Tyler Walker should leave Nottingham Forest and escape father’s legacy

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Being the son of a legendary footballer certainly brings with it some element of pressure. There are not many who have gone on to perform at the highest level quite like their fathers have. Jordi Cruyff, anyone? One young man who is currently trying to forge his own path is Nottingham Forest striker Tyler Walker.

The 21-year-old is the son of former Forest and England defender Des Walker. The 59-cap England legend spent two spells at Forest before retiring in 2004 and is considered one of the greatest defenders in the club’s history.

So following in his footsteps was always going to be difficult. Walker has impressed at Forest but has also had to spend time on loan with clubs like Burton Albion, Stevenage and Port Vale.

The young striker has certainly had his moments at the City Ground and this season was looking promising for him. He scored four goals in 16 games for Forest but after Aitor Karanka’s arrival his first-team opportunities dried up.

Instead, he found himself loaned out to Bolton Wanderers where things did not go to plan. He struggled at the Macron Stadium and played just five times. Eventually, he was dropped to the under-23s and played no part in the Trotters Championship survival run.

So what next for Walker? Has the time come for him to leave the City Ground, for good?

The reality is that this summer might be the best time for Walker to move on.

Karanka, it seems, is not a fan. The club has ample options in the striker position with Joe Lolley, Ben Brereton, Apostolos Vellios, Darryl Murphy and the returning Jason Cummings all options. New faces are also expected and Walker will soon have to contend with the emerging talent of Arvin Appiah.

Walker needs to start making a name for himself as more than just the son of the legendary Des Walker. Trying to do that at the club where he is so revered is always going to be a massive challenge.

This summer might be the perfect time for Walker to say he wants a move elsewhere. He could thrive in League One and become a star in his own right. But it means bidding farewell to the City Ground and the legacy of his father.