Uncompromising defender Michael Forbes traded life in rural Northern Ireland for the bustling surroundings of East London in the summer of 2020 when he penned a two-year Scholarship deal at the Academy of Football.

Forbes assumed the role of U18s captain in 2021/22, and made his first U23s start in December 2021, helping his side to a 4-2 win over Crystal Palace in South London. The season would end with Forbes making 23 outings for the U18s and three for the U23s, all in Premier League 2 action. 

The defender would also sign his first professional contract with the Club at the end of the 2021/22 season.

Forbes would be a regular in the heart of defence for the development team at the start of the 2022/23 season, and would be involved in the senior team squad for the UEFA Europa Conference League Group B clash away to FCSB in November 2022. Unfortunately, a run of injuries ruled the youngster out during the season half of the season, ending Forbes' campaign with 19 appearances in all competitions.