Nottingham Forest Transfer Banter

31 Mar 2026 17:09:24
I admire yet laugh sometimes at Forest fans using the history of players and stature. Of this amazing club when cornered. It's the obvious way out. I'm an amazing fan of it, subconsciously. This season for me, the lot of em are guilty. Simple as, even the club's mascot Murrilo. Ok only now n then.

Just not enough working for the ball. From players, none can score and no target man with height. And too much fussing in final f****** 3rd. Let's face it, it's the defence if we do stay up kept us there not forwards. But I wouldn't write em off. Well not yet. Selling clubs bring it on themselves.

31 Mar 2026 18:32:05
Obviously me being a Geordie, you may understand. FTID.

31 Mar 2026 19:29:37
There have been matches where they have left nothing out there, Bowie, mate, just not enough of them.

31 Mar 2026 22:42:54
I actually don't agree.
These players have had four coaches in one season, each one trying to fix the other one's mistakes.
Then add losing a potential strike force of Wood and Elanga.
It was never going to be easy.
I can't fault the effort, just the finishing.
It's interesting that MGW has had his best goalscoring season when we are struggling.


Couldn't do it when we were up there?
We've dominated many a game and lost, that's not down to lack of effort, it's a mixture of bad tactics, poor team selection, not believing in the players, especially Dyche.

31 Mar 2026 14:02:48
Think we will have Chris Wood available for the Villa game. If not, take him to Porto away, give him more time to recover. Premier League is more important imo, and I think we can win our next 2 league games at the City Ground.

Jair Cunha should be back for Porto, which means we don’t have to play Morato. Bonus!

31 Mar 2026 15:42:04
Don't take him not if not.

31 Mar 2026 17:46:48
This rest will do us the world of good imo...
Our new manager can get proper time to work with the squad, hopefully it pays off.

30 Mar 2026 09:38:26
I have to say that I'm loving the carnage ensuing at Spurs atm. Their fans groups up in arms about the possibility of De Zerbi coming in because of his backing of Mason Greenwood.

Their other options being a handful of Ex players and managers that are so out of touch with the Premier League, it's laughable. A club in total chaos and disarray. Long may it continue. ?

30 Mar 2026 10:13:33
There's a lot of talk in the media about City being deducted 60 points at the end of the season; that would relegate them even if they won all of their remaining matches. Good news for the prem, they lose a 50,000-seater club and save two 60,000-seater clubs from the drop.

Do any of you buy it, or is it really going to happen? Apparently City have lost all of their appeals. All have been held in private.

30 Mar 2026 10:22:26
I'd really like it to happen!!!
They've had their own way for way too long!!!

30 Mar 2026 10:24:13
What a slap in the face, Stevie, mentioning Des & Murillo in the same breath. At his peak, Des was the best defender in the world. Off a completely different planet.

30 Mar 2026 10:55:07
Completely disagree, balloons, the game has moved on since Des played. Murillo is a different kettle of fish. Strong, fast, ability to play, determined, and has shown he can't adapt to the riggers of the Premier League seamlessly. ?

30 Mar 2026 11:20:16
Des was pretty fast, you know. Not many players got past him. But you're right in pointing out that football has changed, but I think Des would fit in with today's system quite well. Top player.

30 Mar 2026 11:56:25
Larry, Des had straight-line pace; he got found out in Italy. He was never the best defender in the world. I liked Des, but let's not get carried away. Murillo is a better player.

30 Mar 2026 12:45:18
It's all about options, mate, but you say the game has moved on, Winter. Well, he would have moved with it. They're all human beings, with a body, 2 arms & 2 legs & a brain. We adapt to the situation. That's like saying Phil Taylor wouldn't beat Luke Littler because the games moved on, or Ali wouldn't beat Fury. Nonsense of an argument.

30 Mar 2026 13:24:07
Argument? I'm not arguing lol. I don't watch pubs games, mate, so can't comment on Darts. But Ali vs Usyk would be a good watch. ?

30 Mar 2026 13:37:01
As for the game moving on? It has, vastly. Just look at the size, physique, and fitness levels of Premier League players these days. Gone are the days of pint-sized full backs and midfield magicians.

