Does FA Cup have its magic back?published at 14:28 25 March
14:28 25 March
Pat Nevin Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty Images
Looking a little further ahead in England, at least this weekend gives some players a little break. The Premier League takes a rest while the FA Cup quarter-finals top the bill and rarely has there been a more unusual cast list.
Bournemouth, Preston North End, Fulham, Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Brighton are not regulars in FA Cup finals, so it is a great chance for glory.
Not since Forest in 1959 have any of the above won the trophy.
Many of the big dogs have gone out already - not because they didn't care, but because they simply weren't good enough.
The FA Cup seems to have its sparkle back and, with a bit of luck, it might even have the first magical fairytale ending we have seen since Wigan in 2013.
'Squad players are the ones who can make a real impact now'published at 12:23 25 March
12:23 25 March
Pat Riddell Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Nottingham Forest's first team is so settled that, given our current position, it is difficult to ask any more of them.
Ten names make the manager's teamsheet without any thought and the 11th place invariably falls to Nicolas Dominguez or Ryan Yates in midfield, depending on the opposition.
Midfielders Danilo and Ibrahim Sangare are still finding match fitness after injury, while Taiwo Awoniyi finds himself in a similar position given the form of Chris Wood.
However, the news from New Zealand's World Cup qualifier this weekend presents a dilemma for Nuno Espirito Santo. After limping off in the 3-0 win over New Caledonia, we can only hope Wood's injury is not too serious.
Anthony Elanga has played in a more advanced role in the past few games, but Awoniyi might find himself called upon to be the Reds' target man again. In substitute appearances he has done a job in occupying opposition defences, holding the ball up and bringing in team-mates. But can he find the form that brought him 10 goals in 2022-23?
Forest have been particularly reliant on Wood being so prolific this season, although the team has been helped by others scoring in recent matches. As the only like-for-like replacement in the squad, Awoniyi may have the opportunity to secure his future at the club - or impress potential suitors.
Either way, in the remaining nine league games it is likely that squad players are the ones who can make a real impact - even with limited opportunity. Forwards Jota Silva and Ramon Sosa have shown their potential and can relieve the pressure on the front three of Wood, Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Keeping momentum going and staying fit is going to be key to Forest's season now.
Awoniyi has proved to be crucial to the club's destiny in the past. Can he do it again?
Potential injury scare for Woodpublished at 11:23 24 March
11:23 24 March
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Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood limped off less than 10 minutes into the second half as New Zealand beat New Caledonia 3-0 on Sunday to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The 33-year-old was forced off with an apparent hip injury, with Forest facing Brighton in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday before a return to Premier League action against Manchester United on 1 April.
Wood has scored 18 Premier League goals for Forest this season, a tally bettered by only Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak.
Potential replacement Taiwo Awoniyi has only started two of his 22 league appearances in 2024-25, scoring once.
Strangest yellow card ever?published at 12:50 21 March
12:50 21 March
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty Images
Was this one of the weirdest yellow cards ever?
Nottingham Forest and New Zealand striker Chris Wood showed the same form for his country as he has done for his club this season by hitting a hat-trick of headers in the All Whites 7-0 World Cup qualifier win over Fiji.
A job well done, the 33-year-old was substituted by his manager after 62 minutes.
However, with the game going on, Wood could be seen climbing into the stands in Wellington to sign autographs for waiting fans.
Despite no longer being on the pitch, the forward was promptly booked by the referee for his actions.
Wood clearly thought he was doing something good and yet ended up in the book in what must be a contender for the strangest yellow card of the season.
From third to 10th - pundit predictspublished at 09:19 21 March
09:19 21 March
With the Premier League top two fairly set in stone and the relegation places all but decided, we asked former England midfielder Fara Williams to pick her final table from third down to 10th.
Nottingham Forest will hang on to third based on what they have built this season in terms of being defensively hard to break down and playing in transitions very well. They are finding ways to win games by playing to their strengths.
I do not think Chelsea are good enough to secure fourth. I have put Manchester City there because they have enough firepower and always seem to finish Premier League seasons really well. They have not been in good form but they have that know-how and still a bit of a fear factor against some of the teams they play.
I have Chelsea in fifth because if Cole Palmer can refind his form they will have a good run of games. Newcastle in sixth - where they currently sit - as I think they will continue on the same trajectory with their run of fixtures.
The rest is really difficult. I have put Bournemouth seventh as their pressing and high-intensity play will see them pick up form again and rise a few places.
I have Aston Villa eighth as their focus will be on the Champions League, then Brighton ninth and Fulham 10th as I do not think their form will improve significantly. They are still impressive finishes.
Having said this, it has never been so close in this area of the table from what I can remember. These teams are likely to finish within one win of each other so much can change on one result.
Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nat Hayward
'It has been deserved' - what's behind 'remarkable' turnaround?published at 15:14 20 March
15:14 20 March
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Former Nottingham Forest midfielder Steve Hodge has been explaining what has sparked the club's "remarkable" turnaround, one year on from the Reds receiving a four-point deduction for breaching the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules.
