Forest Forever Chant

A tribute to Brian Clough, sung with passion during the match.

The supporters of Nottingham Forest used the melody of John Philip Sousa's "The Stars and Stripes Forever" with the words "Bri-an Clough" in honour of the then manager Brian Clough, typically sung during the match, often after a goal or during a lull in play.

Quick Facts

Affiliation: Nottingham Forest FC Supporters

Lore & Background

The singing would continue as long as the supporters felt moved to chant, with no established rule that it would only stop once Clough had acknowledged it with a wave.

Reader's Guide

The City Ground buzzes with anticipation as matchday approaches, a rhythm established over decades of devotion within Nottingham’s community. When the "Bri-an Clough" chant rises, typically from the Kop, it transforms scattered noise into a unified heartbeat for the Reds. This isn't merely singing; it is a declaration of identity that transcends league position and financial status. The melody weaves through the concrete and steel, binding generations of families who have walked these same terraces since the glory years of Brian Clough. Locals integrate this tradition into their weekly lives, treating the stadium as a parish church for secular faith. Youths learn the verses from grandparents before ever seeing a match live. The chant serves as an auditory shield during difficult away trips and a celebration at home. Whether in triumph or relegation battles, the words remain constant. This sonic landscape ensures that even when players leave, the soul of the club remains anchored in the stands.

Did You Know?

The same melody is used for the archetypal British football chant "Here We Go".
Auberon Waugh described the generic "Here We Go" chant or football terrace culture as the national anthem of the working classes, not specifically the Nottingham Forest chant.