Nottingham Forest star has just admitted it was actually Brennan Johnson who persuaded him to join
Nottingham Forest star has just admitted it was actually Brennan Johnson who persuaded him to join
Brennan Johnson contributed brilliantly to Nottingham Forest both in the Championship and the Premier League, but one input off the pitch has gone under the radar.
When Forest sold Johnson to Tottenham Hotspur, there was a big hole to fill for Steve Cooper as his most reliable source of goals had been taken out of the Forest squad.
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 2021-22 (Championship promotion) | 53 | 19 | 10 |
| 2022-23 (Premier League) | 44 | 10 | 3 |
As the season progressed and Nuno Espirito Santo took up the City Ground hot seat, Michael Dawson thought selling Johnson was a mistake with only Chris Wood managing to better the Welshman’s goal return last season.
Whilst his departure has been felt much less this season, his quality on the pitch is still fondly remembered by Forest fans. However, something Johnson did away from scoring goals may actually be one of his biggest gifts to the club.
How Brennan Johnson impacted Neco Williams’ move to Nottingham Forest
Johnson and Neco Williams play together for Wales as well as the single-season that they wore the Garibaldi Red together after Williams signed for Forest from Liverpool after promotion.
It would make sense therefore that the two would have a strong relationship, but Williams has revealed that it was a holiday that the pair enjoyed that got the ball moving on his Forest switch.
Speaking to the Nottingham Forest website, the fullback said: “Forest were actually one of the first clubs to show a real interest in me. I was on holiday with Brennan [Johnson] when I found out about the interest, and we pretty much spent the whole holiday talking about Forest.
“He was so positive about the Club and how ambitious the Club and the owners are. Seeing how much they wanted me and how ambitious they are, it just excited me.”
Whilst it might not have been the holiday escape from football Williams may have been wanting, Johnson’s persistence clearly paid off when considering how important the fullback has become for Espirito Santo, especially since switching to the left side, a talent he has his grandfather to thank for.
Neco Williams’ secret to his seamless switch to left back
Keeping Alex Moreno out of the side, Williams has become the Forest manager’s preferred choice at left back, despite initially joining the club being more comfortable on the right.
However, the 23-year-old was long-prepared for this adaption thanks to sound advice from his grandfather when he was growing up.
Williams said: “My grandad used to drill into my head that to be a Premier League footballer, you have to use both feet no matter what. He made me practice it, which isn’t necessarily something you want to do as a kid. Looking back now I’m so pleased he did.
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