Speaking on BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up and Show More Football podcast, Hodge said: "It's down to lots of different people. It's not just those on the pitch, but also those off the pitch - recruitment-wise and management staff.
"Everybody deserves a lot of credit around the football club. It is remarkable. I don't think anyone who thinks they know football would have had Nottingham Forest even in the top half of the table this season.
"So, as we approach April, to be in the top four or five for the whole season with 16 wins in the Premier League - that takes some doing. It has been deserved. I think everyone appreciates that this side have done a great job.
"They do need to keep their main players fit because they will still have issues with their squad depth and strength if some of those main players get injured, so touch wood on that.
"The success this season is down to the improvement of the players, the improvement in recruitment, how they have gelled together, the management and how the staff have structured the team.
"Also the players being self-motivated and happy with each other, wanting to run through brick walls for each other, gets results like they have got so far this season."
Forest have home straight in sightpublished at 12:01 19 March
12:01 19 March
Pat Nevin Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty Images
I make no apology for mentioning Nottingham Forest yet again.
It is like watching a rank outsider in a classic horse race like the Grand National or the Kentucky Derby. You constantly expect them to falter and be swallowed up by the field, but as they keep gamely battling on, every stride gets more people cheering them on to the end.
Another fine win against Ipswich gives them a seven-point cushion for the Holy Grail of a Champions League place.
The problem is that the others are ready to pounce if they do run out of legs. There will be no canter to the finish line for Forest, but I still hope they will make it.
'Been a remarkable year' - Gibbs-Whitepublished at 09:45 19 March
09:45 19 March
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Nottingham Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White did not think the club would be fighting for Europe this season, but feels they "deserve" to be there.
It has been quite the turnaround for the Reds over the past year, having received a points deduction 12 months ago to now entrenched in the Premier League's top four.
The midfielder, who received a late call-up for Thomas Tuchel's first England squad at the weekend, has been reflecting on their rise.
"It's been a remarkable year," he told BBC Radio 5 Live. "Just to see where we have come from, from this time last year, is incredible. I think the Forest fans deserve that the most.
"Getting back into the Premier League was one thing. Scrambling in relegation for the two years we were in the Premier League obviously wasn't nice. It wasn't good, it wasn't enjoyable, but now we have given the fans something to cheer about."
Nuno Espirito Santo's side are currently third - six points clear of fifth-placed Manchester City with nine games remaining.
"The funny thing is that in pre-season we had belief that we could do something this season," Gibbs-White said. "Did we think to this level? Probably not, but we felt that we could achieve something good this season.
"With the pre-season we had under the manager, because he perfectly implemented his ideas, and his man management and his belief in his players, he really got to know everyone individually and I think that is what has helped us massively.
"So, did I think we would be in this position? No.
"Would I have snapped your hand off? Yes.
"I think we deserve to be in the situation that we are in. We work so hard, day in and day out, to achieve these goals."
Forest will reach Champions League - Earnshawpublished at 16:21 18 March
16:21 18 March
Nottingham Forest will qualify for the Champions League.
That's the view of Robert Earnshaw and the former striker has been telling The Football News Show why "brilliant" tactical setup and a lack of injuries have proven key.
Earnshaw certain Forest will make Champions League
'How many more points' in a season of numberspublished at 13:26 18 March
13:26 18 March
Pat Riddell Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
During Nottingham Forest's 23 years in the wilderness — apologies to the English Football League — statistics didn't mean a lot. The Reds either had enough points to avoid relegation or enough points to get into the play-offs.
The first two years back in the Premier League, and even early into this season, simply drew comparisons with Forest's meagre showing back in the 1990s. Not any more. All previous records of note have been swept aside.
Nuno Espirito Santo's side have been writing their own history this campaign. Saturday's 4-2 win over Ipswich Town was Forest's eighth away victory this season, a tally only bettered by Liverpool.
Beating Brighton & Hove Albion 7-0 last month was our biggest win since 1991 — before the Premier League came into being. Chris Wood's hat-trick that day was the first by a Forest player at the City Ground in the top flight since 1987.
Consecutive wins? The six back-to-back victories were the most in a single season since 1967. Clean sheets? Matz Sels has 12, more than any other goalkeeper in the league. Scored first? Forest have taken the lead 22 times, more than any other club, and very rarely lose from that position.
The manager's 50th game in charge saw us move five points clear of Chelsea and six points clear of Manchester City. And that's all before an FA Cup quarter-final — don't forget that Forest had never played at the 'new' Wembley until the Championship play-off final in 2022
Forest finished third back in 1995, qualifying for the Uefa Cup, when only the champions Blackburn Rovers joined Europe's elite competition. The promise of Champions League football remains very real, with a fifth place qualification spot almost in the bag for the Premier League. There are still nine games to go — "a lot of football to be played yet," as Nuno said – but the Reds have been in the top five since early December despite a sticky patch in recent weeks. How many more points do the Reds need to go the distance?
Fastforward and Forest are on the brink of a remarkable achievement as they close in on Champions League qualification, having also reached the FA Cup quarter finals.
