Boss Chris Hughton has spoken of his “excitement” at getting the chance to put together a new-look Nottingham Forest squad this summer.
The Reds have yet to make any new additions, but are expected to be busy before the window closes as Hughton looks to put his stamp on the dressing room.
He needs to transform a side which finished 17th into one which can sustain a top six challenge, with a fair bit of business required in the transfer market.
Forest have already lost 12 players as five (Anthony Knockaert, Luke Freeman, Filip Krovinovic, James Garner and Cyrus Christie) have returned to their parent sides following the end of their loan spells, while six (Michael Dawson, Michael Hefele, Yuri Ribeiro, Samba Sow, Sammy Ameobi and Abdoulaye Diallo) have been let go at the end of their contracts, and Glenn Murray has retired.
Smart business
Nigel Clough says Nottingham Forest and the rest of the Championship will have to be smart in a very different transfer market this summer.
Mansfield Town manager Clough says his club are unlikely to pay a transfer fee for any players in the current window, as they look to build a team to challenge for promotion from League Two.
That stance is not uncommon further down the pyramid, but Clough believes the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic will extend further up the football food chain in the coming weeks.
Clough says teams in the second tier will need to be able to pick out smart free transfers to bolster squads when money is set to be tight beyond clubs with parachute payments.
Garner latest
There is still a glimmer of hope Nottingham Forest may be able to re-sign James Garner for the upcoming campaign - but patience is likely to be required.
The midfielder caught the eye during his loan spell from Manchester United, after he made the move to the City Ground in January.
The Reds would love to get him back for when the action resumes in August, as boss Chris Hughton aims to get his team challenging at the top end of the Championship table.
However, they face competition from elsewhere. Brighton and Hove Albion, Norwich City and Rangers have been eyeing up the 20-year-old, according to his agent, while there has also been talk about potentially heading abroad.
Pre-season schedule
Nottingham Forest have announced three friendlies as part of their initial pre-season schedule.
The Reds are gearing up for a promotion push when the new Championship campaign begins in August, and they have pencilled in a few matches as part of their build-up.
Chris Hughton’s side will make the trip to face Port Vale on Saturday, July 17 (3pm kick-off), before travelling to fellow League Two side Northampton Town on Tuesday, July 20 (7.45pm).
They will then take on League One Crewe Alexandra at Gresty Road on Saturday, July 24 (3pm).
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