Football Season Guide

Nottingham Forest fans have not enjoyed life after the last few seasons but there are last signs of being able to look forward. Aitor Karanka hardly did a spectacular job when he came in last summer but has built a platform with a defensively-minded approach. Now he has made plenty of new signings over the summer - and some are most impressive. The return of Michael Dawson is one that will have pleased Forest fans the most as the central defender offers real strength at the back. They have also brought in Lewis Grabban, well known at this level, who should offer plenty in the way of goals. Karanka has also pulled off several outstanding signings from the continent including Hilal Soudani from Dinamo Zagreb, Gil Bastiao Dias from Monaco along with Benfica pair Joao Carvalho and Diogo Goncalves. Jack Robinson has arrived from QPR while Costel Pantilimon's loan has been made permanent while Jack Colback is back on loan from Newcastle. Forest's side over the last few years has been short of both quality and consistent plans but you cannot fault this particular squad of lacking either. It may well take time for new players to gel given there has been so much change at the City Ground lately. But there is a feeling of excitement again that if they can get used to life quickly, Forest can at last dream of the Premier League again. The Reds have proved they have several exciting young players such as Joe Worrall and Ben Brereton to support an exciting, more experienced squad this time around.