Nottingham Forest have had a more than solid start to their 19/20 campaign.

With just the one defeat from their opening five league matches, eight points and a win over East Midland rivals Derby County in the EFL Cup, the mood inside the City Ground can only be described as optimistic.

Much of this optimism was perhaps brought into the club by the arrival of Albert Adomah. The former Aston Villa winger was released by the newly promoted club and arrived at the City Ground as a free transfer.

His arrival may just go down as one of the best signings of any Championship side this season, and here’s why…

Yes, the likes of Helder Costa, Anthony Knockaert and Ivan Cavaleiro are all obvious picks for the best additions to Championship sides, but Adomah to Forest has to be considered as up there with them.

First of all, he arrived on a free. Whilst his wages may be on the higher side of the market, acquiring a player of that quality for no immediate price is stunning business from Forest.

He is versatile in attack and can play anywhere along the front three which is perfect for Forest. His addition ensured that the Reds now have one of the most fearful attacks in the entire division. Lewis Grabban, Joe Lolley, Sammy Ameobi, Matty Cash and Adomah to alternate across a front three is a phenomenal amount of firepower.

This season Adomah has already recorded four goal contributions in just six games. He has two goals and two assists over both the Championship and Football League Cup. The latter was his last game in which he scored against arch-rivals Derby… a quick way to establish yourself as an overwhelming fan favourite.

The 31-year-old has at least two seasons of absolute quality to give. Players are usually acquired on a free transfer when they are decreasing in ability. Adomah has already shown that he remains one of the quickest and most physical attackers in the division and is showing no signs of letting up.

Also, he has shown that his fitness levels haven’t dropped off, managing a full 90 minutes against Derby, running, an out of position, Duane Holmes ragged. He will continue to do this to full-backs all season long if he continues in this form.

Another reason that makes this signing so good is that he comes to Nottingham with Championship promotion experience. If Forest want to make a serious challenge for the play-offs, Adomah’s experience at Aston Villa – both losing and winning in the final of the competition – will be a huge advantage to the side. Before him, they lacked big-game experience. His influence on and off the pitch may prove invaluable.

Manager Sabri Lamouchi refers to Adomah as “my man” and no wonder. The new Forest boss praised his attitude and presence in the changing room making him one of the club’s most influential figures already.

He has to be considered as one of the best Championship signings of the window.