Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest | England)

The fallen from grace, UK based Chris Killen? 
From memory heard Wood once say that when he first came into the AWs as a 17 yr old, Killen was a guy took some time to give him some useful advice on playing as a striker. Something young Wood appreciated. Rory another.

coochiee

The fallen from grace, UK based Chris Killen? 
From memory heard Wood once say that when he first came into the AWs as a 17 yr old, Killen was a guy took some time to give him some useful advice on playing as a striker. Something young Wood appreciated. Rory another.

Might not want a sex offender digging into the hors d'ouevre....

Can the new Mrs Wood teach the great man to say 'did it' rather than 'done it'.
He's played in the North of Ingerland too long.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/350316308/all-whites-star-chris-wood-marries-luxurious-italian-hotel

Emma Wood (nee Lovell) works as a solicitor in London but is understood to be from Nottingham.

Rusty Dunks

coochiee

The fallen from grace, UK based Chris Killen? 
From memory heard Wood once say that when he first came into the AWs as a 17 yr old, Killen was a guy took some time to give him some useful advice on playing as a striker. Something young Wood appreciated. Rory another.

Might not want a sex offender digging into the hors d'ouevre....

This is comfortably the most outrageous forum post on here without context hahahaha

coochiee

Can the new Mrs Wood teach the great man to say 'did it' rather than 'done it'.
He's played in the North of Ingerland too long.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/350316308/all-whites-star-chris-wood-marries-luxurious-italian-hotel

Emma Wood (nee Lovell) works as a solicitor in London but is understood to be from Nottingham.

Congratulations Woodsy! Or is it Woody now you’re in Nottingham? And marrying a Nottingham girl has to help with the locals and all! 

Preseason and Wood picks up where he left off. 

Comes off the bench with Forest’s first goal against Chesterfield. 

and the Kanes. All 3 were at Leicester i think with Woody as #1

coochiee

Wonder if the Vardys got an invite. Former team mate and all that.

Napier Phoenix

and the Kanes. All 3 were at Leicester i think with Woody as #1

coochiee

Wonder if the Vardys got an invite. Former team mate and all that.

 Yeah there's a great shot of Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy on the bench watching on as Chris Wood plays ahead of both for Leicester. 

Nelfoos

Napier Phoenix

and the Kanes. All 3 were at Leicester i think with Woody as #1

coochiee

Wonder if the Vardys got an invite. Former team mate and all that.

 Yeah there's a great shot of Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy on the bench watching on as Chris Wood plays ahead of both for Leicester. 

Two of these players remain head and shoulders above the third in terms of trophies of course. 

Fitzy

Nelfoos

Napier Phoenix

and the Kanes. All 3 were at Leicester i think with Woody as #1

coochiee

Wonder if the Vardys got an invite. Former team mate and all that.

 Yeah there's a great shot of Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy on the bench watching on as Chris Wood plays ahead of both for Leicester. 

Two of these players remain head and shoulders above the third in terms of trophies of course. 

Maybe I'm forgetting something, but does that actually hold true? Assuming that it is referring to Kane. Has Chris Wood won anything? Possibly some kids level OFC stuff, but senior level? 

National team-wise, 2012 he didn't win the Nations Cup, 2016 he left the squad, 2020 there was none and 2024 he wasn't there either. #noticing. But on a serious note, I wonder if that's something he regrets not having done - 2028 would be his last chance, at 36, to win.

Does he have club titles? Not top level ones I can think of. Then if it's individual, well Kane has a fair few of his own.

Wood was at Leicester City when they won The Championship in 2013/14. Mostly on the pine (4 goals) but he was part of their squad.

His career ambition was to crack the EPL, which he's did after a long journey, and then some. Doubt he loses much sleep over never having won the OFC Nations Cup.

Wood still has a winners medal for the 2016 OFC Nations Cup despite not playing the final.

Another preseason game. Tougher one against Sunderland, played in Spain. Wood solid, couple of half sniffs. Whole team changed at half time. Only Hudson-Odoi really out of 3rd gear, everyone else okay but not full intensity in the heat. 