If you aren't 5'10 plus, you wouldn't make a defender these days. Yes, there are a few players who are the exception to the rule, but they are few and far between, most of whom are older pros now. ?

30 Mar 2026 17:14:10
Des was a brilliant defender too...
Would you believe it, Red Robin, Larry has never really appreciated Murillo?"
"Bang average," he branded him...
However, I do think Des wouldn't have a problem today either.

30 Mar 2026 19:36:11
Murillo is a great player, one of the best we've had for a while.
However, I wouldn't take any of our existing players over Pearce, Walker, Keane or Collymore. The game may have changed, but they remain the last of the best we ever had, in my opinion. I'd take Murillo next to Des, though.

31 Mar 2026 06:05:23
Exactly, Gold Stars. Fans are getting carried away with a team that's been flirting with relegation all season, & comparing them with Frank Clark's team, as you do there, says it all. Ridiculous.

31 Mar 2026 10:23:09
All I can say, Balloons, is "Return of the musty ball sack." ??? ?

31 Mar 2026 13:23:49
The Murillo v Des debate on here is fascinating and I'll sit on the fence because it's difficult to compare like for like from era to era. Both are superb defenders and both world class. Both have great pace and the ability to read the game and anticipate danger. I think Murillo has greater power and physical strength, but, saying this, I never saw Des being shrugged off the ball either by anyone, even the bigger centre forwards of his time. Des famously got a nosebleed whenever he crossed the halfway line.

Murillo loves to attack and can pick a pass; both are comfortable on the ball. It was a revelation to see Des given encouragement to play out from the back as the veteran captain in Paul Hart's young passing team in the mid eighties. Perhaps Murillo just edges it, but then again, I think great players can adapt, as I'm sure Des would have adapted to the increased pace and power of the modern game. Crucially, Murillo will only get better if he stays clear of injury and works hard, which is a truly frightening thought.

31 Mar 2026 13:28:11
Nobody is getting carried away with a team flirting with relegation. The comparison was Murillo and Des Walker. Des was quicker, a top defender, but a limited ball-playing footballer. Murillo is a better player. Only Gold Star has mentioned Keane, Colleymore, or Pearce.

31 Mar 2026 13:36:09
I don't know if I've ever told my Des Walker story on here. If I have, I apologise.....
When I was a Custody Sgt (here he goes again, I can hear you thinking..... ? ? ?) I had the sad duty of booking the legend in for Drunk and Dizzy. He had a great charisma about him and was a great laugh. I remember one of the long list of questions I had to ask him was "Do you have any learning difficulties, Mr Walker?"
Quick as a flash he said, "Yes I do. I get drunk, get into trouble and I never effing learn." It brought the house down.


Good as gold, he went to his cell to sleep it off, and I went off duty at 7am.
He was released by the morning shift, around 9 ish, with a caution, but some bar steward (I never found out who) had tipped the press off (no doubt for a nice back hander), and he was photographed coming out of the Bridewell looking disheveled and the worse for wear, then splashed all over the papers.
There were a lot of Reds supporters on my shift, and we were all pretty hacked off when we found out how he'd been set up....

31 Mar 2026 13:41:11
Great story, mate!

31 Mar 2026 14:56:14
Thanks Rogie. ? I guess it's a variation on the taxi drivers "Guess who I had in the back of my cab last week"... We had Wes Morgan in there but, I stress, not under arrest but as an appropriate adult for a juvenile extended family member arrested from the Meadows. Very quiet, reserved and polite, signed autographs, no big man act (but diplomatically and courteously dodged questions about the club from Forest supporting staff). Great guy.
Andy Cole once turned up to collect a mate from Custody and a fellow Sgt (and Reds fan) shook his hand with the words "Thanks Mr Cole, it's the closest I've ever been to £20 million quid"...


Finally, I was chatting to Chris Tarrant after he'd been arrested (can't remember what for, ABH or Common Assault I think). He was very friendly, again no airs and graces, but initially insisted on having his Barrister travel up from London to represent him. I advised him off the record, that as it was a minor offence and, with no previous offences, was likely to end with him being cautioned, he'd be better off with the local Duty Solicitor who was present rather than wait hours in a cell. Cheaper in legal fees too. But it was entirely his choice. And so it panned out...
Join the Police, meet famous people. ????

