da fezbet： Nottingham Forest are now in their 17th season away from the Premier League, as Dougie Freedman does his best to secure a return. The City Ground club were a titan of both English and European football in their day, but their fairy-tale return has yet to occur.
da bet nacional： Club legend Stuart Pearce was tasked with leading the club into the country’s top tier last year, but was sacked after a run of poor form – despite leading the way for much of his early tenure.
The club possess a core of good players with the likes of Henri Lansbury, Michael Mancienne and Andy Reid in the ranks. Ryan Mendes and Nelson Oliveria provide creativity, and Forest really aren’t too far from pushing for a position in the playoffs.
The Premier League has eluded the club before in the past, but here is a look at six free agents that could spark a promotion push…
KEVIN NOLAN
At times, Freedman’s midfield have looked acres away from his strikers. Bridging that gap and creating more quality in the final third has been somewhat of a problem thus far.
In signing former West Ham captain Nolan, the club would be getting a goal scoring midfielder with a wealth of experience. He’s renowned for his tireless, industrial performances in the engine room, as well as his quite remarkable ability to chip in the vital goals.
GEOGRIOS SAMARAS
The former Celtic and Manchester City man is without a club after leaving West Brom last year.
The Greek international has viewed as somewhat of a comedic figure during his time in Manchester, but proved what a valuable player he is at Celtic.
Able to be deployed as a typical target man, he is equally adept in a wider role, possessing strong dribbling skills for a man of his size. If Forest are struggling to break teams down, the 30-year old can provide attacking energy and impetus.
WILSON PALACIOS
Not an attacker, but likely to provide energy and bite into the midfield. Paired next to Lansbury, the fiery Honduran would offer drive into Freedman’s engine room.
Spates of injuries affected his time at Stoke City, but we must not forget his good work while at Wigan and Tottenham. He can be used a holding midfielder, or as a box-box option in order to drive Forest up the pitch.
On a free, he might just be a gamble worth taking.
CARLTON COLE
Though Freedman is well stocked for centre-forwards, a move for Carlton Cole could be an astute addition. Currently training with Celtic, the former West Ham mainstay is still available on a free.
He’s probably not the most lethal of strikers, but that currently is not Forest’s problem. He can hold the ball up, brining others into play and provide a focal point in the attack.
The likes of Reid and Chris Brunt are likely to be grateful for such a target man.
GUY DEMEL
A third former West Ham player to consider. The 32-year old Ivorian is able to play as either a right-back, or shift over into playing as a centre-half.
Recently, Freedman has seen his side drop points in games they should have win. A loss at home to high flying Middlesborough and a draw against Huddersfield despite leading for most of the game has seen the club pick up a paltry point instead of six.
Demel would go a long way to providing defensive cover in a variety of positions, as well as a physicality so often needed in the second tier.
STEPHEN KELLY
Picking up an international defender free of charge can never be a bad thing, and Kelly is another who could provide defensive cover.
The Republic of Ireland full-back is vastly experienced, and still capable of steady performances for a Championship side. Eric Lichaj is currently the club’s first choice right-back, but Kelly would be astute squad cover.
Able to bomb forward, he could help provide more energy in the final third on one of his trademark overlaps.