Another early goal in preseason for the Woodsman. Playing in the first half team. Both Elanga and Hudson-Odoi in the second half team, but Gibbs-White and Anderson start. The latter picks up an injury. Have to be honest, not sure what kind of strike or build up as I didn’t wake up in time. 

Seems from a MBM that Dominguez has assisted or laid this one on, with M GW playing a bit deeper. 

His main competitor for the CF role, Awoniyi, hasn’t featured yet in preseason. 

Hopefully he can have a Hadlee-esque metronomic season in terms of goals scored, keep it regularly ticking over and hit a few braces and a hatty or so as well. 

Wood v Stamenic with Forest v Olympiacos as the final pre-season game before the start of the Premier League. 

Hudson-Odoi, Elanga and Awoniyi sit in the Forest bench with Elliot Anderson, Dominguez and Yates perhaps seen as starters. 

The assist rules are weird. 

Can anyone tell me why the Woodsman isn’t credited with an assist for that 3rd goal, but gets one for the second? He’s reacted fastest and put the ball back towards goal and Yates has tucked it away. 

Confuses me that it’s a game where he’s had a hand in 3 goals and he’s not getting the plaudits. Kane has a game like that and it’s pages and pages about his instinctive presence etc etc. 

Worried about Forest’s defense. Last year they lost 3-2 plenty. Here up 1-4:

IMG_1237.jpeg 1.19 MB

Doesn’t lead to a goal, but first they allow a cross they never should’ve and then with 5 defenders in the box to a looping cross the striker gets a free head, completely without pressure. They didn’t concede from this, but holy moly, they keep this kind of defense up and it’s going to be a long frustrating season for them, though again, fun for the neutral. 

Looking forward to seeing Wood back in PL action tomorrow morning against Bournemouth. On a slightly unrelated note, Bournemouth have signed Evanilson from Porto to replace Solanke.

Wusty Wab

Looking forward to seeing Wood back in PL action tomorrow morning against Bournemouth. On a slightly unrelated note, Bournemouth have signed Evanilson from Porto to replace Solanke.

If his paperwork gets completed in time he could be a very dangerous player against Forest, with their not so great defensive record. Great at getting into space in the box, getting onto loose balls and sneaking the ball through small gaps.

If he does play hoping for both him and Woodsy to bag a goal, with Forest winning of course.

Also thanks to Bournemouth for the 40 mill, we needed it.

The EPL kicks off. Forest host the Cherries.

Wood starts for Forest. Last year's group of Elanga, Gibbs-White & Hudson-Odoi working alongside him.

Awoniyi on the pine. The Woodsman looked very fit & sharp against Olympiakos. Fingers crossed he starts the new EPL season well.

Neto in goal for the Cherries, with Mark Travers their backup GK on the bench.

Wood picking up where he left off, 1-0 to Forest.

Edit: Finishes 1-1, Bournemouth grab late equaliser but positive start to the PL season for Woodsy.

Woodsy doing what he does and following up on everything to tuck one away

Smeltz4PM

Woodsy doing what he does and following up on everything to tuck one away

he helped set it up with the nice 1-2 play.

Devastated for Forest. Hang on until the 87th minute. A 1-0 win would have signaled a new resolved defense. 1-1 feels like a loss. 

theprof

Smeltz4PM

Woodsy doing what he does and following up on everything to tuck one away

he helped set it up with the nice 1-2 play.

Definitely seems like we can add Yatesy to the people who can play a pass to him! And get their shots to rebound where he was running.

https://dasfootball.com/nottingham-forest-vs-bournemouth-highlights-2/

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/350382373/chris-wood-scores-23-minutes-new-premier-league-season

It took just 22 minutes for Chris Wood to get his 2024-25 goals tally going

The Woodsman means business 🪵🪓#FlyingKiwis pic.twitter.com/w3h5ig7C8n

— The Niche Cache (@thenichecache) August 17, 2024

Glad i got him in my fpl team

Quite a cool record, starting with Nelsen, and then Reid.

