Nottingham Forest sent contract instruction as Elanga and Gibbs-White prepare to depart
by Keith Wales · NottinghamshireLiveStan Collymore has had his say on the potential departure of Nottingham Forest star men Anthony Elanga and Morgan Gibbs-White.
Elanga is about to join Newcastle United for a fee of around £55m while Gibbs-White could join Spurs after the London club activated his £60m Forest release clause.
Collymore, who scored 41 goals in two seasons for Forest after signing in July 1993, has sought to reassure his old fans while also criticising the Reds' hierarchy.
He took to social media to say: “Trickies, you'll be fine. Good depth, incomings - and the club will have to be seen to respond now.
“But the reality is, even on the back of a great season, only Real Madrid aren't prey in the football world. Every other club has to look over their shoulder when 4 or 5 players do well.
“Elanga I get, good top end money.
“MGW, the clause was low so there will be internal conversations about that. Don't give a fig what anyone else says, a clause for your top player that can be met by 10+ clubs is too low. Full stop."
Looking ahead, Collymore said Forest needed to ensure the Gibbs-White situation did not happen again without the club being adequately compensated.
He explained on X: “They now need to tie up key players on long deals ( that haven't already), with appropriate clauses. Play hardball if necessary.
“But this is all a consequence of success, not failure, others want Forest assets so appropriate work needs to make those assets work for Forest when they go.
“As for players leaving, welcome to the last 150 years of football. All our heroes leave eventually, so get what you can for them.”
European Cup-winner Garry Birtles was more forthright in his criticism of the players.
The Forest legend told talkSport: "Those two were unbelievable for us last season. I just hope they're thankful for what the football club and (Reds manager) Nuno (Espirito Santo) has done for them.
"When Elanga came, there were doubts. We all knew he was a great player and he has turned his career around at Forest, and you've got to praise the club and Nuno for doing that. The same with Morgan Gibbs-White too."