Nottingham Forest secured a young Chris Cohen in a £1.2m double deal with Yeovil Town, which also brought Welshman Arron Davies to the City Ground. While Davies’ time in the Midlands was forgettable, Cohen’s 11-year spell with the club cemented him as a modern-day Forest legend.
Typically an all-action central midfielder, Chris Cohen was also versatile enough to play on the left when needed. He began his career at West Ham United, where he came through the youth ranks and made a handful of first-team appearances. In November 2005, Cohen joined League One side Yeovil Town on loan.
Cohen quickly became a key player for Yeovil during one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. His loan was extended until the end of the season, and he helped the team secure their place in the third tier. Following Russell Slade’s appointment as Yeovil manager in 2006, Cohen signed a permanent two-year deal.
That season, Cohen and his teammate Arron Davies were central to Yeovil’s playoff push. They stunned Nottingham Forest in the semi-finals, overturning a 2-0 first-leg loss with a thrilling 5-2 win at the City Ground. However, they fell short in the final against Blackpool, missing out on promotion to the Championship.
Despite this, Cohen and Davies had impressed enough to earn a joint move to Nottingham Forest for a combined £1.2m fee. While Davies struggled for consistency, Cohen thrived at Forest, overcoming early injuries to play a pivotal role in their promotion to the Championship.
Cohen’s versatility, consistency, and leadership made him a fan favorite over his 11-year stint at Forest. He made 305 appearances, scored 18 goals, and was known for his resilience and dedication, often stepping up in crucial moments for the team.
In contrast, Davies left Forest in 2010, but Cohen remained until his retirement in 2018. His contributions made the £1.2m fee seem like a bargain, as Forest gained a loyal leader and model professional, who captained the side with integrity and made a lasting impact on the club.
Even though the fee was for both players, Cohen alone proved to be an absolute steal for Nottingham Forest.