Nottingham Forest contract signed as Nuno ‘very happy’ with decision

Wayne Hennessey, the goalie, has signed a short-term deal with Nottingham Forest.

Since his last contract ended last summer, the 37-year-old has kept up his training with the Reds. Nuno Espirito Santo, the head coach, now has three senior stoppers on his books after he signed a contract that would last until the end of the season.

Hennessey made nine appearances in goal during two campaigns after moving to the City Ground on a free transfer in the summer of 2022. Despite not having a contract in recent months, club staff have placed a great value on his expertise and ability to influence his teammates.

“Wayne had a serious injury at the end of last season, to his Achilles. It was a tough moment for everyone,” Nuno said ahead of Tuesday night’s Premier League clash at home to Liverpool (8pm kick-off).

“But he is a big part of things for us, within the small group that is our goalkeeper community.

“He has signed a contract, he is with us and it is a pleasure to have him around. He has experience and with the way he goes about things he is a really good person to have around. I am very happy.”

Although Matz Sels is wearing the Reds’ number one shirt, Carlos Miguel, the team’s backup, has hardly made a mistake in his two appearances, including Saturday’s 2-0 FA Cup victory over Luton Town. Aaron Bott, a young player, has been practicing with the team but is currently out for a while due to a knee issue.

Toward the close of the summer transfer window, Forest made an attempt to acquire a new goalkeeper, and Caoimhin Kelleher of Liverpool was on their desired list. They presently have a slot open in their 25-man Premier League squad, but it will depend on the club’s transfer activity if Hennessey takes it when the updated roster is filed following the closing of the winter transfer window.