January 2014 Transfer Window Roundup

It’s been a glorious transfer window for Forest, used to maybe one insipid free transfer or a loan; we have strengthened with 5 new players coming in.

This is more than what we had targeted and coupled with keeping the existing squad together it has to be deemed a success. The only departure saw Miller return to Yeovil but he was peripheral at best anyway.

So what do we know about the new recruits and what will they bring? Here’s a round up

Hobbs

Jack Hobbs
In what was on-going on off saga we finally at the death got our man in Jack Hobbs. The central defender had been an ever present before he got injured, and was then recalled by Hull in an obvious attempt to force our hand to dip into the pockets and sign him. Under pressure from Reading, Wigan and Leicester Hobbs always said he was our favoured choice of destination.
We know of course that Hobbs is a strong central defender and this was somewhat illustrated versus Watford on Thursday night. We know exactly what we got with Jack, and that’s a quality central defender.

David Vaughan
We also know what we are getting with Vaughan, who completely changed our midfield for the better when he arrived. The interplay and balance provided by the 3 of him, Lansbury and Reid started a lot of what has been good lately. He made the deep lying midfielder role his own and shone for his initial loan period with the club. His signing will be vital for the promotion bid.

Danny Fox
Considering we have been after him at left back for a while signals our intent here. With Cohen injured and Harding form intermittent getting in a quality recognised left back with top level experience at Celtic is a major coup and will be help us no end defensively, and hopefully attacking wise too, with interchange down the left.

Djebbour

Rafik Djebbour
An interesting signing and rare one for a club to buying in relatively older players from abroad. Djebbour has come in for a cut price from what we were going to pay in the summer. He offers another option up front and must be an upgrade at least from the likes of Tudgay, Derbyshire and Henderson are aren’t players to push you to the Premier League. Apart from that I don’t want to base opinions on YouTube videos as I could make vids that make me look good. Be interesting to see how quickly he adapts

Gomis

Kevin Gomis
Being a loan it feels relatively pressure free. If he succeeds we can hopefully make it permanent like with Hobbs, if he fails, then it’s not financially cost us much (though what it could cost on a pitch is only one the future can answer) Gomis has top level experience in Ligue 1. Apart rom that I know nothing.

Latest Transfer Gossip - Jan 14th 2012

Most of this is hearsay, gossip, rumours and generally borderline made up stuff on other sites. Occasionally during transfer windows I compile this, so if anyone starts to think this is me suggesting these transfers thin again, what I do thought, is offer my opinion on this transfers.

Adam Larsen Kwarasey

A completely random name it may seem but Norwegian media has linked us with the Stromsgodset keeper. He is a Ghanaian international and is currently in South Africa as part of the Ghana squad for the African Cup of Nations. According to the Norwegian source (http://www.tv2.no/sport/fotball/tippeligaen/-nottingham-forest-med-bud-paa-larsen-kwarasey-3965181.html) an initial offer was made which was far too low. Negotiations are ongoing, but Stromsgodset hope he has a good tournament to increase his value. He is Norwegian born so would be Work Permit exempt. In terms of believability it seems random, but then sometimes the best deals are. It would possibly be a potential if other targets don’t come off. Kwarasey is 25 years old.

George Boyd
Not exactly news or gossip, it’s been all but confirmed by the Peterborough chairman. He did mention us but he does also have a record of misleading the press and public. This could be a ruse to increase Boyd’s worth and start a bidding war. Although he never had a chance in his previous spell at the club I have always thought he seems dangerous. However not exactly pacey I’m not sure he offers an alternative to what we already have. So it might reach a dead end. We aren’t the only club chasing him.

Chris Burke
This year’s rumour that won’t go away. The latest is we have offered £500k and that Birmingham has all but accepted but is desperately holding out for more. We won't pay more, but Brum hopes someone else can come in gazump us. That said other sources say this is a done deal just waiting for i’s to be dotted and t’s to be crossed. Personally I think this one will go through.

Bader al-Mutawa.
Another rumour that won’t die is that we are back in for the Kuwaiti striker and are hoping that this time he can be granted a work permit. The al-Hasawi family are desperate for an Arabian based player to sign for the club to massively increase our profile over there and see their countryman as ideal. Whether this goes though remains to be seen. There was a lot of discussion before that if we were persistent we would get him eventually. I’m not so sure.

Kieren Westwood
Another name amongst a sea of goalkeepers but one I mention as it’s a bit more a potential goer. I have always rated Westwood, at Carlisle and Coventry. I could see him being a good signing. However it was reported a week ago Sunderland have no intention of letting him go as their own cover for Mignolet then would be a youth team keeper. That could be a huge stumbling block.... Unless of course Camp went there, which would be unlikely.

Danny Fox
Southampton left back has been linked. Now although this would-be a good signing there are huge problems. Although he has been kept out of the team by 17 year old Luke Shaw. Shaw is injured at the moment though it isn’t as long term as could have been. Also Southampton may be wary of big money offers for him, despite him signing a new contract. Potential deal though, but as I say there are enough reasons to doubt it. However he is another defender named Daniel or a version of.