Kris Commons
| 2004 - | Midfielder | - | - |
The official Nottingham Forest website claimed that Kris Commons' signing was an 'EXCLUSIVE', but in truth his imminent arrival had been common knowledge for weeks. To Stoke City fans, it was the equivalent of Gareth William's free transfer to Leicester City and they viewed it with the same dismay. Commons, who turns 21 this August, was regarded as one of the most exciting players in the Potteries, but Forest were able to make the most of his refusal to sign a new contract there.
Left-winger Commons joined on a three-year contact and his transfer fee will be decided by tribunal. In fact, Mansfield-born Commons was returning to the club after being on the books of the Forest Academy as a youngster. He left over a decade ago, having spells at Notts County and Chesterfield before signing for Stoke in 2000.
He broke into the first team during the 2002/03 season and was a regular for Stoke last year. He faces an even bigger task getting into the team at Forest, with the Reds' own young sensation Andy Reid still occupying the left-wing position.
On signing he said: "I was a regular in the Stoke side last season, but I know I can't just expect to walk straight into the Forest team. It's up to me to work hard for a chance and when that comes along, I'll look to make the most of it.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for me. It really does feel like I've come home. I used to watch Forest as a kid and was on the club's books for a while. I decided to leave because there were one or two things I didn't think were right for me at the time. But that was then. A lot has changed since then and I'm delighted to be back. I've always regarded Forest as my club and I really couldn't be happier at joining them."
Unofficial Stoke City website The Oatcake
commented on his departure: "Losing Commons is going to be a big blow the fans and may also throw something of a spanner into
[manager] Tony Pulis's plans for the new season. It wasn't totally unexpected though
and most of us could see it coming. Despite all of his protestations of loyalty and commitment, Commons always had the look of someone who had his eye on a move and that is perhaps why
Pulis was not so keen to have him in the team."