Ryan Yates: Nottingham Forest's Midfield Stalwart

Over recent years during Nottingham Forest’s numerous low points, a strange pattern has emerged whereby Ryan Yates becomes the scapegoat for all Forest’s woes and is unceremoniously scorned by a small but loud section of fans. 

Granted, the recent consecutive losses this season have been a grave disappointment for a fanbase that, under Steve Cooper, have become used to winning on a regular basis. However, it would appear this needless trend is continuing on Trentside.

Last season, Yates emerged as a stalwart in central midfield.  Whether it was breaking down play and initiating the counterattack or contributing more regularly with goals and assists, ‘Yatesy’ had a breakthrough season in the Garibaldi Red.

His consistent presence and insatiable appetite to win characterised a Forest side that looked like a proper team for the first time in years.  Of course, his renewed form wasn’t without the odd hiccup, with the midfielder scoring an awkward own goal against then-promotion rivals Middlesbrough.