Former Newcastle United man Elliot Anderson has finally spoken out about his summer departure from his boyhood club and incredible start to life in Nottingham.
The 22-year-old had broken through to the first-team in the last few years and was developing well under Eddie Howe, who used him 26 times in all competitions last season.
However, PSR problems meant it was either sell Anderson or risk facing a heavy points deduction, seeing Forest swoop in and land the Geordie talent in a deal that saw Odysseas Vlachodimos head in the other direction.
Anderson reveals true feelings on Newcastle exit
Having gained some valuable experience in the Champions League and another push for Europe in the Premier League, Anderson was preparing for another big season at Newcastle, hoping to cement his spot in Howe’s starting XI.
The midfielder admitted he did not see the move to Forest coming whatsoever, adding that he was concerned about his minutes at the time.
However, half a season later, he’s been one of Forest’s standout players and is now being talked up for a potential England call-up as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side make their very own push towards a top four finish,
Speaking about his shock exit, Anderson told BBC Sport: “Yeah, it was very sad. Obviously, you never know you’re going to join a club and play, so in my head at the time, I didn’t know it was going to go the way it has (at Forest).
“I was really settled there and I didn’t see it coming, so it was a tough one to take. As a footballer, you’ve got to be prepared for any challenge that comes your way, and it wasn’t to be there, but I’ve come to a great club, and I’m really enjoying it.
Discussing his hopes for the future, the Whitley Bay-born midfielder added: “I just want to get to the highest level I can. I want to play for England – it’s a big aspiration of mine – and play in the Premier League for as long as I can.”
Newcastle no longer at risk of selling young stars
Having lost both Anderson and Yankuba Minteh at the start of the season just to avoid punishment, there was a feeling amongst the supporters that the rules in place were going to prevent us from ever being able to compete.
However, while PSR has indeed slowed our development down, our recent sales have allowed us to form quite a sizeable budget for the summer, meaning we will no longer be in a position where it is either sell a star player or young prospect to get by.
Instead, we can hopefully go out and attack the market and target fellow Premier League clubs who may be in a similar situation to us last year being effectively forced to sell.