Hopefully Bindon, Paulsen or someone else can make the step up before Wood drops out of the EPL, to keep it going

Chris Wood's latest effort means we're now up to 21 consecutive English Premier League seasons with at least one New Zealand player involved #FlyingKiwis https://t.co/6mFeMPsOyT

— The Niche Cache (@thenichecache) August 18, 2024

Woody gets off the mark in 2024/25 🎯 pic.twitter.com/Gyf1mXQV35

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) August 17, 2024

coochiee

Quite a cool record, starting with Nelsen, and then Reid.

Hopefully Bindon, Paulsen or someone else can make the step up before Wood drops out of the EPL, to keep it going

Chris Wood's latest effort means we're now up to 21 consecutive English Premier League seasons with at least one New Zealand player involved #FlyingKiwis https://t.co/6mFeMPsOyT

— The Niche Cache (@thenichecache) August 18, 2024

Woody gets off the mark in 2024/25 🎯 pic.twitter.com/Gyf1mXQV35

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) August 17, 2024

Even Stamenic could have a chance

Paulsen, Dibley-Dias, Henry Gray & Stamenic are all with EPL clubs.
In the shorter term I'd say Bindon & Stamenic are the best chance to keep this continous Kiwi EPL record going.

I note Ajax had a 40 yr old keeper today against Garbett's Breda. Paulsen & Gray may get to the EPL one day, but don't see it happening soon. It's obviously just harder as a GK to debut compared to outfield players.

AP is exciting, but I don't think he's currently near the Cherries's first team. Neto, Mark Travers & Will Dennis all well ahead of him and far more experienced. 

coochiee

Paulsen, Dibley-Dias, Henry Gray & Stamenic are all with EPL clubs.
In the shorter term I'd say Bindon & Stamenic are the best chance to keep this continous Kiwi EPL record going.

I note Ajax had a 40 yr old keeper today against Garbett's Breda. Paulsen & Gray may get to the EPL one day, but don't see it happening soon. It's obviously just harder as a GK to debut compared to outfield players.

AP is exciting, but I don't think he's currently near the Cherries's first team. Neto, Mark Travers & Will Dennis all well ahead of him and far more experienced. 

Dennis is definitely not well ahead of him or far more experienced - a little more gametime, yeah, but in 2023 he was on loan in the 6th tier of England (same as Henry Gray) and only had his first pro season in Scotland last year (same as Paulsen, albeit in a slightly stronger league). 

He had a great year last year but I'd wager Paulsen is far, far more highly rated by Bournemouth. Let's not undersell AP here!

Okay fair enough, but Dennis has been periodically in Bournemouth first team squads since 2020, so he has more experience. Overall AP is not near debuting in the EPL. Hopefully he gets there one day, but it could easily be a 5 year plus journey as it was for the great Woodsman himself.

Back playing in the ALM, and doing excellent things here again, likely won't tell us much. Going out on loan to a Championship club, and playing at that level will.

25 yr old Travers who seems to be the Irish national team 2nd/3rd choice GK, debuted for the Cherries six seasons ago. But he's only had 1 season there where he was 1st choice keeper - 2021/22 when they were in the Championship. They got promoted and in came the experienced Neto from Barcelona. Sorry off topic. But keepers need to be patient.

I think personally there may have been some debate between the Bournemouth coaching staff about AP and his readiness. 

Like the debate here I think there may have been some proponents of him joining the first team squad for the season. Might have been able to tell them to look out for a lad in 11, brick s- house silhouette!

coochiee

https://dasfootball.com/nottingham-forest-vs-bournemouth-highlights-2/

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/350382373/chris-wood-scores-23-minutes-new-premier-league-season

It took just 22 minutes for Chris Wood to get his 2024-25 goals tally going

The Woodsman means business 🪵🪓#FlyingKiwis pic.twitter.com/w3h5ig7C8n

— The Niche Cache (@thenichecache) August 17, 2024

It looked like a confident strike, which is a good sign considering he can butcher goals right in front, after all he is in the top 20 for big chances missed with 77 over the career 

So Forest have had bids for both Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal and Santiago Gimenez turned down - I'd imagine we could see reduced playing time for Chris Wood if they manage to get 1 or both of these guys

Isn't Aiwonyi highly rated? Yet he was on the bench for Bournemouth behind the Woodsman. 

