Charity Shield 1978 vs Liverpool
The only European club to win the European Cup more often than the domestic league.
Nottingham Forest Football Club is a professional football club based in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, England. The club competes in the top tier of English football. 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.
Quick Facts
- Competition
- Charity Shield (now Community Shield)
- Date
- 19 August 1978
- Venue
- Old Trafford, Manchester
- Opponent
- Liverpool F.C.
- Result
- 0-0 Draw (Forest won on penalties 5-4)
- Key figure
- Brian Clough (Manager)
Lore & Background
The club's 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.
Reader's Guide
From 2019 to 2023, Nottingham Forest claimed to be the oldest remaining club in the English Football League. In 2019, when Notts County were relegated from the league, Stoke City claimed to be the oldest remaining club, but football historian Mark Metcalf stated that Stoke was formed in 1868, rather than the 1863 date on the club's badge, and therefore Forest was the oldest club. The EFL also stated that Nottingham Forest was the oldest. In 1865 a group of shinty players met at the Clinton Arms (now renamed The Playwright) at the junction of Nottingham's Shakespeare Street and North Sherwood Street. J. S. Scrimshaw's proposal to play association football instead was agreed and Nottingham Forest Football Club was formed. It was agreed at the same meeting that the club would purchase twelve tasselled caps coloured 'Garibaldi Red' (named after the leader of the Italian 'Redshirts' fighters). Thus the club's official colours were established. Matches were originally played at Forest Racecourse, historically part of Sherwood Forest and the presumed source of the word 'Forest' in the team's name. Forest's first ever official game was played against Notts County taking place on 22 March 1866. On 23 April 1870, when the team played their first game in league play, the steward of the club was John Lymberry and William Henry Revis scored the first goal. On that day, Revis also won the prize for kicking a football furthest with a kick of 161 feet 8 inches. In their early years Nottingham Forest were a multi-sports club. As well as their roots in bandy and shinty, Forest's baseball club were British champions in 1899. Forest's charitable approach helped clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion to form. In 1886, Forest donated a set of football kits to help Arsenal establish themselves – the North London team still wear red. Forest also donated shirts to Everton and helped secure a site to play on for Brighton. In 1878–79 season, Nottingham Forest entered into the FA Cup for the first time. Forest beat Notts County 3–1 in the first round at Beeston Cricket Ground before eventually losing 2–1 to Old Etonians in the semi-final. Nottingham Forest's application was rejected to join the Football League at its formation in 1888. Forest instead joined the Football Alliance in 1889. They won the competition in 1892 before then entering the Football League.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of the 1978 Charity Shield match?
Nottingham Forest drew 0-0 with Liverpool at Old Trafford before securing victory in a penalty shootout. The Reds from Nottingham won the shoot-out 5-4 to claim the trophy.
Who managed Nottingham Forest during this iconic fixture?
The team was guided by manager Brian Clough and his assistant Peter Taylor. Their leadership helped establish Forest as serious contenders immediately after winning the League title.
Where and when did the 1978 Charity Shield take place?
The match occurred on August 19, 1978, at Old Trafford in Manchester. It served as a major statement of intent for Forest following their historic league triumph.
How was the trophy decided if the score remained level?
After a tense goalless draw in regular time, the competition was settled by a penalty shootout. Nottingham Forest emerged victorious with a 5-4 win over their northern rivals.
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