Jamie Ward and Stephen Henderson are expected to leave Nottingham Forest this summer, with the pair out of contract and having been on the periphery in 2018/19. Ward and Henderson’s existing deals both expire on June 30, but EFL Regulation 67 states that Forest have to notify the pair in writing on May 18 whether or not they’ll receive a new deal.
“Any Club wishing to re engage a Contract Player whose contract is due to expire on 30th June must, save as mentioned in Regulations 67.2.1 to 67.2.4 below, notify him in writing by the third Saturday in May in the final year of his contract whether or not they offer him terms of re engagement specifying (where applicable) such terms.”
Juan Rafael Fuentes is still contracted to the club but only stayed for another year to complete his rehabilitation. He’s has made just one appearance in two seasons and Forest haven’t given any updates on his recovery. It’s likely he’ll slip away at the end of his contract this summer without much fanfare. That leaves Forest with two notable players in the last few weeks of their contract.
Ward’s last appearance for the Reds came against Preston North End on January 30, 2018. He’s been on the periphery ever since, spending the first half of 2018/19 on loan at Charlton Athletic and the second-half in Forest’s u23s. Henderson has made only one appearance since February 11, 2017 and has embarked upon two loan moves (Portsmouth and Wycombe Wanderers) since 2018.
It’s hard to see the duo being handed contract extensions and Forest should make a public announcement in less than a month’s time.
