Nottingham Forest are back in action this weekend as they take on Notts County in their first summer friendly.
The Reds reported for duty at the Nigel Doughty Academy last week. Monday was a testing day, then they were out on the grass as they got their pre-season up and running.
This week, they have been joined by players who have recently been on international duty and were given a few extra days off. And now focus can really turn to Saturday’s trip to Meadow Lane.
It will be the first run-out for Steve Cooper’s side as they begin their build-up for the upcoming Premier League campaign. We pick out a few things to keep an eye out for against the Magpies.
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Richards debut?
Fans are eager to finally see Omar Richards wearing the Garibaldi. Will this weekend be when he makes his Forest debut?
There was plenty of excitement when he put pen to paper 12 months ago. The former Bayern Munich man had the makings of being a really good signing.
He has had to wait a long time to get out on the pitch, having been sidelined ever since then with a hairline fracture of the leg. But seeing him involved in training is a promising sign.
Cooper will want to take it steady with him, however. He won’t want to rush Richards. But Saturday’s team news will certainly be highly anticipated.
Loanees returning
It is not just Richards who might pull on a Reds shirt for the first time on Saturday. A number of players who spent last term out on loan have now linked back up with the group, among them Josh Bowler and Hwang Ui-jo.
The duo had something of a tough time in 2022/23. After signing for Forest, they both initially headed to fellow Evangelos Marinakis-owned side Olympiacos.
But having struggled for game time in Greece, they then moved on again. Bowler returned to former club Blackpool, where he suffered relegation from the Championship, and Ui-jo went to FC Seoul.
The future is uncertain for both of them, with the Reds needing to trim numbers this summer. But if they get a chance at Meadow Lane, they will be eager to catch the eye.
Youngsters involved
Cooper always likes to give young players an opportunity when he can. Youth-team players regularly join in training sessions, and they did so last week as Forest were put through their paces.
The Reds boss gave minutes to some up-and-coming talent in friendlies last year. And he may well do the same again - he likes to get an understanding of how they are progressing.
Being in the Premier League makes it even tougher for the next generation to break through than in the past. The likes of Riley Harbottle, Fin Back, Dale Taylor and Aaron Donnelley impressed out on loan last season and are likely to have temporary spells elsewhere again, in order to maintain their development. But they will still hope to give Cooper food for thought, if they get an opportunity against the Magpies.
New kit
Forest unveil their 2023/24 kit this week, with the home one being released on Thursday and the away one the following day. Saturday should be the first proper outing for the new threads.
The club’s partnership with Macron was ended early, with adidas taking over as kit supplier in a multi-year deal. It means a return for the iconic three stripes.
In the absence of any new signings (for the moment), supporters will at least have a new kit to get excited about. Plus, the return of Steven Reid on the touchline after he rejoined Cooper’s coaching staff.
