And so it begins. The official confirmation of Nottingham Forest’s retained list marks the start of what will be a busy summer on the banks of the Trent, full of ins and outs.
The announcement itself didn’t contain any surprises, with the seven players out of contract all leaving the club and the five loanees returning to their parent sides.
But it does mean the transformation of Chris Hughton’s squad has begun in earnest.
A clearing of the decks and an overhaul was always going to be needed to get a side which finished 17th anywhere near challenging at the top end of the table next time around.
Transfer talk
Oxford United are said to be preparing for life without Josh Ruffels, amid talk of a move to Nottingham Forest for the left-back.
The Reds are believed to be interested in the defender, whose contract is due to expire this summer, which would leave him available as a free agent.
Ruffels was offered fresh terms by the U’s during the season just gone, though has yet to put pen to paper on a new deal.
Boss Karl Robinson has urged him to make a quick decision - but it seems he is already looking at potential alternatives, should the 27-year-old depart.
Strong support
It might have been a season to forget, but Nottingham Forest fans still showed their support for the club - albeit having to do so from afar.
And according to the English Football League, the Reds were one of the most watched Championship teams on iFollow, the platform used to allow fans to follow their team.
Forest went the entire campaign playing in an empty City Ground due to the coronavirus pandemic.
It left supporters often watching games via the league’s streaming service, although that was later replaced by Forest TV, which the club launched towards the end of the campaign.
Emotional message
Former Nottingham Forest striker Nicklas Bendtner has announced he is hanging up his boots at the age of 33.
The Dane has decided to retire from playing, and says he is keen to turn his hand to coaching.
Bendtner arrived at the City Ground with much fanfare in 2016 but struggled to live up to his high-profile billing.
He stayed for barely six months with the Reds in the 2016/17 campaign, making 17 appearances - eight of those as a substitute - and scored two goals.