31 Mar 2026 15:01:12
Was that after his testimonial? Sure, we played Newcastle 4 4 n he got nicked early hours, causing a fuss outside his ex's...

Think he only ever scored 1 goal for us, against Luton, last min equaliser maybe. I was on Trent Bridge as it went in!

Quality player, but my preference would be Murillo.

31 Mar 2026 17:15:05
Brilliant stories, Stokey. ? Love Des even more now. ? Nah, great story, Stokey.

31 Mar 2026 19:05:37
I always wondered how great players like Bobby Moore would have got on in today's Premiership. He was probably the best ball-playing centre back in the world in his era, comfortable on the ball, a perfect tackler with excellent reading of the game, always in the right place at the right time, a great leader with the temperament to organise the defence.

Yet he lacked pace across the ground. Perhaps he owed a lot to the very, very good players he had around him at West Ham and England?

31 Mar 2026 20:15:54
Not really, Stokey? Like Hoddle. Let the ball work for ya, bud. Not many gifted.

30 Mar 2026 07:39:16
{Ed's Note - Davey Sulls has posted a new article entitled, My Liverpool Summer Plan: Coach Change and Four Signings

31 Mar 2026 04:27:14
No chance of the Scouse getting Ando, Arsenal, or City, imo. Stable management and comprehensive styles of play. Scouse look lost this season, unless there are major changes in the coaching department. You guys can forget that one. ?

29 Mar 2026 19:47:42.
Talk of our top players leaving in the summer. Murillo is often mentioned. I'd be very sad to see him go. Absolute gem of a player. Saved us so many times. Best CB we've had since Des in his prime. Now there's a question for debate. Murillo or Des.

29 Mar 2026 21:23:01
Could not agree more, mate.
But times move on and players move on.
Only thing that can change it all is if we win Europa League?
Which I'm convinced we will.

29 Mar 2026 21:28:03
Murillo all day, mate. He's still only going to get better and better. When you consider he'd played only 20 odd first team games out in Brazil. ?

29 Mar 2026 21:37:04
Murillo is a better footballer than Des in my opinion.

29 Mar 2026 21:43:03
Stronger for a starter, Stevie.

29 Mar 2026 22:42:04
He just looks confident for me, never panics, strength. And, like Des, fit as. Not only now, but will grow into an unbelievable player. You can just see him learning each game.

29 Mar 2026 22:45:30
Better passer of the ball than Des ever was tbh.

30 Mar 2026 05:02:26
Murrillo definitely my favourite player, I'll follow his career with interest, no matter where he ends up...
However, I'd be delighted if we could eke another season out of him.

30 Mar 2026 06:35:49
Unfortunately, someone will have to go on sale. We are a business after all, but if we stay up we can limit that to probably Anderson and maybe MGW. I hope we can keep Murrilo and Sangare, etc. Selling those 2 can fund another rebuild. We must spend the money well, though.

29 Mar 2026 19:38:02
Signings like

Harry Wilson (Fulham)

Jack Hinselwood (Brighton)

Truffert (Bournemouth)

The former Brentford guy not getting look in at Arsenal (Norgaard)

Arne Engals (Celtic)

Mateta (Palace)

All the above players would help us cover anyone that leaves in the summer.

29 Mar 2026 20:43:27
A lot will depend on the recruitment model and if we're sticking to only signing younger players. ?

29 Mar 2026 10:58:14
Three players we should have on our shopping list for next season in the Premier League.

James Garner / replacement for Anderson.
Anthony Elanga / replacement for Ndoye.
Maxime Esteve / replacement for Murrilo.

29 Mar 2026 13:30:22
Garner will now command a large transfer fee, being capped and all. Elanga isn't exactly pulling up trees at Newcastle, and Esteve? Part of one of the worst defences in the league.
I really can't see Mr M allowing two of our key players to leave in the summer (if we stay up).

If anyone goes, it will be Ando, and for a hundred plus million. With that money, we need a direct replacement for Ando and a centre forward. There will be the usual wheeler-dealing with a few fringe players, but I can't see wholesale changes. Quality over quantity. ?

