Elliot Anderson had one major worry before signing for Nottingham Forest

Elliot Anderson was a surprise signing when Nottingham Forest took him from Newcastle United in the summer transfer window.

The whole deal boiled down to PSR gymnastics between the Reds at the Magpies. Forest wanted Anderson and paid £35 million to sign him with the deal being offset by Newcastle signing Odysseas Vlachodimos from the City Ground for £20 million.

The 22-year-old has been a revelation at Forest. Gary Neville has raved about Anderson this season and the player is now a permanent fixture in the starting eleven under Nuno Espirito Santo.

The midfielder came through the academy ranks at Newcastle. He made 55 appearances for the senior ranks at St James’ Park but never really held down a place in the team, despite Eddie Howe wanting to keep Anderson.

Elliot Anderson had one major worry about Nottingham Forest move

It can’t have been an easy decision for Anderson in the summer. As a lifelong Newcastle supporter, the midfielder will have been heartbroken to discover that it was all over for him at the club where he came through the academy ranks.

In a revealing interview with BBC Sport, Anderson has shared what he felt when Forest came calling to take him on a permanent deal during the summer.

He explained: “Yeah it was very sad, obviously you never know you’re going to join a club and play so in my head at the time I didn’t know it was going to go the way it has.

” I was really settled there and I didn’t see it coming so it was a tough one to take. As a footballer you’ve got to be prepared for any challenge that comes your way and it wasn’t to be there but I’ve come to a great club and I’m really enjoying it.”