Club legend Viv Anderson has called for Nottingham Forest boss Chris Hughton to be given cash to splash in the transfer market.
It is a crucial summer window for the Reds, as Hughton looks to put his stamp on the dressing room and transform a squad which finished 17th into one capable of pushing for promotion next season.
Twelve players have left, following the release of Forest’s retained list, with seven out of contract and five loan deals up.
Others will return from spells elsewhere looking to earn their place in the team, but fresh blood is needed to get the Reds challenging at the top end of the table.
New signings are yet to arrive at the City Ground a week into the window being open. And Anderson says it is crucial the manager is given money to spend.
“I know Chris quite well. He’s a very good manager and a very experienced manager,” he told NottinghamshireLive.
“Hopefully he gets some money in the summer and he adds to the squad. Some of the loans have gone back and Glenn Murray has retired, so he needs to alter his squad.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what he does in the window.
“It is a big summer, very much so. It always is, with the expectations of trying to get back into the Premier League - the Promised Land.
“It takes money to get there, at the end of the day. Hopefully he gets the finances to do what he wants.”
Hughton is well versed in what it takes to get out of the division, having won promotion with Newcastle United and Brighton and Hove Albion.
Anderson believes that knowledge can be crucial for Forest, backed up by funds to bring in players who can make the difference.
“His experience is massive. He’s got teams out of the Championship before - he’s got two teams to the Premier League, so he knows what it takes,” said the European Cup winner.
Which players would you like to see Forest sign? Have your say in the comments below
“Hopefully he’ll be given the finances to get what he wants and make sure he can do it again.
“He’s an experienced manager, and I expect Forest to be there or thereabouts, definitely. As long as he is given the money.
“I keep banging on about the money, because you can go so far with knowledge and this, that and the other, but you need finances to get to certain positions.
“He’ll need a centre forward and a midfielder, definitely, because James Garner has gone back to Manchester United and Murray has retired.
“It’s important he is given the finances to make the squad better.”