29 Mar 2026 14:20:27
We need quantity too, mate, around 3-4 more players...

29 Mar 2026 15:53:20
If Mr M puts his foot down and blocks any big transfers, we could end up with a mgw situation again. Just remember it took mgw until Xmas to get his head right, we don't want that happening again. If Murillo and mgw (for that matter) want to go, then sell them, get top dollar for them, and replace them.

Nothing lasts forever, players come and go, and in Murillo's case he deserves a big money move. Personally, I'd like to see him in Spain or Italy, not at Chelsea or Liverpool.

29 Mar 2026 17:16:08
Unless Murillo goes to Real, clubs in Italy and Spain can't afford the 70 million plus his valuation commands. ?

29 Mar 2026 18:31:40
I'll be sorry to see him go, he isn't your stereotypical type CB that's for sure!

29 Mar 2026 20:42:21
He's my favourite player, Rogie, and imo already a club legend. ?

28 Mar 2026 18:39:14
Can't wait till a week Thursday. Never been to Porto. Looks an amazing city. Looking forward to a carnival atmosphere.

Porto are a top outfit and we will have to perform to go through. There was nothing in the game at the City Ground earlier in the year and it could have gone either way.

We got two soft penalties if memory serves me right.
Will be interesting how Vp uses his squad with the 4 games in 10 days. And how many minutes will he give to Chris Wood as he comes back to fitness. I have a feeling. One way or another he is going to be the key man in how our season pans out.

28 Mar 2026 19:37:22
We'll win it over two legs easily.
Flights very expensive. My mate in the village paying £350 for flights and had to go to Heathrow as well, plus accommodation and a ticket.
Fair play, enjoy, but that's serious cash, bearing in mind we need predominantly to stay in the Premier first.

28 Mar 2026 20:22:25
I know.
I got a £50 flight to Barcelona.
Then, 3 hours later, another £50 to Porto.

But on the way back I had to bite the bullet. Over £300 from Porto to Gatwick. Then train back to Nottingham. Luckily accommodation is sorted. Sure it will be worth it, whatever.

Like your confidence.

Porto are favourites with the bookies, and 2nd favourites to win the whole thing behind Villa. We are definitely on the hard side of the draw.

Take your point though. Priority has to be the Premier. I think we are overpriced at 13/2 to go down. We were 13/8 before kick off last Sunday.

28 Mar 2026 20:28:57
We'll beat them over there, no problem 67.
Enjoy, you deserve the win coming, mate.

28 Mar 2026 21:01:17
Thank you.

I will be happy with a draw. Especially if he plays a similar team to the one in 2nd leg v Middjytland.

28 Mar 2026 21:18:49
Fenerbahce were more difficult opponents than Porto, mate.
Pierrea will put it to bed in the first leg.

28 Mar 2026 21:49:35
Do you reckon we can do Villa over 2 legs?

28 Mar 2026 21:58:57
Yep, mate.
By then, we will be safe.
Got faith in Vitor. He doesn't complain, just gets on with it.
Villa had a long season as well, but priority is top four.
I believe we are hitting form at the perfect time, 67.
Wood and Awoniyi, perfect bonus imo.

28 Mar 2026 22:24:00
Well fingers crossed.

Hope you're right. ???

28 Mar 2026 22:33:57
Fully confident of being right.

28 Mar 2026 23:16:54
If anyone else has an opinion. You're welcome to join in.

As Mrs Merton used to say.

"Let's start a lively debate."

?

29 Mar 2026 02:04:21
In VP we trust. Great manager, imo, tactically fantastic, and brilliant at inspiring morale, and Wood isn't far off (still time for double figures ?). I don't often agree with DTP, but we are in safe hands with VP. Just a shame we didn't get him earlier in the season and give him a transfer window or two to get a few in he wanted.

If we stay up and reach at least the semis, he should be given a good crack at next season. Enough of this, the grass is always greener. Continuity is how we succeed. ?

29 Mar 2026 03:11:18
Love it. Two optimists.

Hope you're right, boys.

29 Mar 2026 06:50:30
£350 just for the flight, that'll be the thick end of £500 to watch a game of footy? You can buy a Rolls Royce of a recliner for that. ? ?

