Jack Lester

When Joe Kinnear brought Jack Lester back to Forest from Sheffield United for £50,000, he became the second former player to rejoin the club this season, following Jon Olav Hjelde. Both were released at the end of their contracts by Paul Hart because of their poor disciplinary records, but the new manager was obviously hoping that their grit and commitment would be useful tools in the present campaign.

A bargain buy from Grimsby, the tricky forward made a slow start to his Forest career, but proved himself at the start of his first full season with seven league goals from 17 starts. His hard-working attitude made him popular with fans and what he lacked in ability he made up for in enthusiasm.

Jack gives 110% to the game and always seemed to have the energy to produce winding runs that opened up chances for himself and his team-mates. Defenders often find it hard to cope with Jack’s tenacious style and slight of foot and he wins numerous penalties.

Lester found himself as back-up during the 2002/03 season behind David Johnson and Marlon Harewood. He then found himself subjected to the wrath of disciplinarian Paul Hart. He joined United, the team he supported as a boy, on a free and made a good start to his career there, prompting many Forest fans to deplore the decision to allow him to leave. However, the plethora of strikers at Bramall Lane forced him to look elsewhere for first team football.

Upon arriving back at the City Ground, Jack said: "Joe Kinnear didn't have to sell the idea of a move back to Forest to me. The club speaks for itself. I enjoyed myself at Sheffield United, but I'm delighted to be back at the City Ground. It was nice to walk into the dressing room this morning and see so many familiar faces - even if the jokes were still the same."

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