With the transfer window in full swing, Nottingham Forest fans will also be keeping an eye out for departed academy talent to see how their careers progress away from the City Ground.

The end-of-season retained list saw Harry Toffolo’s departure from Forest confirmed, but there was no mention of any players from the Forest academy who could be departing.

With the UEFA Conference League added to the list of competitions for next season, homegrown stars such as Zach Abbott could be in line for plenty of minutes. Forest have big plans for Abbott, but the harsh reality is that the end of a season can spell the end of a youngster’s time at a club.

One who had spent 11 years at the City Ground had already announced his departure, but has now landed on his feet with a new team in senior football.

Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty ImagesPhoto by Lewis Storey/Getty ImagesEx-Nottingham Forest gem Sam Collins lands new club

At the start of May, Sam Collins announced his departure from Forest, ending his 11-year spell at the club which was hampered in the latter years after Collins broke his leg in 2023.

However, his time out of the game has been short-lived as the 21-year-old has signed for a new club to kick-start his senior club career.

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Collins has signed for King’s Lynn Town in the National League North, linking up with a side that finished in the play-off places in the division last season.

Speaking to the King’s Lynn Town official website, Collins said: “I am buzzing to be here. We’ve spoken about it for a couple of weeks and to get it done is a great achievement for me personally. There is lots to look forward to this season and I couldn’t be happier to be part of that.”

His excitement is clear after a difficult final few years at the Reds, something that he opened up on in an in-depth discussion with the local media.

Sam Collins on the difficult end to his Nottingham Forest spell

A long-term injury is a heartbreaking scenario for any footballer, but for a youngster trying to break through into the game, it can have a devastating impact on their trajectory.

Collins’ broken leg clearly had this impact, something he discussed with the Eastern Daily Press after completing his move to the Linnets.

He said: “In the last 18 months or so, in general, it’s been really difficult. It’s something I’m not really used to, not playing as much as I would have hoped. Being in the gym, kind of working on your rehab, it’s been a very strange and kind of unique time in my life.

“But I’m someone who always thinks everything happens for a reason. And I don’t like to think about all the things that could have been.

“I’m happy that I’m here. It’s nothing to do with the fact that I’ve had a bit of a down slope in my career. I still think this is a great opportunity for me, a great club where I can thrive. But there’s no denying that I think the broken leg has changed things.”

Collins will perhaps have hoped to find a home at a club higher up the English pyramid, but after his injury, a spell in the National League North could be the perfect place to re-find his form.