Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Theo Avery on long road to recovery after shoulder injury and enjoying his loan spell at Newark Town last season
Nottingham Forest teenager Theo Avery has spoken of his affection for Newark Town as he continues the long road to recovery following shoulder surgery.
Avery made 18 appearances on loan from Forest in the second half of last season as the Blues finished third in United Counties League Division 1.
He was injured towards the end of their play-off semi-final win against Dunkirk, missing the final defeat by Harrowby, although Newark were ultimately promoted anyway after Cogenhoe United folded.
After joining Forest from Mansfield, the Republic of Ireland youth international was keen to get a taste of men’s football.
Newark gave him the opportunity and he excelled, despite only being 17 at the time.
He did so well that Blues boss Luke Parsons wrote to Forest singing his praises.
“I wanted to play men’s football and genuinely think it’s one of the best things I’ve done so far in my career, especially at such a good club like Newark,” said Avery, now 18.
“When they said they were interested, me and my dad went down to watch a game.
“I liked the vibe, the fact there were fans, and I just thought it had a real good feel around it.
“I looked at my dad straight away and said, ‘I want to play here’.
“I played 18 games from January to the end of the season and, game by game, I could feel myself progressing.
“It wasn’t just what I learned on the pitch but off the pitch, being exposed to the environment, the changing room, all the lads, the banter, the fans.
“There’s so many things you don’t see in academy football.
“I wanted to be exposed to men’s football and it worked out really well despite the injury.
“I’m grateful to Luke because he put me in the team when he didn’t have to and hopefully I repaid him.
“It’s tough being a goalkeeper at 17 and trying to get a loan, because managers would rather have an older keeper, but Luke trusted me.”
Avery was determined to play in the play-off final but it soon became clear that wouldn’t be possible, although he still went to watch with his dad and brother.
He’s also been to see Newark this season.
The goalkeeper did his rehab over the summer but suffered a setback after resuming training and underwent surgery four weeks ago.
Avery said: “The surgeon said it will be six to nine months until I’m 100% fit, which is a bit of a low blow, but as long as I’m getting it sorted for the future, that’s the main thing.
“I don’t want to have this problem again down the line.
“Fingers crossed, I have a long career, but if I have another bad injury in the future, I know I can deal with it because I’ve gone through it now.
“I’m out of the sling, which is a start, and I’m back at Forest working hard on the bike. I’ve got my head down in the gym with the lads.
“I’m still chirpy, being in and around it. You want to stay involved when you’re injured.”
In Forest, Avery is at a club with a rich history as former league champions and two-time European Cup winners.
They’re going well in the Premier League this season and there’s a real feeling of togetherness.
“When I left Mansfield, I wanted to challenge myself,” said Avery, who trained with Forest’s first-team squad at the start of last season.
“Being a Nottingham lad, I knew the size of the club, all my friends support Forest and I knew how much of a following there is and how much the club is involved in the community.
“It’s such a big club and it’s so good to be there.
“There’s quite a bond between the age groups, from the first team to the 21s, the 18s and the 16s.
“There isn’t that distance that you probably see at other clubs. Everyone gets along with each other, it’s such a healthy environment and I enjoy going in every day.”
Avery made his international debut for the Republic of Ireland under-18s a year ago next month.
Qualifying through his Dublin-born grandmother, he earned his first cap in a 2-1 win over Belgium in Spain.
It was an experience he’ll never forget.
“I’d been on a few camps but I’d never played a proper game,” said Avery. “Every time I go away on camp, I love it. It’s one of the best things in football. Every international player says the same.
“The Republic of Ireland lads are so humble and the coaching staff are so nice.
“Playing for my country is something I’ll never forget.
“It’ll stick with me for the rest of my life.”
