds pushing for a place in the top six.
But every week some face disappointment at having to settle for a spot on the bench or watch from the sidelines, in testament to the strength in depth Forest have.
Financial boost
Football finance expert says Nottingham Forest's latest financial move is a "positive" for the club after owner Evangelos Marinakis converted £12m worth of loans into shares.
The Reds' Companies House records were this week updated to show the latest equity changes in what was another show of commitment by Greek businessman Marinakis.
It is not the first time Marinakis has made such a move having made a similar gesture last year and it means the loans do not have to be repaid.
And speaking on his Price of Football podcast, Maguire explained why it is of benefit to the Reds.
Lowe decision
Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom could have a decision to make about the future of Nottingham Forest loanee Max Lowe in the summer.
The Blades manager says he is pleased with the defender’s form for the Reds, having been a key figure in their charge up the Championship table.
Lowe, who is under contract with United until 2024, will be ineligible to feature against his parent side when Steve Cooper’s men make the trip to Bramall Lane on Friday night.
And there remains uncertainty about what will happen to him at the end of the season. Heckingbottom is said to want two players per position at first-team level, and he already has Rhys Norrington-Davies and Enda Stevens fighting for the left-back spot.
Transfer talk
Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Ethan Horvath has been linked with a return to his native America.
The 26-year-old has impressed in the last two games while stepping in for the suspended Brice Samba, keeping clean-sheets against Preston North End and Bristol City.
He is expected to retain his place for Friday night’s trip to Sheffield United, too, as Samba serves the last of his three-match ban for a red card in the 2-2 draw at home to Stoke City.
But prior to this latest run of fixtures, Horvath had to bide his time in waiting for his chance with the Reds.
