A Forest Finally Blooming: Nottingham’s Long-Awaited Revival
They have been waiting for 23 years. They scratched and clawed for every inch, dropping as low as League One for three grueling seasons before climbing back. They fought through heartbreak and setbacks, biding their time for a chance to strike. It took 23 years of struggle and determination to return to the Premier League. Now, 25 years later, they are hungry. The Forest has bloomed, players have risen, and the club stands ready for war.
Less than 30 years ago, Nottingham Forest stood as giants of European football. For over two decades, they were among England’s elite, feared and respected across the continent. Their golden years came under the leadership of Brian Clough. Outspoken, sharp-witted, and a genius, Clough was a tactical mastermind who turned Forest into a champion. Under his guidance, the club achieved massive amounts of success: two European Cups, an English First Division title, and multiple domestic trophies, including four League Cups and two FA Cups. Forest didn’t have the biggest stars or the most money, but with Clough’s tactical brilliance and bold leadership, they defied the odds. His teams were disciplined, fearless, and ready to take on anyone. However, while Clough’s brilliance elevated Forest to unimaginable heights, his departure marked the beginning of their fall. By the time of his retirement, the club had been relegated, setting the stage for a long chapter ahead. As Clough famously said, "I wouldn't say I was the best manager in the business. But I was in the top one." It was this self-belief and undeniable talent that defined his era at Nottingham Forest and made it one of the most remarkable periods in football history.
Nottingham Forest’s decline wasn’t caused by financial ruin or external forces but by a series of poor decisions at the top. Following Clough’s departure, the club struggled to establish a clear direction. The misguided approach of cycling through managers prevented the club from finding stability; they had 12 managers in just 13 years. Forest, from this point on, was never able to regain their footing. Poor decisions like this, combined with a lack of continuity and vision, saw Forest spiral even further. By the mid-2000s, the unthinkable happened: Nottingham Forest found themselves relegated to League One, the third tier of English football, for the first time in their history.
Despite the dark years, the club’s loyal fanbase never gave up. Forest slowly rebuilt, climbing back to the Championship in 2008. However, even after their return to the second tier, inconsistency plagued them. Near misses and heartbreak defined much of the next decade, with promotions slipping through their fingers time and time again. Then, in 2022, everything changed. Forest completed their long-awaited return to the Premier League after a remarkable playoff campaign. It was a moment that reignited hope and signaled the start of a new era.
In their return to the Premier League, Nottingham Forest endured tough seasons, battling near the bottom of the table for the first two. Many doubted the club could survive the intense demands of the top league after so many years away. However, the 2024-2025 season has changed everything. With a new squad, strong leadership, and unwavering determination, Forest now sits fourth in the Premier League. They are no longer just fighting to stay afloat; they are thriving. Only one win separates them from second place, and the players have embraced the belief that anything is possible. Chris Wood leads the team with 10 goals in 15 appearances, accounting for a significant portion of Forest's offense. Elliot Anderson has been instrumental in creating chances, leading Forest with four assists this season. The Forest backline has been a fortress, having the third-best defensive rating in the Premier League this season. The combination of Ola Aina, Nikola Milenković, Murillo, and Neco Williams has been clinical. Goalkeeper Matz Sels has also been a standout, providing stability between the posts.
It took 23 years for Nottingham Forest to get back to the Premier League. Meanwhile, it has taken them 25 years to stand toe-to-toe with the giants of the game. Now, it is time for Nottingham Forest to come alive. This is a club that has sweat, bled, and fought for every moment, refusing to give up hope. The Forest has bloomed, its roots deep and its branches reaching for glory, and no club in the Premier League is safe from its ascension.
