Nottingham Forest: A Glimpse Into the Past and a Bright Future
Under the iconic “Champions of Europe 1980” banner that adorns the Peter Taylor Stand, a vibrant suntrap beckons Nottingham Forest fans. This modest concrete enclave, nestled between the press room and the stand, is roughly the size of a tennis court. On a sunny Saturday, as it was recently, one could hardly swing a racket without colliding with a few pints. This space, buzzing with chatter and laughter, is one of many gathering spots around the City Ground that holds a great divide: older generations share tales of glory days while the younger fans listen, often with a mix of fascination and weariness.
For many younger supporters, these nostalgic stories have become somewhat tiresome; for those who lived through those moments, they serve as a poignant reminder of better days. Yet, amidst this backdrop of reminiscence, a newfound sense of unity has emerged among the fans. The once-frequent gripes and grimaces have been replaced by smiles and a shared sense of disbelief as they witness a resurgence in their club’s fortunes.
“We often hear from rival fans, ‘you weren’t even born’ when they refer to our European successes,” shares season-ticket holder Max Chapman with The i Paper. “Being able to return to European competition would allow those who experienced it firsthand to pass the torch to my generation. It’s something we never thought we’d get to witness! What an incredible way for my Dad to hand over the baton.”
Currently, Nottingham Forest is on the verge of securing European football for the first time since the 1995-96 season. Following a thrilling victory over Manchester City, their Champions League prospects look brighter than ever. Positioned third in the league, they boast a four-point cushion over City, and with the promise of an additional Champions League spot for England, they have a comfortable buffer.
The atmosphere in and around the ground is electric, a reflection of the belief coursing through the fans. The Boot Room, a bar located at the corner of Pavilion Road and closest to the ground, was alive with energy following the match against City. Music blared as jubilant supporters raised their pints, basking in the afterglow of victory, ready to celebrate long into the afternoon and evening.
This bar is just one example of the local businesses benefiting from the wave of joy sweeping through the city. “You can feel the excitement in the air as people walk towards the ground. They genuinely believe in the team,” remarks Mark James, the owner of The Boot Room. After a few challenging years, the bar is now thriving, and James anticipates that “next year is going to be monumental,” as fans from all over Europe begin to flock to Nottingham, staying for days rather than just hours.
For many Forest fans, the prospect of European away trips is thrilling, and for supporters like John Harrison, it represents a full-circle moment. “Back in May 1979, I was just 17 and got my first passport. My Dad and I paid £60 each to Forest for our tickets to the European Cup final in Munich, which included coach and ferry transport. All of this was arranged within 48 hours. Nobody batted an eye,” he reminisces.
“We just sang our hearts out on the way there, sipping on Heineken for some inexplicable reason, at 33p a pint. My spending money was just £10, which needed to be noted by the bank in my passport. How times have changed.” Now retired, John continues to attend games, bringing his five-year-old granddaughter Aoife with him. “If we make it to the Champions League next season, we’ll both travel away together, just like I did with my Dad back in the day.”
It has been nearly three decades since Forest last graced European competition, with their last appearance ending in a quarter-final defeat to Bayern Munich. Harrison vividly remembers that away leg, where he sprained his ankle celebrating Steve Chettle’s equalizer. “I didn’t care at all,” he laughs, even though Forest ultimately lost 7-2 on aggregate after a 5-1 defeat at the City Ground.
Next season, regardless of which European competition they qualify for, there is a growing confidence among the fans that Forest can hold their own, especially at home. In addition to their victory over City, they have drawn with league leaders Liverpool and Arsenal at home, and they delivered a stunning 7-0 thrashing of Brighton. They’ve also secured victories against Aston Villa and Tottenham, meaning they’ve taken points at home from every Premier League side in Europe this season, with the exception of Chelsea, whom they’ll host on the final day—a match that could be pivotal in securing Champions League qualification.
“This is our chance to showcase the atmosphere at The City Ground and the passion of our fans while hosting some of the best teams and players in the world. For Nottingham, this would solidify its status as one of the key sporting cities in the country,” Chapman emphasizes. “I truly believe Forest can get a result at The City Ground against anyone, which we’ve proven this season. With the new Champions League format, four home wins could set us up well to progress through the league phase. The opportunity to face giants like Real Madrid and Barcelona is simply too enticing to pass up.”
