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Midfielder Ryan Yates has been at the club since he was 8 years old, Image credit: Nottingham Forest
Ryan Yates says Nottingham Forest are determined to finish the season on a high and build on what he calls a “really exciting” and “positive” campaign under Nuno Espirito Santo.
The midfielder spoke ahead of Sunday’s final game of the Premier League season at the City Ground, saying the squad are fully focused on securing the victory against Chelsea which could secure a Champions League place if other results go their way.
When asked about the season he said: “How do I sum it up? Just very exciting. The manager staying and just getting off to a fantastic start with some really good signings.
“It’s just a season where there’s always been something to hold on to or the season hasn’t drifted at any point. Whatever happens Sunday, this has got to be our platform to really kick on as a club and just keep improving.
“It’s been a really, really positive season.”
European football already secured – but the job is not done
Forest’s 2-1 win away at West Ham last weekend kept their Champions League hopes alive, and Yates believes the team has shown resilience in recent results.
“If you’d have asked me that a year ago, I’d have said: ‘wow I don’t believe you’,” he admitted. “It’s really difficult because I’ve tried not to think about it.”
“We’ve secured European football and it’s incredible, but…the whole club isn’t satisfied with that until it’s no longer possible.”
The key to Chelsea
Despite the magnitude of the match, Yates says the squad is staying grounded in their approach.
When asked whether Forest will treat the game like a cup final with home advantage, Yates replied: “I feel like every time we’ve done that, it hasn’t suited us.
“The manager wants us to just prep like normal. We obviously know we need to win this game but nothing’s changed. Everything’s been really consistent…we know full well we need to be our best to win.”
Yates is well aware Chelsea will pose a serious threat.
“They’re a fantastic team with incredible individuals. We need to be completely focused from the minute 1 to ninety.”
Reflecting on last season’s home league tie with Chelsea – a 3-2 defeat which saw Forest concede two late goals in two minutes, he added: “We thought ‘we’ve won this or at least we’re going to draw’, then they’ve come back to beat us. We know we need to learn from that.”
Praise for Nuno
Yates was full of praise for manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who took over mid-season in December 2023 and helped steady the club during a period of uncertainty – including a points deduction.
“Look at what he’s achieved in his short period at the club, it should be exciting to see what we can build further,” Yates said. “A lot of people would go under there in that sort of situation, [and say] ‘This has nothing to do with me’. He has always faced it head on and took responsibility.
“I think it’s a really exciting time to be part of Nottingham Forest, whether you’re a player or someone from the outside.”
Playing for Taiwo – and for each other
The squad’s unity was on full display after their emotional win at West Ham, which came just days after striker Taiwo Awoniyi underwent emergency abdominal surgery.
Awoniyi suffered a ruptured intestine after colliding with a goalpost during Forest’s match against Leicester City on May 11. He underwent emergency surgery and was placed in a medically induced coma, receiving intensive care.
“It was just massive…we just knew the significance of the result for Taiwo,” Yates said. “What he’s been through the past week, you wouldn’t wish that on anybody.”
“He messaged us before the game saying, ‘lads I’m all good and just go and win the game and take it to the final day’. We did that for him.
“Outside of football, we’re just so happy he’s just alive and well. We just know that he’s recovering really well. Apart from football, that’s probably the most important thing.”
Looking ahead – and keeping the group together
Yates believes that keeping the current group intact will be the key to Forest’s future success.
When asked how important it is to keep everyone together, he replied: “That’s what happened in the summer and look where it took us. I’d say keep the whole squad together but I don’t make the decisions! It’s out of my hands unfortunately.”
With the City Ground set for a dramatic and “feisty” final-day showdown, Yates and the squad are ready to give their everything.
“Whatever happens Sunday, I feel like this has got to be our platform to really kick on as a club and keep improving.”
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