Sheffield United star hails Nottingham Forest influence on his development as he makes "professional" claim

Danny Hall
By Danny Hall
Published 6th Sep 2022, 11:14 BST
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Anel Ahmedhodžić, the Sheffield United cult hero, has paid tribute to Blades coach Jack Lester for making him a more “professional” player during their time working together at Nottingham Forest earlier in his career.

Ahmedhodžić made the move to Forest’s academy as a young man and worked under Lester, and the Reds’ academy chief Gary Brazil, before returning to boyhood club Malmo after one professional appearance.

Back in Sweden he experienced Champions League football before returning to England this summer, joining the Blades in a bargain deal after being identified by their recruitment staff.

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Lester also played a key part in bringing Ahmedhodžić to Bramall Lane, where he has rapidly become a crowd favourite after scoring three goals, and registering one assist, from centre-half in his first six games.

“I enjoyed it at Forest in their academy because I improved so much as a player but especially as a person,” Ahmedhodžić said in an interview with The Sportsman.