Jack Colback believes Nottingham Forest fans can “be positive” about the future - though whether he will be part of it remains to be seen.
The midfielder had an impressive season at the City Ground, in his second loan spell at the club from Newcastle United.
It didn’t quite end the way the Reds had hoped, with Martin O’Neill’s side falling short of a top six Championship finish as they ended up ninth in the table.
The manager has made it clear, though, that promotion will be the aim next time around. And Colback, who is likely to be on Forest’s wanted list this summer, says the team have made great strides.
Asked if progress has been made on the banks of the River Trent, the 29-year-old said: “Yes, definitely. On the field, we’ve signed a lot of good players. We’ve got a lot of experience; a lot of players who have played at a higher level.
“But every team is doing the same now. There’s a lot of teams spent a lot of money, spent more money than we have over the course of a few seasons and they have fallen short as well.
“I think you’d be naive to think that you could just, one season, pump a little bit of money in and expect miracles. It’s tougher than that.
“But I think the club is certainly moving forward. You’ve got the new stand getting done, there’s things around the training ground getting improved, so it’s certainly moving in the right direction.
“The fans should try to stay positive, I think.
“Obviously they’ll be disappointed with the way it’s gone, being so close and then missing out (on the top six), but I think they should stay positive.”
Colback was one of the Reds’ most consistent performers during the campaign, making 39 appearances and scoring three goals as he became a key part of the team.
He has admitted he is likely to move on from St James’ Park, having been frozen out under manager Rafael Benitez. And O’Neill has previously spoken of his plans to talk to Colback about his future.
Whether he returns or not, however, the former Sunderland man says he hopes Forest fans will soon get to see their team playing in the top-flight.
“It’s a shame that we’ve not been able to repay that faith that they’ve shown in us, but I think the club is moving in the right direction,” he said, speaking before the season was over.
“They’ve been in the Championship a long time now and not really been anywhere near it, and a few seasons ago nearly got relegated.
“There’s a lot of teams pushing for that goal of getting in the Premier League.
“I think the fans can be disappointed this season, but I think they can look ahead and be positive.”
