Nottingham Forest

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Forest's origins lie with a group of shinty players meeting at the Clinton Arms (now The Playwright) on Shakespeare Street in 1865. They agreed to switch to association football, purchasing twelve 'Garibaldi Red' tasselled caps to establish their official colours. Their first match was against Notts County on 22 March 1866. In an act of charity that shaped the game, Forest donated kits to help Arsenal form in 1886 and assisted Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion. The club's baseball team even became British champions in 1899. Their first FA Cup semi-final victory came on their fifth attempt in the 1897–98 season, leading to a final at Crystal Palace where they defeated Derby County 3–1. Arthur Capes scored two goals, including one from a free kick by Willie Wragg, while John McPherson secured the win with a low shot.

In Their Own Story

The most transformative era began on 6 January 1975, when Brian Clough arrived twelve weeks after leaving Leeds United, bringing trainer Jimmy Gordon to the City Ground. Under Clough and Peter Taylor, Forest achieved back-to-back European Cup triumphs in 1979 and 1980. The late 1980s saw continued success with League Cup wins in 1989 and 1990, though they later faced setbacks as losing finalists in the 1991 FA Cup and 1992 League Cup. Relegation from the Premier League followed in 1993, but Forest returned immediately to finish third in 1995 before suffering further relegations in 1997 and 1999. After a long absence, they secured their return to the top flight by winning the play-offs in 2022.

Reader's Guide

The rivalry with Derby County defines much of Forest's modern history, contested as the East Midlands derby. In 2007, this fierce contest was formalized with the creation of the Brian Clough Trophy, awarded to the winner of their matches. Historically, Forest has been a dominant force in the top two tiers, appearing there in all but five seasons since joining the Football League. The club's identity is deeply rooted in its early charitable nature and the specific management styles that brought glory. From the 1898 FA Cup final where six players were rested after a heavy league defeat to Derby, to the 2022 play-off victory, the narrative is one of resilience. Fans remember the specific details: John Lymberry as steward in 1870, William Henry Revis scoring the first goal and kicking the ball 161 feet 8 inches that same day, and the record 110 goals scored during their 1950–51 Third Division South championship season.

Did You Know?

• Forest is the only team in Europe to have won the European Cup or Champions League more often than their domestic league title.
• In 1865, the club's official colours were established by purchasing twelve tasselled caps coloured 'Garibaldi Red'.
• William Henry Revis scored Forest's first goal on 23 April 1870 and also won a prize for kicking a football 161 feet 8 inches.
• Forest donated a set of football kits to Arsenal in 1886, which is why the North London team still wears red.
• The Brian Clough Trophy was founded in 2007 to decide the winner of matches between Forest and their rivals Derby County.