Following a 1-0 victory over Manchester City, Nottingham Forest is on the verge of returning to European football for the first time since the 1980-81 season, when they competed in the UEFA Cup first round. A team with two European Cup titles from 1979 and 1980, Forest, nicknamed the Tricky Trees, are a resurgent force, having returned to the Premier League in the 2022-23 season after an 18-year absence from the top tier.
Last season, Forest finished 17th, narrowly avoiding relegation. Now, with a goal from Callum Hudson-Odoi, they are remarkably third in the Premier League, trailing only Arsenal and Liverpool. Few would have predicted Forest being above City and Chelsea with just 10 games left, but Forest’s determination is undeniable.
On December 14th, Forest broke into the top four after a dramatic win against Aston Villa, sparking initial doubts about their staying power. However, 84 days later, they’ve proven their mettle, even defeating City at home. While City’s form may have dipped, Forest’s recent victory is crucial for maintaining their position in the tight race for the top five after overcoming setbacks against Newcastle United and Arsenal.
A Club with a Rich History
Established in 1865, Nottingham Forest’s golden era was in the late 1970s. In 1978, they achieved a remarkable treble, winning the First Division, European Cup, and League Cup under Brian Clough. The following season, they were runners-up domestically but secured another European Cup and UEFA Super Cup in both 1979 and 1980. Despite a period without major trophies, Forest’s history is filled with success.
After being relegated to the Championship in 2004, Forest experienced a turbulent period, even dropping to League One before returning to the Championship in 2008. While Steve Cooper led Forest’s resurgence to Premier League promotion in 2022, current manager Nuno Espirito Santo has continued their positive trajectory.
Investment and Smart Recruitment
Under the ownership of Evangelos Marinakis since May 2017, Nottingham Forest has been ambitious, aiming for European qualification. Marinakis’ investment in players like Elliot Anderson, Kikola Milenkovic, and Morato has been fruitful. Forest has also effectively recruited Premier League talent, building an attack around players like Morgan Gibbs-White, Chris Wood, Anthony Elanga, and Hudson-Odoi.
Chris Wood’s impressive 18 goals this season are a key factor in their league position, following his 14 goals the previous season that helped them stay in the Premier League. After consistent double-digit seasons with Burnley, Wood rediscovered his best form at Forest at age 32.
Forest’s successful scouting and team setup have enabled them to overperform. While Gio Reyna’s loan spell may not have been as impactful, Forest’s approach suggests they can maintain their competitiveness. European competition presents challenges, as seen with Aston Villa and Newcastle United, but Forest, having essentially rebuilt their squad after promotion and possessing a large loan pool, might be equipped for the journey. Only time will tell how they fare in Europe, but their return is already a significant achievement.