For what it's worth Forest paid £17 million for Aiwonyi, and a reported £15 million for Wood.

Their billionaire Greek owner does seem a bit bling, and I doubt wasn't happy his EPL club only just staved off relegation last season. He yes probably wants some bigger names than the AWs skipper. 

But with all their Financial Fair Play breaches surely Forest need to sell Aiwonyi (has been rumours he's leaving), before they can bring in either Nketiah or Gimenez.

Half a Pint

So Forest have had bids for both Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal and Santiago Gimenez turned down - I'd imagine we could see reduced playing time for Chris Wood if they manage to get 1 or both of these guys

Nketiah has never scored ten in a season, which Wood has done 5 times. Gimenez seems like a player on the way up if they can nab him it’d be a real statement of intent. On the other hand Wood is a settled PL striker who has had a good preseason. Some Eredivisie is Suarez, some Ricky van Wolfswinkel.

They’ve also got the handy Taiwo Awoniyi coming back from injury, who, if injury free, could be a near top striker. 

I’d say though, that it is about depth, given injuries and closing out games. 

Hudson-Odoi had a good scoring run when Woodsy glitched for a couple of games down the stretch, which hid that lack of cover behind the injured Wood, Awoniyi and Elanga. Forest are being picked to go down, but I think they are keen to rule that possibility out early on with strong attacking depth to finish games. 

Edit: they might also as Coochie says be looking for a replacement for Awoniyi who is fitter and plays more games this season. And succession planning for Wood. Wood has often scored in runs of a singular goals in a game which is fantastic, but perhaps gets a bit of a comfort zone and doesn’t get to a brace and beyond as much as his skills suggest he could. 

And while Sels will be better than Turner and they almost, almost held on for a statement 1-0 win on opening day, their defense is unlikely to win them games.

martinb

Half a Pint

So Forest have had bids for both Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal and Santiago Gimenez turned down - I'd imagine we could see reduced playing time for Chris Wood if they manage to get 1 or both of these guys

Nketiah has never scored ten in a season, which Wood has done 5 times. Gimenez seems like a player on the way up if they can nab him it’d be a real statement of intent. On the other hand Wood is a settled PL striker who has had a good preseason. Some Eredivisie is Suarez, some Ricky van Wolfswinkel.

They’ve also got the handy Taiwo Awoniyi coming back from injury, who, if injury free, could be a near top striker. 

I’d say though, that it is about depth, given injuries and closing out games. 

Hudson-Odoi had a good scoring run when Woodsy glitched for a couple of games down the stretch, which hid that lack of cover behind the injured Wood, Awoniyi and Elanga. Forest are being picked to go down, but I think they are keen to rule that possibility out early on with strong attacking depth to finish games. 

Edit: they might also as Coochie says be looking for a replacement for Awoniyi who is fitter and plays more games this season. And succession planning for Wood. Wood has often scored in runs of a singular goals in a game which is fantastic, but perhaps gets a bit of a comfort zone and doesn’t get to a brace and beyond as much as his skills suggest he could. 

And while Sels will be better than Turner and they almost, almost held on for a statement 1-0 win on opening day, their defense is unlikely to win them games.

Yeah but Nketiah at best has only ever played a bit part for Arsenal, limited starts in the EPL with the only decent run being when Jesus got injured last season where he scored a few. He needs game time to really move on from being a small part player - he's not getting that at the Gunners.

EPL last year for Nketiah, 27 games, 1072mins, avg 39mins per game, 5 goals. A bulk of those minutes were during Jesus's injury.

Perhaps Forest will look to play two up top, and are looking for a player to play off of Wood.