It’s been a turbulent year at Nottingham Forest FC. While prospects of Premier League survival have become brighter and the dream of European silverware more enchanting, in all the uncertainty there is one definite; the club has some serious talent waiting in the wings...
We paid a visit to the Nigel Doughty Academy to check in with the latest academy lads. The club has boasted some fine academy graduates over the last decade including Ryan Yates, Brennan Johnson and Matty Cash. So don’t be surprised if a certain Kalum Thompson is next to join that list! Now aged seventeen, Thompson crossed the Irish Sea last summer to join the Reds from Linfield. Like a duck to water the youngster has quickly marked himself as one of the most exciting prospects in youth football…
Tell us about the kind of player you are…
I’m an attacking midfielder who loves to have the ball in tight spaces. I'd say I'm very good technically and always know where I’m going to play the ball next. I’ve got a cutting edge in goals and assists, at the start of this season especially I was able to chip in with a lot. But, it's equally important for me to be involved in the other side of the game. I can press and I’m very versatile in my positions. I’m a hard worker as well!
You’ve had a breakout season for the B Team and were nominated for PL2 Player of the Month in December. What does that recognition mean to you?
To get that recognition it means a lot! Not everyone sees the hard work that you put in just to get here. Coming from Northern Ireland, in a part time environment, it was a bit scary at first going full time at Forest. You never know how you're going to settle and the extent of the change but it’s all been positive. I've been working hard in the gym trying to prepare my body for under-21 and even men’s football.
You’re only seventeen, but you’re already getting recognition and attention online. How do you stay grounded when social media can amplify both praise and criticism?
I’m very close to my family and they keep me humble. Since I was a little kid my parents tried to make sure I wasn’t getting too high with the highs and too low, whenever I was low. I’ve always been used to playing football, but back home it's not on the same scale as it is here in England so I’ve been used to not getting much attention. Now it's something I’m trying to take in my stride.
Have you had any exposure to first-team training yet? If so, what did that teach you?
I’ve trained with them a few times, under different managers. I’ve had two or three sessions with each manager and each time it’s taught me something different! The main thing I would say is that you always need to be prepared for what you’re going to be asked to do, and the standard is very elite. For me, as a midfielder I always need to know where my next ball is going because that’s the constant wavelength the first team operates on. It was just top! The standard and level of information you’re given is something that I’ve not been used to before coming over here and I just try to take it on board as much as I can because it’s such an experience!
Coming from Northern Ireland, in a part time environment, it was a bit scary at first going full time at Forest. You never know how you're going to settle and the extent of the change but it’s all been positive
Is there anyone in the first team who’s particularly good with helping young players find their feet in the men’s game?
The Club Captain, Ryan Yates. He’s just an inspiration to everyone! Through his career and his personality - he helps every boy coming up. Another is James McAtee. He's very nice to me when I come up and I rate him very highly as a footballer as an attacking midfielder. It's good that someone I look up to is able to give me feedback!
You’ve moved over from Northern Ireland to Nottingham. How have you found the city so far? What do you enjoy outside of football?
It’s been lovely. I live in West Bridgford, which is a nice area. I’ve been into the city centre a couple of times and especially in the summertime it’s really nice. At the minute I like padel, I started with a few of the boys in the U18s. Especially now with the sun coming back out I might start golf again, although you don’t want to know my handicap. I just play for enjoyment, haha!
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