Latest Nottingham Forest news as the next generation at the Reds’ Nigel Doughty Academy hope to catch the eye.
Nottingham Forest has a strong tradition of developing players through the ranks, and the Nigel Doughty Academy has long been a source of pride for the club.
Breaking into the senior squad is more difficult with the Reds in the Premier League. Nonetheless, preseason could provide an opportunity for certain young players to attract the attention of head coach Nuno Espirito Santo.
The Portuguese has previously demonstrated his willingness to give youth a chance. Below, we look at some of Forest’s promising young players.
Aaron Donnelly
If Aaron Donnelly obtains his first senior Northern Ireland cap in the upcoming friendlies, it will top off a successful season. The defender was an unused substitute in the previous international camp and will undoubtedly be eager to play this time after receiving his latest call-up.
Following a great 2022/23 season in which he made his Forest debut and enjoyed a successful loan spell at Port Vale, Donnelly has continued his growth this season. He made a good impression on loan at Dundee, despite an ankle ailment and subsequently a heart problem that limited his playing time. He had surgery to repair the latter earlier this year.
Dundee manager Tony Docherty often commended the 20-year-old’s attitude and application. “I have to say, I cannot speak highly enough of Aaron and the way he has handled it,” he told the Courier in March.
“He suffered a serious ankle injury when he first joined us, and the way he recovered in terms of professionalism and attitude was great. However, this would have affected many players, especially someone as young as him, who is away from home and on loan from Nottingham Forest. For me, it tells much about the young boy’s character that he handled it so effectively and maturely.
Dale Taylor
When Dale Taylor came off the bench to score in a key game earlier this season, he might not have gotten the ultimate outcome he wanted. Nonetheless, the 20-year-old will remember the incident.
Taylor scored for loan club Wycombe Wanderers just two minutes after coming on in the EFL Trophy final at Wembley. His long-range shot in the 89th minute tied the game at one apiece with Peterborough United and appeared to force overtime. However, Harrison Burrows scored his second goal of the afternoon in extra time to seal Posh’s victory.
Taylor posted on Instagram, “Result did not work in our favor…” A huge thank you to all of the @wwfcofficial fans whose support was incredible. What a moment to remember. Onward and upward for this squad.”
The goal was Taylor’s tenth of the season for the Chairboys. The amount of clubs interested in taking him on loan last summer was thought to be in the double digits following his stay at Burton Albion last season. Already a senior Northern Ireland international, he appears to have a promising future ahead of him.
Joe Gardner
Joe Gardner has also had a memorable season. The 18-year-old earned his Forest first-team debut earlier this year as a substitute against Bristol City in the FA Cup.
Gardner had been on the bench for the match between the teams at Ashton Gate. He then appeared on the pitch in the replay at the City Ground, coming on late in normal time before the Reds won on penalties.
“He was very happy! Nuno added, “Now he will realise what happened to him because it was difficult when we put him on the pitch.” “He’s a young boy who works with us.
“He performed well. He exhibited a soul, personality, and vitality. I’m extremely delighted for him. I hope he has a successful career. I will attempt to assist him as much as possible.”
Zach Abbott
Zach Abbott was also a substitute in February’s FA Cup replay against the Robins. He did not play that game, although he had already made his senior debut.
The defender was only 16 when he made his Forest debut in August 2022. Steve Cooper, the head coach at the time, brought him on in the last minutes of a 3-0 League Cup win over Grimsby Town.
Cooper was eager to get him engaged, and he made it clear that the boy should keep his match shirt. The kid will want to add a few more shirts to his collection in the future, as there are great expectations for him at Trentside.
The fact that he was recently named by The Guardian as one of the top young talents at Premier League clubs speaks volumes. It occurred after he played an important role in Forest’s Under-18s reaching the FA Youth Cup final for the first time in history in 2022.
