The constant in the chaos: How Neco Williams became the unshakeable core of Nottingham Forest | OneFootball

In a turbulent 2025/26 for Nottingham Forest, Neco Williams was the steadying force. The full-back’s dependability culminated in the club’s Player of the Season award.

According to Nottingham Post, Forest want him on a new contract amid interest from Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Everton. Williams, four years after leaving Liverpool, says he feels at home and is enjoying life, while stressing they will see what happens next.

The 25-year-old targeted consistency as a growth area and built a support team to help, working on physical and mental aspects. Comfortable on either flank, he has become a key component of Vitor Pereira’s back line.

Maturity has followed since arriving aged 21, with a personal trainer and psychologist in place. He became a father last September, a change he feels has brought calm, and has now reached 160 Forest appearances, 119 from the start.

Across 2025/26 he made 53 appearances in all competitions, scoring two and supplying four assists. He missed only three matches, completed 90 minutes in 79% of outings, and Forest kept 16 clean sheets when he played.

Supporters have embraced his relentless edge, and he has fronted up in hard moments, including a heartfelt message after the Europa League semi-final defeat to Aston Villa. He has worn the armband and stood by Elliot Anderson before Burnley as the midfielder honoured his late mother.

An early declaration that Forest wanted to win in Europe was only narrowly missed, injuries biting in the last four. Owner Evangelos Marinakis is determined to return to continental competition, and Williams believes that is where Forest belongs, saying the aim is to do everything they can next season.

Source: Nottingham Post