A graphic displaying the details of Nottingham Forest's pre-season friendly against Chesterfield.
A graphic displaying the details of Nottingham Forest's pre-season friendly against Chesterfield.
July 10 2022.
The day of the 2022 Men’s Wimbledon final between Novak Djoković and Nick Gyrgios, with the Serbian claiming the 21st major honour of his career.
Elsewhere, and a little closer to home, it was also the day a young Wales international became a Red, joining the Club from Liverpool.
With Nottingham Forest preparing for a return to the Premier League for the first time since 1998/99 and pre-season training just around the corner, Forest welcomed Neco Williams first to the Nigel Doughty Academy before the Cosy Club in Nottingham.
This week, Neco returned to the venue to recreate the look after signing his new Forest contract having committed his future to the Reds until the summer of 2029.
It’s been quite the journey for the Wales international to become a regular in the Premier League and be a crucial cog in the team that returned to European competition for the first time since 1994/95.
Neco’s Forest debut came at Newcastle United, a 2-0 defeat and a real welcome back to the Premier League for the Reds.
A week later though and Neco was on the winning side for the first time as Forest recorded a 1-0 win over West Ham United at the City Ground.
The Wales international would make 31 appearances for the Reds in 2022/23, scoring once against his former employers at Anfield as Forest retained the all-important Premier League status.
Season two, and the versatile defender was again a regular for the Reds, chalking up 26 Premier League appearances, 31 in all competitions, as Forest battled to survival, a feat Nuno Espírito Santo's side achieved.
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With Neco quickly becoming a fan favourite, he would play a key role in helping the Club make history in our third Premier League campaign.
Williams missed just three league fixtures across the season, netted his first goal at the City Ground, the sixth of Forest’s seven against Brighton & Hove Albion, and helped the Reds return to European football for the first time in 30 seasons.
He surpassed 100 Forest appearances as well as 100 Premier League appearances last season while putting in tireless performances predominantly down Forest’s left flank.
After three successful seasons in the Garibaldi, we’re delighted to say the journey will continue for at least another four seasons after Neco renewed his deal until the summer of 2029.
Congratulations Neco, here’s to another exciting season to come on Trentside.