The latest Nottingham Forest news on Monday, May 9...
Steve Cooper provides injury update as he explains selection decisions
Boss Steve Cooper was keen not to risk picking up any more injuries as Nottingham Forest ended their league campaign with a 1-1 draw at Hull City.
With a place in the play-offs already secured, Cooper made seven changes to his starting XI against the Tigers. Brice Samba, Joe Worrall, James Garner and Philip Zinckernagel were the only players to keep their spots from Tuesday night’s defeat at Bournemouth.
Defender Steve Cook was left out of the squad, both because of the bloody gash he was left with following a clash of heads against the Cherries and for personal reasons, as his father suffered a cardiac arrest prior to that game. Ryan Yates took a blow to the shoulder on the south coast and also missed out, as did Jack Colback, due to a groin problem.
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Djed Spence, Brennan Johnson and Sam Surridge all came off the bench at the MKM Stadium. And Scott McKenna was an unused substitute, having been ill in the build-up to the match.
“We had players missing through injury. We’re not sure if they’ll be back. We’ll need to assess that,” said Cooper.
Key Forest man touted for managerial vacancy at former club
Nottingham Forest first team coach Steven Reid "could be in the running" to become the next AFC Wimbledon manager, according to a report.
Reid spent a brief spell coaching at Wimbledon at the back end of 2018 and left a good impression on players, staff and supporters alike. He then held senior coaching roles at West Brom and the Scotland national team before moving to the City Ground in August 2021.
According to the South London Press, he is being touted to return to Wimbledon as their manager in a move which would go down well with their supporters. It is unlikely, though, that he would leave before Forest complete their play-off campaign. Promotion to the Premier League could also cast doubt over a departure, though to be a manager in his own right would be an attractive proposition.
Nicholas Ioannou posts message ahead of imminent return
Nottingham Forest defender Nicholas Ioannou has described his loan move to Como 1907 as a "beautiful journey" in a parting message following the end of his time in Italy.
Ioannou joined the Serie B side last summer on a season-long loan deal and he has seemingly enjoyed his time in Italy, making 30 appearances - including 22 starts - as Como finished the season in 13th.
The 26-year-old has spoken out about his spell away from the City Ground in a post to his social media.
Sheffield United ace sends Reds 'confidence' claim ahead of play-offs
Sheffield United key man Sander Berge has warned Nottingham Forest that his teammates will not "hold back" when they meet in the Championship play-offs next Saturday.
Berge has been a key part of the Blades' squad this season, contributing five goals and three assists from defensive midfield, but has really come to fruition in the final six months of the season having spent September to November in the treatment room with a hamstring injury.
Speaking after his side's 4-0 win over Fulham, Berge told Sheffield United TV what he is expecting from Forest in what is certain to be an entertaining play-off fixture.
"Playing Forest, they have been a good side all year. They had a chance to go straight up," he said.
"In the play-offs you meet the best teams anyway and we are for sure one of those. We don't hold back to any one of our opponents, we are very confident going into the game.
"We know what they will come with but obviously after today's game it's just about bringing the same energy and confidence into it. We are in the play-offs and that's what we have dreamt about all season, so now it's just to cherish the moment and make the most of it."
