Despite being linked with ambitious Championship outfit Nottingham Forest, former Burnley midfielder Dean Marney will be playing in League One next season
Back in April, Nottingham Forest manager Aitor Karanka admitted he was interested in bringing Dean Marney to the City Ground after the 34-year-old was released by Burnley.
Speaking to the Nottingham Post, Karanka confirmed that he was a fan of the experienced midfielder. Just a few days before that, Marney was pictured at a restaurant in conversation with the former Middlesbrough manager.
Back then, it seemed inevitable that Marney would be a Forest player. But, three months later, the former Tottenham youngster has instead joined the club that finished 14th in League One last season.
Fleetwood Town’s official website have confirmed that they have signed Marney on a two-year deal. But, with all due respect to the Cod Army, there is quite a difference between them and former two-time European champions Nottingham Forest.
Put simply, however, maybe Forest just passed Marney by. Back in April, it was not clear yet just how much of a splash the East Midland club would make in the transfer market or that super-agent Jorge Mendes would help them bring in a number of exciting Portuguese starlets, including midfielders Diogo Goncalves and £13 million record signing Joao Carvalho.
In April, it seemed unlikely that they could afford to bring back the high-earning Jack Colback. But the 28-year-old has indeed returned, joining on loan again from Newcastle United.
With Forest splashing the cash, they perhaps had no need anymore for a 34-year-old free agent.
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