The sledge hammer Chris Wood wasn't exactly a world beater.
However, that wasn't the point to signing the fella. He served a purpose.
We had chalk legs Wilson up front so having Wood who seems to never be injured up top as an option was a great move. Like Dan Burn, roundly mocked by the MSM as a signing for 'THE RICHEST CLUB IN THE WORLD', the levels of disrespect show to solid pros is just typical of those fleet street hacks TBH. Both Burn and Chris Wood have proven those know nothing clowns wrong once again with Burn staring at the back for us and getting his first England cap, whilst wood is tucked in 4th place in the leading goal scorers chart this season with 18 goals for Forest.
Regardless of what people say about Wood he was a good signing at the time, we sold him on and broke even on the deal. In the grand scheme of things, his signing was a net positive!
Matt Targett is a debate.
On loan he proved a level of professionalism and premier league quality that had been sorely missing since the brief and exciting loan deal of Jetro Willams prior to the flying Dutchman's injury. Post signing he's sadly not maintained that level through injury and inconsistency. Sad really because I genuinely like the fella, solid bloke, good player, we just need to get him back up to speed or move him on.
However, with the new season looking like 60+ games, we're gonna need to have 2 in each position. Trips & Tino will be focused on the RB position. Selling Targett to then go out and find another option to challenge Hall for LB is making work for no reason when we have a very good quality player already in the squad.
Personally I'd keep Targett. Hall first choice, Targett back up.
Whilst discussing Full Backs, we've got Harrison Ashby coming back from loan. The 23 yr old cost us ?3million in the Winter 2023 transfer window and has of yet not set the world alight. I've not heard much from his loan with QPR, however he's played 23 times this season so been fit and solid.
Dunno what the plan is with this fella. With Krafthacuta's contract extension through to the end of the 25/26 season we've got a top quality international player in the squad that can cover the RB & RCB position. It remains to be seen what the club do with Ashby this summer. He seems to be much happier down south.
Squad quality is so important, players like Krafth & Targett are essential for professionalism and to maintain a good standard across the squad. I don't have an issue with either, however, if decent offers come in for Targett then obviously we'll have to cash in on him.
A lot of noise was made about Harvey Barnes until Gordon's injury. I personally was confused at first by the signing with us already having Gordon in that position. Then again I was scratching my head at the signing of Tino & Hall.. shows how much I know about football. LOL
We absolutely need 2 quality players in each position and a supporting squad of quality at the level of Targett and Krafth to step in if the 1st or 2nd choices are out with injury or fatigue. The early rounds of cups, should we get favourable draws against lower league teams then it's ideal options to rest the first team and give the squadies a run out.