‘I’m not sure’: EFL chairman says there’s only one Nottingham Forest signing he’s not convinced about

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Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony has praised Nottingham Forest’s transfer business, but there’s one signing he’s not convinced by.

On his podcast, The Hard Truth – Inside the Football Industry, MacAnthony applauded the work Steve Cooper’s side has done this summer, believing that they’ll avoid the drop on their return to England’s top flight:

“I tell you who I’ve been really impressed with, Nottingham Forest – wow,” he said. The only concern is people will say Fulham a few years ago, but I actually think their recruitment is miles better.

“I’m really, really impressed. I think Forest are top 15, I like 90% of their signings.”

However, MacAnthony singles out one player who he doesn’t believe Forest should have signed, Jesse Lingard:

“Lingard I’m not sure, but the rest, I like their signings.”

There was plenty of speculation surrounding Lingard’s future this summer, with West Ham heavily linked to their former loan star.

And former England and West Ham defender Glen Johnson has criticised his move, saying: “He’ll 100% regret not making the move to West Ham…his move highlights a short-term mentality”.

MacAnthony not convinced on one Forest signing

On the whole, MacAnthony was very positive about Forest’s business.

With the gap between the Championship and Premier League widening every year, getting promoted is only half the battle, just ask Fulham fans who have seen their side yo-yo for five consecutive seasons.

The challenge for promoted sides is not just bringing in enough Premier League standard players, it’s about doing it early enough to give the manager a chance to put his stamp on the team before the season begins.

This is the main difference between Forest and the Fulham side MacAnthony compares them to, who brought in five players – including record signing Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa – on deadline day.

With just over a week to go until the season starts, Forest look set to bring in another signing, although his current club have concerns about his attacking ability.