The striker starred in Birmingham City’s promotion as Championship runners-up in 2006-07.
Forest lost against Yeovil in the 2006/07 League One play-offs
Nottingham Forest fans can be forgiven for not remembering Nicklas Bendtner’s last Championship season. It was 10 years ago; they were in League One.
In contrast, Birmingham City fans certainly do. Bendtner – who is set to join Forest on a free transfer – was one of three promising youth players borrowed that year from Arsenal.
And the trio – Bendtner, Sebastian Larsson (now of Sunderland) and Fabrice Muamba (forced to retire because of heart problems in 2012) – each lived up to their billing as Blues bounced back from the previous campaign’s descent from the Premier League.
Larsson and Bendtner later reunited with Blues boss Steve Bruce at Sunderland
Statistically at least, it was the Dane who made the biggest impact. His tally of 11 league goals was only two shy of that managed by top scorer Gary McSheffrey – whose 2009 loan spell may jog Forest fans’ memories. He also made another seven for his teammates.
Though it was Larsson’s goal – a sublime solo effort – which secured Birmingham’s promotion against Sheffield Wednesday on the season’s penultimate day, the Blues were on the brink courtesy of Bendtner’s goal/assist combo at Wolves the previous week – although Colin Doyle’s heroics, rightly, drew the plaudits.
Bendtner strikes against Wolves
Despite adding to his CV Premier League, Champions League and international experience meanwhile, Bendtner has never quite had it as good as those nine months at Birmingham.
But with another ex-Arsenal pair for company on Trentside (Henri Lansbury and Armand Traore), a similar impact for Bendtner on Forest should not be ruled out.
They certainly won’t forget that one.
Bendtner and Larrson celebrate Birmingham’s promotion as Championship runners-up
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