29 Mar 2026 10:16:26
Just one big rip off, you're spot on with that statement, Larry. My mate wanted to go, but was quoted over a grand for the flight and accommodation. That was without the ticket. Going to the pub and watch it there, 20 quid tops.

29 Mar 2026 13:00:10
Why is it a rip off?
Surely it's up to the individual whether they go or not.
It's not the club's fault that flights are expensive.

29 Mar 2026 13:31:39
Porto away looks a bargain compared with what it cost me to go Wembley last season. Fair play to those that are going. ?

29 Mar 2026 13:44:04
It's up to the individual whether they pay £9 for a gallon diesel, but it's still a rip off.
Take the home tickets then, £50 zone one, which translates to the lower tier in the main stand. The worst stand in Premier League football. But hey, Merrycrackers is building a new stand. ?? That's around £75 for an evening's entertainment.

But if you want to go upmarket, there might be room in a rusty shipping container for £300.
Just not meant for the average working class man with a couple of kids anymore.
An 18 pack of beer £10. Takeaway £20. Warm & dry, plus £45 change. No brainer.

29 Mar 2026 14:19:43
To be fair, the prices for the home leg have been dropped. Mine was £35.

Villa are charging around £75 for their home leg. Now they deffo are, milking their supporters.

29 Mar 2026 14:20:37
You don't go, so why complain, balloons.

29 Mar 2026 14:55:15
Think £60 for me n the kids, reckon that's very reasonable for European quarter final.

29 Mar 2026 15:01:24
Valid opinion DTP, I'll hold off getting too positive just yet, but there are promising signs. We need a few goals from Wood, and wouldn't it be typical for Big T and Jesus to find some form and start putting some chances away.

They're all capable players, and there's no reason they shouldn't if the confidence builds. After a hard season, it'd be fantastic for our fans to see us make the final... Then, anything can happen, can't it?

29 Mar 2026 15:59:17
Ryanair usually want 65quid return to go to Porto. Try getting that price to fly the day before the game. It's supply and demand, so they put up the price tenfold, so yes, it's a rip off.

29 Mar 2026 19:18:24
Redvale, Arsenal play Sporting as well the day before and it's school holidays.
You don't pay £65 ones when that's the case.

29 Mar 2026 20:48:56
I'm not complaining, dtp, just stating facts. All those reasons are why I won't go, along with thousands of others. Don't forget to order your Take That tickets at the Etihad. You can say you've been to Man City then. ?

29 Mar 2026 21:01:26
No they aren't balloons, you wouldn't go if it was a tenner
You'd complain about the long journey and cost of diesel
Let's face it your tight ??

28 Mar 2026 07:45:51
Cannot believe that Henderson White Solanke Maguire Spence Foden or Calvert Lewin were even in the squad let alone playing.

How can The jug eared kraut think that any of the above are England class players.

28 Mar 2026 10:02:57
Only watched five mins of the second half, absolute crap. If I'd have been there and paid good money to see the rubbish, I'd have wanted my money back.

28 Mar 2026 12:42:17
Just been reading about an England fan who's sold his house to fund his trip to the World Cup. What a D..k head.

28 Mar 2026 17:21:48
I went yesterday, got 4 tix for £100 n not watched England live since Euro 96, so thought why not..

Shocking game n atmosphere, bar the Uruguay fans doing the Poznan. Most fans around me were England members who went purely to get the caps for away games.

On 65 mins, the ground started emptying. We left just as we scored, so got to boo Ben White on n when announced as the scorer!

Won't be rushing back for another game..

27 Mar 2026 22:00:45
Now I know that the England game was awful to watch, but where did they get this ref from? I know if you get a yellow card you have to be careful, but then Ugarte gets a second yellow - which is a red card, but he stays on the pitch!!!!!
Mind boggling from the official!

27 Mar 2026 22:37:27
The game was mind boggling, though.
Three forwards that are pathetic at this level.

28 Mar 2026 07:44:49
Taking a break from footy, the England squad is a joke at the moment. Can't understand what Tuchel is going to learn from playing footballers like Henderson, etc. Might be a return for Milner next. ??

28 Mar 2026 16:06:45
Stanley Matthews to make an appearance next game.