Nottingham Forest concerned by Neco Williams’ dip in form despite new contract
Nottingham Forest have reportedly been monitoring Neco Williams’ recent performances with some concern, despite the defender only recently committing his future to the club with a new long-term contract.
The 25-year-old signed a fresh deal that will keep him at the City Ground until the summer of 2030. However, his performances since putting pen to paper have dipped, raising some questions about his current form.
Williams’ struggles have come during a difficult opening to the campaign for Forest. The Tricky Trees have managed just one victory from their first five Premier League matches and have also suffered an early exit from the League Cup.
Despite that, former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown believes Forest should not be overly concerned about Williams’ performances.
Speaking to Football Insider, Brown suggested that the defender’s decline is unlikely to be connected to his new contract. Instead, he believes Williams is still adjusting to the tactical demands and playing style introduced by new manager Oliver Glasner.
Williams is not the only Forest player who has found it difficult to immediately adapt to Glasner’s methods. Several members of the squad have struggled to reproduce their best performances, although there is confidence within the club that things will improve as the players become more familiar with the manager’s approach.
Nottingham Forest remain confident in Neco Williams
Brown had previously revealed that Forest were determined to retain Williams despite reported interest from Tottenham and Manchester United.
The club eventually succeeded in securing the Wales international on a new contract, underlining how highly he is regarded at the City Ground.
Although his recent displays have been inconsistent, Williams remains a highly valued member of the squad and enjoys strong support from both the club and the supporters.
Brown explained that Forest will naturally have concerns about Williams’ performances, particularly given the timing of his new contract, but he does not believe the player has lost focus.
“Of course Neco Williams’ performances will be a bit of a concern,” Brown told Football Insider.
“Especially after he just signed that big new contract, because we’ve seen it with players before where they land a new deal and then they switch off. I don’t think that is the case with Williams, though.
“I don’t think he’s that type of character. By all accounts, he’s a good guy.
“It’s more likely to be the impact of a new manager coming in and making changes to the style of play and the way they do things at Forest. Sometimes it can take time to adapt.
“So I don’t think Williams’ form will be a major problem, and it’s not just him either. There are a few players who haven’t quite been at their best.
“Forest know it might take a bit of time to adapt. It’s a transitional period for them, and especially with players like Williams, they will be prepared to be patient.”
Is Oliver Glasner already under pressure at Nottingham Forest?
Williams’ inconsistent form is part of a wider issue at Nottingham Forest, with several players yet to fully adjust to Glasner’s system.
Forest’s poor start has inevitably increased scrutiny on the new manager, particularly after their recent 1-0 defeat to newly promoted Coventry.
Brown subsequently suggested that Glasner’s position could come under serious threat if results fail to improve, warning that the manager could potentially be dismissed at any point.
Forest have won only one of their opening five Premier League fixtures and were also eliminated from the League Cup following defeat to Leeds.
Owner Evangelos Marinakis is understood to have expected significantly more from the team this season. While a decision to sack Glasner would still represent a surprise at this stage, the pressure surrounding the manager is unlikely to disappear unless Forest can quickly turn their results around.
“UNBELIEVABLE” Nottingham forest fans will be concerned by what is happening to neco williams after new deal
