Nottingham Forest have a number of young players out on loan, gaining invaluable first-team exposure.
Zach Abbott might go out on loan before the transfer window closes, with the youngster sliding down the pecking order amid a summer transfer window of activity.
Tyler Bindon has been struggling on loan at Sheffield United, with the Blades yet to secure a win this season.
Kyle McAdam and Joe Gardner joined Nigel Clough at Mansfield in the early stages of the summer window, and that relationship feels like one that the club should continue to utilise.
Prior to the season getting underway, another Forest academy starlet signed for Mansfield in the form of Jamie McDonnell and it’s fair to say that he’s become an instant hit with the fan base at One Call Stadium.
Jamie McDonnell closes down Jack Grealish
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Jamie McDonnell stars against Premier League outfit Everton
The people of Mansfield took over Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium on Wednesday night as over 6000 supporters embarked on the new masterpiece.
Stags’ fans never stopped singing as their team went down 2-0 to the Toffees, with Carlos Alcaraz and Beto securing a passage into round three for David Moyes.
Despite losing, McDonnell stood out for the away team, with the 21-year-old seemingly unfazed despite the quality of the opposition he found himself up against.
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The central midfielder won the Player of the Year award at Colchester United last season and it looks to have proved a decent move to hook him up with a League One loan.
The Forest academy star scored twice recently during a 2-0 win over Blackpool and it would appear that he’s thriving under regular game time given to him by Clough.
Jamie McDonnell stats vs Everton
Although Mansfield lost to Everton, this was a strong performance by the Stags and epitomised everything that has been so good about their recent form.
Jamie McDonnell Stats vs Everton Total
Minutes 90
Clearances 5
Aerial Duels Won 4
Tackles 2
Interceptions 2
Clough had a bad start to the 2025/26 campaign but last night’s defeat was the first in five matches, with Stags defeating Chesterfield in the first round of the cup and Exeter, Blackpool and Leyton Orient in the league.
McDonnell was impressive against Premier League players last night and that certainly bodes well for the future, whether that be at Forest or by getting hooked up with a permanent EFL move.