Founded in 1865, Nottingham Forest are one of the oldest football clubs in the world. Based at the City Ground on the banks of the River Trent since 1898, the club's distinctive "Garibaldi Red" kit takes its name from the Italian revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi.

The late 1970s brought the most extraordinary chapter in the club's history. Under Brian Clough, Forest won promotion from the Second Division in 1977, then immediately won the First Division title the following season. They went on to win the European Cup in both 1979 and 1980 — a feat so improbable it would be like a newly promoted side winning the Champions League today. Only six English clubs have ever lifted Europe's top prize, and Forest are among them.

After Clough's departure and eventual relegation in 1999, Forest spent 23 years outside the top flight. Their return via the 2022 play-offs was a moment of catharsis for a fanbase that had waited over two decades to see their club back where they believe it belongs.

Brian Clough managed Forest for 18 years (1975-1993), and his impact on the club transcends mere statistics. With the brilliant Peter Taylor as his assistant, Clough assembled a squad featuring Peter Shilton, John Robertson, and Trevor Francis — the first million-pound footballer — and led them to consecutive European Cup triumphs. The 1979 final saw a Trevor Francis header defeat Malmo FF 1-0, while John Robertson's goal secured the 1980 title against Kevin Keegan's Hamburg.

The main stand at the City Ground bears his name — the Brian Clough Stand — and a bronze statue of the legendary manager stands near the ground. Known affectionately as "Old Big 'Ead," Clough remains the spiritual heart of the football club. His wit, his audacity, and the sheer impossibility of what he achieved continue to define Forest's identity.

The 2025-26 season has been one of extraordinary turbulence in the Forest dugout. Nuno Espirito Santo, architect of the previous season's seventh-place finish, was dismissed just three matches into the campaign after publicly criticising the club's transfer business and admitting his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis had deteriorated.

His replacement, Ange Postecoglou, failed to win any of his eight matches and was sacked in October. Sean Dyche arrived next but lasted only four months before being dismissed in February with the club in 17th place. Vitor Pereira, the club's fourth permanent manager of the season, was appointed on 15 February 2026 on an 18-month contract. The Portuguese coach, who has managed Porto, Fenerbahce, and most recently Wolves, brings a reputation for organised defending and efficient counter-attacking football.

Opened in 1898, the City Ground sits on the south bank of the River Trent with a capacity of 30,445. Directly across the river — barely 300 metres away — lies Meadow Lane, home of rivals Notts County, making these two of the closest professional football grounds in the world.

The all-time attendance record of 49,946 was set in October 1967 for a match against Manchester United. The Brian Clough Stand, the most iconic feature of the ground, was built in 1980 and seats around 10,000 fans. Modernisation plans have accelerated since the club's Premier League return, ensuring the ground meets the demands of top-flight football.