As now confirmed by the club, Ryan Yates has committed his future to Nottingham Forest, his club of 19 years.
When you think Nottingham Forest, you very often think: Ryan Yates. His almost two-decade affiliation with the club, and eight year professional association, brings his name into a category not many reach – a great. And while he hasn’t won a European cup, or two, in terms of recent history, Ryan Yates has been a star for Nottingham Forest, in an era where Forest have turned around their fortune, and looked ahead to a new future.
At the age of just eight, Yates signed a contract at the Nottingham Forest academy – just around an hour away from his home in Lincoln – the place of which would become his new home for the next 19 years, and will be for at least another four years.
“Persistence, personified”
One word that could be used to describe Ryan Yates Persistence: The National League, League Two, League 1 & the Championship – all the league’s Ryan Yates fought in to earn his place at Nottingham Forest.
Garry Brazil once praised Ryan Yates, describing how if his blood was put into other players, how successful they’d be – his passion, drive, and love for the club is something that is awe-inspiring.
Yates has become part of the furniture at the club – breaking into the first-team setup in 2019, and cementing himself as one of the key players in Forest’s recent success. Like all furniture, it gets changed, moved, sold, but Yates is like that “old reliable” ‘Lazy boy’ (ironic comparison given his work rate) seat right in front of the television that could never be moved. A staple of the living room. Well, that’s what Yates is like to Forest – a player that has seen change, seen players being sold, changed, and upgraded on, yet he remains, in all his glory, with a smile on his face, and an ambition to drive Forest back to the top.
It is a shame to see academy players fall out of contention for a place in the first team, but seeing Yates’ journey offers hope to those hoping to make the same journey. The likes of Joe Gardner, Zach Abbott, Osapa-Osong are just amongst the many names to watch coming out of the academy over the next few years, all looking to follow the example set by ‘Yatesy’.
The stat that proves his importance
One stat I found particularly profound was that of Nottingham Forest’s away from home statistics. Five away wins away from home since their Premier League return in 2022: Southampton, Chelsea, Newcastle, Sheffield United & Burnley. Yates featured in all of those games. In fact, Forest are yet to win a *single point*, yes, just at least one point, away from home where Ryan Yates didn’t feature.
Often luck is suggested, but this says a lot for me; Technical ability isn’t necessarily Yates’ strong point, but the hard-slog, the trench battles, by which I mean the “ugly” games, that is where Yates thrives. Breaking down the play, infuriating the opponents with his antics, and often winning some questionable fouls – it’s his style, it’s rare, and I feel as though it is what most teams miss.
The modern game demands so much focus on Technical ability – and for the most part as it should – but players like Yates are what every manager wants. A workhorse, someone without question when asked what to do, it’s no wonder that every manager of Nottingham Forest has liked him, and continued to select him – suggestions of “luck” are just blatantly naive.
Another legend of the game, Roy Keane, was a huge fan of Ryan Yates during his time at Forest, and indeed when he had scouted him before – a huge compliment to any midfielder.
The statistic mentioned showcases just how important Yates is to the side – his mentality is superb, and while some in the fanbase don’t believe in his qualities, the facts are there. Of course, whether he starts week-in week-out with the new arrivals coming, I’m not sure, and I’d never advocate for “better options” to not be given a chance, but I’m glad Ryan Yates will be kept around the team, and getting minutes – he’s more than earned it.
What now?
It’s a question I always ask, and the answer: another big season in the Premier League, and one for which he hopes will see success for his boyhood club.
The contract extends his stay for another four years, and earns him a well-deserved pay rise.
Ryan Yates gives hope to the next generation, and keeps the bond between the fans and the players stronger – knowing “one of your own” is part of the first team, and integral to it, is such a rewarding feeling for any club, and I hope that the next generation of academy players have the same fait, and can build even a fraction of the rapport Yates has with the fanbase.
Wishing congratulations to Ryan Yates on his new deal, and all the best over the next four years.
*Article provided by Jamie Martin (Head Nottingham Forest Correspondent).
*Main image @NFFC Yatesy in the Trent on his contract extension.
