Eddie Howe’s ‘reluctant’ Elliot Anderson sale admission after Nottingham Forest equaliser | OneFootball

Eddie Howe admitted he still regrets selling Elliot Anderson after the midfielder struck to earn Nottingham Forest a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United at the City Ground. The former Magpie’s late equaliser against his boyhood club carried huge personal meaning and, effectively, kept Forest up.

Anderson equalised in the 88th minute, beating Nick Pope. He formed a heart with his hands towards the sky, a tribute to his late mother, Helen, whose funeral had taken place only a few days earlier.

Howe said the sale was a transfer Newcastle had to make but one he considered the most reluctant of his career. He felt Anderson had been close to breaking through in several roles and admitted it hurt to see him score against them. The head coach added that the 23-year-old would have a fantastic career and is an outstanding character.

Newcastle moved him on in the summer of 2024 for £35m to comply with financial regulations. Whether Sunday’s strike also proves a parting gift for Forest remains to be seen, with the midfielder expected to draw suitors in the summer.

On a day Vitor Pereira’s side were missing several key players through injury, Anderson stepped up again. The week had bitten hard after a heavy Europa League semi-final defeat to Aston Villa, but Forest rallied to take a point.

“It did. A few things going on recently so it felt really nice.” He told Sky Sports.

Forest’s safety was confirmed later in the day when West Ham United lost to Arsenal.

Source: Nottingham Post