It has been a real mixed bag in the past, but there can be little margin for error when it comes to Nottingham Forest’s transfer business this summer.
The Reds simply have to get it spot on, if boss Chris Hughton is to have any chance of success next season.
And the majority of fans believe bolstering the squad can be the single biggest factor behind what they hope will be an improved 2021/22 campaign - if the right signings are made.
NottinghamshireLive surveyed supporters on their reflections on the season just gone, their hopes for the next few weeks and what they want to see happen for next term.
Unsurprisingly, top of the wish-list was strengthening Forest’s attacking resources.
Goals have been in short supply over the past year, with the Reds among the lowest scorers in the Championship.
The manager is making it a priority to boost his options in that area, and 51 percent of the 2,500 fans who answered our survey said attack is where the club most need to strengthen.
Meanwhile, 29 percent felt signings are needed in midfield, 11 percent identified the defence for strengthening and seven percent said a goalkeeper should be among the list of targets.
Plenty of people commented they would like to see new additions in “all areas”.
And just to highlight how crucial this window will be, a whopping 55 percent of respondents identified recruitment as the most important factor behind Forest improving.
At a club which has seen a high turnover in the hotseat, 20 percent of people felt it would be important to stick by Hughton and have some stability.
Only five percent felt a change of manager would be needed, but 19 percent did argue a change in tactics would help the team improve.
Some gave detailed responses such as “getting Joe Lolley firing again”, playing “two strikers up front” and “giving the academy players a fair crack” as important factors in the team looking to improve.
Hughton has made clear it will be a “busy” summer at the City Ground, with incomings and outgoings.
The future is uncertain for a number of players as their contracts come to an end, while others have returned to their parent clubs following loan deals.
Forest will have several players of their own come back from loan spells, but there is no getting away from the need to bring in new recruits.
A whopping 68 percent of fans polled believe between four and six additions are required to get the Reds up the top end of the table next term.
Sixteen percent said between seven and 10 signings are needed, 14 percent identified the need for between one and three additions, while three percent said Hughton should bring in more than 10.
