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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Matt Davies

'Chris knows that' - Nottingham Forest's biggest transfer problem is their hardest to solve

Nottingham Forest legend Garry Birtles joined this week's Garibaldi Red podcast to discuss a range of topics.

Among them were transfer plans for the summer, Saturday's draw with Reading and the upcoming game against Norwich.

He also discussed his favourite Forest XI, as did fellow guest, Forza Garibaldi co-founder Greg Mitchell and host Matt Davies.

You can watch the full episode here. Part of the transcript is below.

Garibaldi Red: Garry Birtles reflects on his favourite Forest players
Should Sammy Ameobi get a new contract?

GB: "I've been an advocate of his because he looks like he can make something happen. We try to be too precise around the box.

"Hit an area. If you deliver quality it's on the strikers to get on the end of it. Make it uncomfortable for defenders."

GM: "I'm sure we'll buy decent players but we can't spend decent money in the summer. Each year we make a big sale, but that pocket of players worth a lot is going now.

"I worry Worrall will be sold so I would keep players who have played well this year like Ameobi, especially as it will be a much harder window. I think it's three or good additions and stick with what we have."

Will the club have to sell Joe Worrall?

GB: "I wouldn't want to see Worrall go. He's been the one shining light for me. He's passionate and vocal.

"When he's not happy he'll let people know. I like to see that. He's a leader.

"You want to keep your best players. What we have to realise now is the owner is doing a magnificent job bankrolling the club.

"Any other club you'd be struggling. You've got to be massively grateful that he's funding the club without crowds."

What needs to happen in the summer?

GB: "There's a hell of a lot of dead wood in the squad at the moment. You just hope the manager has a chance to get rid of players that aren't in his plans.

"Chris has got to be given the opportunity to say right, I'll go get the players I want. If it goes wrong it's on him. He'll have chosen them and he'll accept that if it doesn't work.

"He must get that chance. I don't think we're a million miles away. If you get it right defensively you can build on that.

"It's just that goal scoring. Our top scorer has four league goals. With that you'd normally be bottom of the league.

"Goals win games and get you promoted. Nil nils don't. That's what has to be addressed more than anything else.

"It doesn't matter league you're in, goalscorers get you in contention. Chris knows that. The quality has to be better in the final third."

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