Nottingham Forest contract signed as Nuno 'very happy' with decision
Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey has penned a short-term contract with Nottingham Forest.
The 37-year-old has continued to train with the Reds ever since his previous deal expired last summer. He has now put pen to paper on terms until the end of the season, giving head coach Nuno Espirito Santo three senior stoppers on the books.
Hennessey switched to the City Ground in the summer of 2022 on a free transfer and made nine appearances between the posts over the course of two campaigns. Although not under contract in the last few months, his experience and influence among his teammates has been highly valued by club staff.
“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.”
Matz Sels is in possession of the No.1 shirt for the Reds but deputy Carlos Miguel has barely put a foot wrong in the two appearances he has made, including in Saturday’s 2-0 FA Cup win over Luton Town. Youngster Aaron Bott has been training with the group but is now facing a period on the sidelines with a knee problem.
Forest tried to bring in another keeper towards the end of the summer window, with Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher on their wanted list. They currently have a spare spot in their 25-man Premier League squad, but whether Hennessey fills it once the revised list is submitted after the winter window has closed is dependent on what transfer business the club do.
“He helps Matz Sels, Miguel, Aaron (Bott) with their work,” Nuno added. “Aaron, unfortunately, is going to be out for two or three months with a knee injury.
“I call the small group of goalkeepers the ‘society’. Wayne is a big part of that community.
“We have to finish the end of the transfer window. We might need him. We will see if there is a place in the 25 for him.”
