Harry Toffolo is leaving Nottingham Forest
Harry Toffolo is leaving Nottingham Forest
An important summer for Nottingham Forest is now firmly in full swing as thoughts begin to turn to the 2025/26 campaign.
The Reds have some excellent foundations to build on after finishing seventh in the Premier League last term. But they are well aware how much is riding on getting things right as they look to kick on again when they return to action in August.
It might be the off-season but there is still plenty happening at the City Ground. Below, NottinghamshireLive rounds up the latest goings-on Trentside.
Fond farewell
The reaction to speaks volumes about the defender. Toffolo will officially leave on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of this month, and he departs with a whole host of well wishes.
The left-back made 57 appearances in the Garibaldi during his three-year spell on the banks of the Trent. But his impact goes far beyond his contribution on the pitch, with Reds players taking to social media to hail a model pro.
Morgan Gibbs-White said: “My heart hurts. Thank you for everything brother good luck on your next chapter @harry_toff”
Anthony Elanga posted: “What a player! And an even better person. Good luck on your next chapter Brother.”
Andrew Omobamidele said: “One of the best people I have met in my life - good luck to you and your family in your next chapter Toffs.”
Ola Aina wrote how he is “gonna miss” Toffolo and Elliot Anderson described him as the “best guy in footy”. Neco Williams added: “What a guy, see you soon soldier @harry_toff.”
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest Community Trust have posted an open letter to Toffolo on their website, in recognition of his off-field work. CEO Calum Osborne said: “On behalf of everyone at Nottingham Forest Community Trust, I want to express our heartfelt thanks for the incredible dedication, passion, and authenticity you’ve brought to our community work during your time at the football club. Your legacy at Nottingham Forest Community Trust is one of compassion, leadership, and genuine connection.”
Staying put
As one Forest figure leaves, it appears another is staying put. Chief football officer Ross Wilson is said to have rebuffed Huddersfield Town’s efforts to try to lure him from the City Ground.
Reports emerged last month suggested Wilson was a target for the Terriers, where he had a spell as head of football operations earlier in his career. The League One side were reportedly keen to see him return in a senior role focused on driving their recruitment strategy.
However, Football League World have claimed Wilson “decided to turn down” Huddersfield’s advances. The West Yorkshire outfit are now said to be poised to offer a contract to former Hearts sporting director Joe Savage.
Price cap
Reds fans covered more than 4,000 miles to follow their team on the road last season. The backing Nuno Espirito Santo’s side received on their travels was phenomenal and contributed to some memorable away wins.
It is an expensive business following Forest up and down the country. The Premier League say the money supporters shell out was front of mind when top-flight clubs unanimously agreed to extend the current £30 cap on away ticket prices.
A Premier League statement said: “This will be the 10th season the £30 cap has been in place. Since its introduction in 2016, attendance at away games has increased from 82 percent to 91 percent.
“The Premier League and clubs recognise the additional costs associated with fans following their team during the season, and the incredible atmospheres they create at matches. A Fan Engagement Standard was launched in 2023 to reinforce Premier League clubs' commitment to ensuring long-term meaningful engagement with supporters. The cumulative away attendance for the 380 matches during the 2024/25 Premier League season was 953,420.”
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Miguel’s plan
Goalkeeper Carlos Miguel made just three appearances for the Reds last season. But although his first year at the City Ground did not yield the amount of minutes he would have liked, he is continuing to aim high.
The Brazilian has been discussing last summer’s move to Forest from Corinthians and how it wasn’t exactly plain sailing. Nevertheless, he still has hopes of following in the footsteps of two of his fellow countrymen.
“It was a career plan, the dream is to play in Europe, in one of the biggest teams in the world, to follow in the footsteps of (Liverpool’s) Alisson, (Manchester City’s) Ederson,” Miguel told the PodPah podcast (via Sport Witness).
On last year’s saga regarding his departure from Corinthians, he added: “They (Forest) wanted to sign another goalkeeper, they had almost been relegated and I accepted the proposal. Corinthians made me the proposal on the day of the game against Sao Paulo. But that was it, I had already signed the pre-contract.
“It took days, weeks to decide. I thought about going, not going, I talked to the people close to me, you see the situation Corinthians was in… It’s not even jumping before it sinks (Corinthians). I knew that if everyone got their heads together and knew where they were, it would get better. Corinthians is very big.
“There were a lot of things that were done that I didn’t like. Suddenly there was a mess (at Corinthians), they said they asked me to play and I refused. The atmosphere was very tense. It got to a point where I left.”
What has impressed me recently
makes a great deal of sense. The former has been offered a new deal and Forest say “talks continue” with Hennessey regarding his “future role” at the club.
If Hennessey does stay on, it will most likely be in a coaching role. Both the Welshman and Boly are important figures in the dressing room and keeping hold of them, for a season where the Reds are facing a new challenge in the form of European football, seems a wise move.
Moment missed from the weekend
Elanga picked up from where he left off at the end of last season as he put in a fine performance for his country. The winger was named Sweden’s Player of the Match in their 2-0 friendly win over Hungary on Friday night.
With Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres missing, Elanga was deployed up front for the occasion. Amid reports Newcastle United have revived their interest in him, he was asked afterwards whether he expected Magpies star Isak to be in touch and try to persuade him to make the move to St James’ Park. “He must have tried to call me about the match, that I should have scored,” the Forest man quipped.
Player with a point to prove
Gibbs-White was only on the pitch for a matter of minutes when he came off the bench very late on in England’s 1-0 win over Andorra on Saturday, but he still managed to make an impact. The Reds ace will hope to get more of an opportunity on familiar territory on Tuesday night, when he could get the chance to represent his country at his home ground.
If he does get on the pitch against Senegal, Gibbs-White would become the first Forest player to represent the Three Lions at the City Ground. He will no doubt be eager to show national team boss Thomas Tuchel what he can do, having struggled for minutes under the German so far.
Next up
All eyes will be on the City Ground on Tuesday night. Forest’s stadium will play host to an England international for the first time since 1941 when the Three Lions take on Senegal (7.45pm kick-off) in a friendly.