History of Nottingham Forest F.C.

Lore & Background

Nottingham Forest was founded in 1865 when shinty players at the Clinton Arms agreed to play football instead. The club adopted 'Garibaldi Red' caps, establishing its colours. Forest's first official match was against Notts County on 22 March 1866. The club was a multi-sports club, with its baseball team becoming British champions in 1899. Forest donated kits to Arsenal and Everton and helped Brighton & Hove Albion secure a playing site. In 1878–79, Forest experimented with floodlighting in a match against Aston Lower Grounds, but storms caused abandonment. Forest entered the FA Cup that season, beating Notts County before losing to Old Etonians in the semi-final. Forest's application to join the Football League in 1888 was rejected; they joined the Football Alliance in 1889, winning it in 1892 before entering the Football League. Forest won their first FA Cup in 1898, beating Derby County 3–1 in the final. They toured South America in 1905, playing friendlies in Argentina and Uruguay. Forest were relegated for the first time in 1905–06 but promoted as champions the next season. They faced financial trouble during World War I but survived through committee benevolence. In 1919, Forest campaigned for a First Division slot but received only three votes. They were promoted as champions in 1921–22 but relegated again in 1924–25. Forest remained in the second tier until relegation to the Third Division South in 1949. They were promoted back as champions in 1950–51, scoring a record 110 goals. Forest regained First Division status in 1957 and won the FA Cup in 1959, beating Luton Town 2–1 despite losing Roy Dwight to a broken leg. In 1966–67, Forest challenged for the league title, finishing runners-up and losing in the FA Cup semi-final. Decline followed, and Forest were relegated in 1972. Brian Clough was appointed manager on 6 January 1975, inheriting a team that included future European Cup winners. Clough brought in Jimmy Gordon as trainer and signed John McGovern and John O'Hare from Leeds United.

Reader's Guide

Nottingham Forest's significance lies in its early role in spreading football, both domestically and internationally. The club's charitable donations of kits to Arsenal and Everton, and assistance to Brighton & Hove Albion, helped establish those clubs. Forest's 1905 South American tour contributed to football's development in Argentina and Uruguay. The club's greatest era came under Brian Clough, who took over in 1975 when Forest were in the second tier. Forest's 1959 FA Cup win, achieved with ten men after Roy Dwight's broken leg, is a notable example of resilience. The club's history includes multiple promotions and relegations, reflecting its fluctuating fortunes. Forest's 1966–67 league runners-up finish and FA Cup semi-final loss show near-misses. The club's committee structure and amateurism contributed to decline after that peak. The club's colours, Garibaldi Red, have been worn since 1865.

Did You Know?

• Nottingham Forest was formed in 1865 by shinty players at the Clinton Arms.
• Forest donated a set of football kits to help Arsenal establish themselves in 1886.
• Forest's baseball club were British champions in 1899.