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Opinion: Nottingham Forest should sign left-back, could join on a free transfer

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Nottingham Forest could be in the market for a left-back this summer, with Jack Robinson regarded as more of a central defender under Martin O’Neill and Ben Osborn being more effective in a midfield role. If the Reds are looking for an affordable solution to their defensive woes, Rotherham’s Joe Mattock could be the ideal option.

The 28-year-old is out of contract this summer and has suffered relegation from the Championship with the Millers. Since joining Rotherham from Sheffield Wednesday in 2015, Mattock has made 158 appearances in all competitions, scoring and creating eight goals. He’s been a regular at the New York Stadium, but Forest could test his resolve by offering him a contract.

Mattock will drop into League One if he stays at Rotherham, but he could remain in the Championship if he considers bids from second-tier clubs. Rotherham manager Paul Warne told the Rotherham Advertiser that he’s desperate to tie the defender down to a new deal, but his consistency and sterling attitude could lead to interest elsewhere.

Warne said: “He’s been unbelievable this year. He’s one of the unsung heroes. He’s someone I’d like to keep at the club forever and a day really.” Whether Mattock would turn down Forest and other Championship clubs to stay at Rotherham remains to be seen, however. The Reds should consider an approach to strengthen their options at left-back.

This season, Mattock has made 44 Championship appearances from a possible 46, scoring one goal. He’s made 149 clearances, won 140 aerial duels (61%), created 32 chances, made 16 successful dribbles (55%), averaged 29 passes-per-game with 62% accuracy, blocked 64 shots/passes/crosses and has averaged a tackle (80) or interception (85) every 24 minutes.

Crippy Cooke’s previous article

Opinion: Out-of-contract Championship man could improve Nottingham Forest defence in 2019/20

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Sports journalist who is an avid football fan, enjoys debunking transfer rumours, loves to write pieces about players out in the cold and takes a large amount of pride getting a predicted XI 100% correct.