THE fate of Nottingham Forest's out of contract players and loan signings could be decided as early as this week.
Stuart Pearce does not officially start work as the new Reds manager until July 1, but the former England and Forest defender is expected to make key decisions over who he wants to keep at the City Ground in the coming days.
Caretaker boss Gary Brazil has played a part in scouting potential new signings – and, while he says he has not had in-depth discussions over the futures of the current members of the Forest squad, he expects those decisions to be made in the near future.
"Stuart will be aware of the players here and their situations. He has watched games and people who will be part of his coaching staff next season have been to see the games as well," said Brazil. "He will know the players and what he wants to do with the squad, I am sure he will put a good group together.
"We have spoken about potential players that we might like to sign, who are at other clubs. In terms of individual players who are out of contract or players who are on loan, I have not really spoken to Stuart about that. That is his decision.
"There are a number of players who are out of contact and he will deal with that situation. He will have a wish list of players that he will go to Fawaz (Al Hasawi) with. They will speak about the potential of bringing players in."
Those out of contract include Matt Derbyshire, Guy Moussi, Jonathan Greening, Gonzalo Jara, Marcus Tudgay, Ishmael Miller and Simon Gillett.
Striker Derbyshire has done a good job of earning himself a new contract – be it at Forest or elsewhere – with a flurry of five goals in five games.
"Matt scored another good goal and put in a decent performance. But his future is a decision that will be made by other people," said Brazil.
"All I would say is that Matty will either sign again here or the work he has done in the last few months will not have done him any harm when it comes to getting a chance somewhere else."
Lee Peltier produced another good performance in the final game of his loan from Leeds, playing in the heart of an injury ravaged back-four.
"Lee has done very well with us, he has the ability to play in a number of positions and he has shown qualities. Whether this club decides to take him is not my decision," said Brazil. "That will be down to Stuart. Whether Lee is one of those players he wants to bring in, is up to him.
"But if it does not end up being here, Lee will end up somewhere, because he obviously has ability. Clubs at this level will be very interested in.
"Lee has not hurt himself at all here. He has come in on loan, played in midfield, and done very, very well. We knew we would have to put him back into central defence. Lee is a credit to himself, in the way he has conducted himself since coming on loan."
