Nottingham Forest

Lore & Background

Founded in 1865, Nottingham Forest have played their home games at the City Ground since 1898. The club has won two European Cups (now the UEFA Champions League), making them one of six English clubs to have claimed the competition. Forest is the only team in Europe to have won the European Cup or Champions League more often than the domestic championship (one). Additionally, they have secured one UEFA Super Cup, one League title, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and one FA Charity Shield. The club has competed in the top two tiers of English football in all but five seasons since their admission to the Football League. Its most successful period came under the management of Brian Clough and Peter Taylor in the late 1970s and early 1980s, during which they achieved back-to-back European Cup triumphs in 1979 and 1980. In Clough's final decade at the club, Forest won the 1989 and 1990 League Cups. They were also losing finalists in the 1991 FA Cup final and 1992 League Cup final, before relegation from the Premier League in 1993. Upon their immediate return, Forest finished third in the Premier League in 1995, before suffering relegation again in 1997 and 1999. The team returned to the Premier League by winning the play-offs in 2022. Forest's main rivalry is with Derby County, with whom they contest the East Midlands derby. In 2007 the Brian Clough Trophy was founded, which has since then been given to the winner.

In Their Own Story

The pre-season narrative for Nottingham Forest is built on a rigorous schedule of friendlies designed to test the new regime. A week after announcing the Portuguese camp, a short trip to face city rivals Notts County was confirmed. By 2 July, two additional home fixtures were added to the calendar against Bayer Leverkusen and Brest. The preparation culminated with a behind-closed-doors friendly against Portimonense announced on 24 July. These matches serve as the proving ground for Oliver Glasner's first full squad. Meanwhile, the competitive season looms large; on 19 June, the Premier League fixtures were officially released, setting the route for the club's fifth consecutive year in the top flight. The FA Cup awaits in the third round, while the EFL Cup begins in the second round, offering Forest early opportunities to make their mark.

Reader's Guide

Nottingham Forest was founded in 1865. The club's home ground is the City Ground, used since 1898. The team plays in red (Garibaldi Red) and white. Notable managers include Brian Clough and Peter Taylor. Key honours include two European Cups, one League title, two FA Cups, and four League Cups.

Did You Know?

• Nottingham Forest is the only team in Europe to have won the European Cup or Champions League more often than the domestic championship.
• Forest donated a set of football kits to help Arsenal establish themselves in 1886.
• The club's colours, Garibaldi Red, were named after the leader of the Italian 'Redshirts' fighters.
• Forest's baseball club were British champions in 1899.