Nottingham Forest Chairman, Nicholas Randall, QC, recently made a presentation to Michael Dawson with thanks for his distinguished service over two stints at the club.
Michael came through the ranks as a schoolboy in the late 1990s and became an integral part of the exciting and youthful team that qualified for the Championship play-offs in 2003.
After nearly 100 appearances for Forest, Dawson joined Spurs in 2005 and made over 300 appearances for the North London giants before returning to the City Ground in 2018 after a successful spell at Hull City.
Nicholas Randall, QC, said: “Michael has been the epitomy of the model professional that we strive to produce from the academy at Nottingham Forest. He has carried himself with great dignity throughout his career and he can receive no greater accolade than the caps he received representing England.
“He has enjoyed a fantastic career and we hope to still see him at the City Ground as he moves onto the next phase of his career.”
Chris Hughton said: “I was fortunate enough to work with Michael during our time at Tottenham and now again at Forest. He should be mightily proud of the career that he has had in the game and whether he continues playing or follows a different path, I’m sure he will continue to be a great success.”
Michael Dawson said: “It’s been frustrating that I haven’t been able to say goodbye to the fans in person but I hope to be back at the City Ground again very soon.
“Forest has been a massive part of my life since I first put the shirt on at the age of 9. It will always be close to my heart and I leave with some fantastic memories. To start as a schoolboy, get in the first team under Paul Hart and then be able to come back later in my career has been a dream come true.”
MURRAY RETIRES
Glenn Murray’s short term contract at the City Ground has also expired and the forward has announced his retirement from football. Murray’s career spanned nearly 20 years, most notably at Brighton and Hove Albion - where he remains the club’s second highest scorer - and their rivals, Crystal Palace.
Chris Hughton said: “Glenn is a player I have known well throughout his career. He has always kept himself fit but to keep playing at such a high level over such a period of time is testament to his professionalism. I wish him every success in the future.”
RELEASED LIST
In addition to Dawson and Murray, Forest have also confirmed that the contracts of Sammy Ameobi, Yuri Riberio and Samba Sow have expired and Abdoulaye Diallo and Michael Hefele have also left the club.
Ameobi, Ribeiro and Sow have been regular features on the first team scene over the last two seasons clocking up over 180 appearances between them for the club.
The loan periods of Cyrus Christie, Luke Freeman, James Garner, Anthony Knockaert and Filip Krovinovic are also expiring and they will be returning to their parent clubs.
Chris Hughton said: “We thank every player who has represented the club and wish them all well with their future careers. I have been very pleased with the levels of commitment shown by the players during my time here. We now move on to a new phase and start planning for what will be a hugely important season for us.”