Nottingham Forest prospect announces emotional departure after 11-year stint at the City Ground

With the transfer window approaching, it’s important to remember that for some, their Nottingham Forest journey could be coming to an end.

The Forest Academy brings plenty of joy to fans, as seen recently with Zach Abbott’s FA Cup semi-final display.

Abbott scored the winning penalty as the Forest youngsters claimed the prestigious Premier League International Cup on Wednesday, too, but the reality of football is that some won’t make the senior squad.

One in particular has taken to social media to announce his departure from the City Ground, ending his association with the club he had been involved with since he was ten years old.

Sam Collins announces emotional exit from Nottingham Forest

Sam Collins has been at the club for over a decade, but has never quite had the chance to challenge for a place in the Forest squad, partly down to a horrific injury.

Posting on X, Collins said: “A real shame how things went post the leg break. Learnt that things can change very quickly in football, but no grudges will ever be held.”

“Wishing everybody at the club the very best for the future. Can’t wait now for my next challenge.”

Forest fans will undoubtedly keep an eye on where Collins ends up in football, but there are also a number of Nuno Espirito Santo’s senior squad whose contracts are set to expire.

The Nottingham Forest stars whose contracts are running out

Of course, it’s not only youth players who could leave, as a group of senior players are also potentially entering their final few weeks at the Forest training ground:

• Harry Toffolo
• Willy Boly
• Wayne Hennessey

Ola Aina was also part of this group, but recent reports have claimed that Forest have triggered an extension in Aina’s contract while talks over a longer-term solution continue.