Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper has no regrets over signing Neco Williams to replace Djed Spence

Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper has no regrets trading in last season’s promotion hero Djed Spence for £16million Neco Williams from Liverpool.

Spence returns to the City Ground with Tottenham on Sunday though he is yet to play for Antonio Conte’s team after signing for them in summer.

His successor at right wing-back, Welsh international Williams, has excelled in Forest’s bright start to the season, with four points from games against Newcastle, West Ham and Everton.

Williams was brought in to serve as the successor to Djed Spence in the Forest defence

Cooper said he was happy to move quickly to sign Williams while Spence, a Middlesbrough player who was only at Forest on loan, mulled over his future.

‘It was important to get early deals done. Neco was in high demand and we felt we needed to do it — it was too good an opportunity,’ he said.

‘We couldn’t take the risk of losing him. They are both attacking players and we are really happy with Neco. He has had an excellent start to playing regular Premier League football.

Spence made 46 appearances in all competitions for the Nottinghamshire side last season

‘He got that regular rhythm at Fulham last season (on loan from Liverpool) which I think was important. The exciting thing about Neco is he loves the growth and the learning and likes to reflect on games. 

‘He likes the detail we go into and we have to make sure we provide it as every player is a little different.’

In contrast, Spence has struggled to make an impact at Tottenham after his £12.5million move from Middlesbrough and a place on the bench is probably the best he can hope for on Sunday.