AliousChris Wood has been a revelation at Nottingham Forest since his move from Newcastle in January 2023, proving doubters wrong with his impressive goal-scoring form.
Initially, many questioned whether the veteran striker was the right fit for Forest’s attack, especially after a slow start that saw him net just once before a groin injury cut short his debut campaign. However, the 2023/24 season saw a resurgence, with Wood bagging 14 goals and flourishing under Nuno Espirito Santo, who made him the focal point of the Reds’ frontline.
This season, Wood has been in blistering form, netting 18 goals with 13 games still to play. His performances have even drawn praise from Premier League legend Alan Shearer, and he remains firmly in contention for the Golden Boot alongside Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah.
Chris Wood snubbed for major award despite sensational form
Despite his outstanding displays, Wood was shockingly overlooked at the prestigious Halberg Awards in Auckland, where New Zealand’s top sporting talents were honored.
While Forest’s new signing Tyler Bindon claimed the Emerging Talent award, Wood was controversially denied the Sportsman of the Year title. Instead, high jumper Hamish Kerr took home the accolade, following his gold medal triumph at the Paris Olympics last summer.
Wood’s omission is a bitter pill to swallow, considering his 32 Premier League goals over the past two seasons. Even when judged solely on the last 12 months, his omission feels unjust given his exceptional goal-scoring record and impact on New Zealand football.
Wood remains Forest’s key man
At 33, Wood continues to defy expectations, delivering crucial goals and leading the line for Forest. His relentless form has been instrumental to the club’s fortunes, and his fitness could ultimately determine their success this season.
Though missing out on the award is a disappointment, Wood’s performances speak for themselves—he remains New Zealand’s biggest footballing inspiration and one of the Premier League’s standout strikers.
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