Forest need to avoid ‘talent fire sale’

There are many reasons why relegation would be terrible for Nottingham Forest, but the one that would hurt most would be the thought of losing some of the best talent we have seen at Trentside this century.

It goes without saying that Morgan Gibbs-White lights up the City Ground every time he takes to the pitch. Likewise, Murillo is the kind of defender who seems to have it all – except height, perhaps – but that’s where his partnership with Willy Boly shines.

Anthony Elanga’s blistering pace has defined the best of the Reds’ attack this season, whilst on the other wing Callum Hudson-Odoi was a deserving player in the match against Sheffield United on Saturday. In goal, Matz Sels revived a besieged defense.

I could go on – and let’s not forget Ryan Yates’ first Premier League goal – but there is the core of a good squad here. There were games where this wasn’t exactly evident, games where few seemed worthy of Garibaldi.

But it takes time to consolidate, grow and progress. That has been Forest’s biggest problem in the Premier League. There has been poor and wasteful recruitment, with so many changes that it is difficult to sort it all out.

Many players will be leaving the City Ground this summer but, as long as the final two games of the season are not disastrous, it should only be those that go above and beyond. Not the flash sale of talents we’ve grown to love.

Pat Riddell can be found at The Famous Club