Big decisions will be made about a number of Nottingham Forest players this summer - and boss Chris Hughton says he is “fairly sure” on how those calls will play out.
The futures of several members of the squad are up in the air as the season nears an end and the transfer window approaches.
There will be incomings and outgoings at the City Ground as Hughton looks to put together a team capable of challenging at the opposite end of the table next time around.
Currently, five loanees are due to return to their parent clubs, while seven players see their deals come to an end in a few weeks’ time.
Transfer talk
Highly-rated Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn has revealed how close he was to joining Nottingham Forest earlier in his career.
The Scot signed for Villa from Hibernian for a fee of around £2.75million in 2017.
That has proved to be an outstanding piece of business, with Villa now valuing the 26-year-old at around £50million.
But his career could have panned out differently had he joined Forest, who were interested in McGinn back in 2016.
Improvement needed
Defender Joe Worrall says Nottingham Forest are well aware where they need to improve - but he is convinced there is a platform to build on for next year.
After a campaign spent battling at the bottom end of the table, the Reds confirmed safety with two games to go when they drew 1-1 with Stoke City last weekend.
It means an otherwise miserable season at least ends with another year of Championship football secured. But after agonisingly missing out on the top six 12 months ago, the aim is to get back to that level in 2021/22.
To do that, Chris Hughton’s side need to find the net more often, as only three sides have scored fewer than their 36 goals in the league.
Looking ahead
Nottingham Forest fans are now able to renew their season cards, ready for the 2021/22 campaign.
After more than a year of playing behind closed doors, there is hope the Reds will be able to take to the City Ground pitch in front of a crowd from the start of next term.
The club opened the renewal process for current season card holders this morning, and say they are “delighted” to be putting wheels in motion to get supporters back into the stadium.
Prices have been frozen at last term’s prices, with the club saying it is “a thank you” for fans’ “support during these difficult times”.
