Reid returns to Forest after season as wellbeing specialist
Steven Reid: Appeared on the TGG Podcast last August
Written by Training Ground Guru — July 4, 2023
STEVEN REID has returned to Nottingham Forest as First Team Coach after a season as a confidence, leadership and wellbeing consultant.
The former Republic of Ireland international, 42, joined Forest as part of Chris Hughton's staff in October 2020. He remained when Steve Cooper took over and played an integral role in Forest’s return to the Premier League for the first time in 23 years last year.
Last July, he took the decision to embark on a new challenge as a specialist coach offering support to players around confidence, leadership and wellbeing.
Appearing on Episode #41 of the TGG Podcast last August, Reid explained: “It’s probably quite an unusual step for someone with my coaching career so far to make this move, given that we had just been promoted to the Premier League.
“But it's what I’ve wanted to do for a long time and I felt this was becoming more of a passion for me than the other side. Three, four days after the play-off final I’m thinking, 'How can you walk away from another season in the Premier League?'
“But I went with my heart and this is hopefully a well-planned transition into something that might give me that little bit of purpose and fulfilment. I’d been having chats with Steve Cooper about my plans going forward for most of this year.
"He’s a top guy - really emotionally intelligent, excellent at what he does and he completely gets it. My contract was up in the summer and I was just open and honest - that I think it could be time for me to step away.”
However, he is now returning to the club as they prepare for their 2023/24 Premier League campaign.
"I am absolutely delighted to return to Nottingham Forest,” Reid said. "It is a club that has stayed close to my heart for many reasons, firstly because of the amazing journey to promotion, but also because of the support I felt from within the club and the amazing fanbase when stepping away from football to do some work around mental health and wellbeing.
"I have remained close to Steve and many of the coaching staff and players and cannot wait to get going again."
Cooper added: “I’m delighted that Reidy is returning to the club. He had a massive impact in our Championship promotion-winning season, but he also has experience of working and playing in the Premier League and knows what it demands.
“He understands the way we work and the culture we like to live at both the training ground and The City Ground, and I’m really pleased that he is coming back to help us continue to grow that."
Nottingham Forest’s new Chief Football Officer, Ross Wilson, said: "We are pleased to welcome Steven back into our group this morning. I’ve enjoyed getting to know him during the conversations with both Steve and Steven.
"Steve has told me all about the quality that he brought to the coaching team previously and I know he has a real affinity for Forest."