Third in the Premier League with nine games left and a six point advantage to Manchester City in fifth, the likely final place for a Champions League spot, there is no evidence or no signs Forest will implode from here.
They are on the cusp of a new era and returning to the European elite would unlock further riches for a club which has huge potential.
Nuno Espirito Santo has fostered a spirit which has propelled Forest into the top four as they chase a return to Europe for the first time since 1995-96 under Frank Clark.
The spirit is evident to anyone who has seen the squad on the pitch but especially off.
Goalkeeper Matz Sels told BBC Sport: "It's the gaffer who started it at the beginning of the season. Bringing that togetherness and of course, everything has to do with results but we started the season really well and then it's grows during the season.
"Something great started from the beginning of the season, maybe from the training camp in Spain where we were together. There you felt like something is possible."
Forest needed the right characters to add to the group who beat relegation and were surgical in the summer. There was no repeat of the trolley dash when 22 players arrived after promotion in 2022. They knew what they wanted.
Nikola Milenkovic arrived for under £12m from Fiorentina and immediately formed a rock solid partnership with Murillo, while Morato, another summer buy, providing able back-up.
Elliot Anderson, a big money arrival from Newcastle, has added depth and quality with Ramon Sosa and Jota Silva giving Nuno options off the bench.
That, coupled with 18-goal Chris Wood having the season of his life and the continued maturation of Morgan Gibbs-White, has helped build the perfect season for Forest.
From the chaos to the calm, what a difference a year makes.
Gibbs-White 'obviously worth an England place' but is it 'bittersweet'?published at 18:11 17 March
18:11 17 March
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We asked for your views on Morgan Gibbs-White being called up to the England squad in place of the injured Cole Palmer, after initially being left out by Thomas Tuchel on Friday.
Here are some of your comments:
Peter: His reaction to Forest fans chanting "England's Number 10" on Saturday was priceless and telling. He's as confused as everyone else. If he's only going there to make up the numbers, as is likely, I'd prefer him to rest up and avoid injury, as he is essential to how we play.
John: MGW is obviously worth an England place. He's a key part of our success and has more than proved his talent, skill and commitment. If we make it into Europe we might keep him but I'm resigned to losing him to the so-called 'big' clubs waving big money. If he does for England what he's done for us, England might actually win something. Good luck to him. He's a real pro.
Kris: Better late than never, he deserves his chance, but it does feel bittersweet. It'd be disastrous to our Champions League ambitions if our key creative player got injured on England duty.
Andrew: Gibbs-White should concentrate on his club which pays his wages and get Forest to Europe. England will still require him when the manager realises he should be asking 'Henderson who?'
Tom: He's the lynchpin of the Forest first team, which is one of the thinnest in the Premier League. Anything that gives us a chance of injury is a bad thing - he's plenty good enough to be in the England squad but with nine games to go I'd rather he wasn't!
Dugu: Gibbs-White should have been in the squad in the first place, not a reserve. 'Big club' players only I guess. Don't bother looking at where Forest are in the table. Anderson deserves a call up as well!
Simon: Should never have been omitted in the first place and I would've been tempted to refuse the call-up. But, he's a top pro and no doubt has ambitions as a regular and World Cup starter. Proud of our Forest talisman and hope he excels but without injury for the run-in towards Champions League.
Ipswich 2-4 Nottingham Forest - the fans' verdictpublished at 11:58 17 March
Alf: Our team has overperformed for two seasons but we were not ready for the Premier League. We need more investment and players. Kieran McKenna has took them to where they are now. Obviously we will get relegated - I just hope McKenna is still here. He's a good coach, but he just doesn't have the skillful players he needs to keep us up.
Paul: Another sobering afternoon at Portman Road as the Premier League light fades. A lot for McKenna to reflect on, including his own stubborn refusal to change the formation. We are too predictable and have no plan B.
Spike: Not great. Majority of the game we weren't too abhorrent, but Forest really tore us apart in a 15-minute span and we never recovered. We scored two good goals but this game sort of epitomises the season for Town.
Simon: George Hirst's goal shows we'll be fine when Liam Delap is sold to a bigger club. Shame we won't take the same kind of risks at the start of the game that we do at the end. We're scared of giving the ball away in the final third but you have to take risks or else you'll never create anything.
Forest fans
Emma: What even is this season? I keep thinking I need to wake up. Unbelievable.
Sean: Keep doing as we've been doing all season, picking the right moment and doing damage to opposition. Anthony Elanga was on fire with the double, and Mr Tuchel will need to start paying attention to Morgan Gibbs-White's assists and work rate.
Al: It says something when I'm actually disappointed we conceded two. Excellent result in an excellent (so far) season.
Andy: Great in moments, but it says a lot about the standard we fans have come to expect when it feels like a defeat conceding two goals to Ipswich. Gibbs-White being a model pro and showing Tuchel what he brings to the table was good to see. All that being said, Europe beckons!
Gibbs-White added to England squadpublished at 20:25 16 March
20:25 16 March
Image source, Getty Images
Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White has been added to the England squad, after initially being left out of Thomas Tuchel's selection on Friday.
Gibbs-White will will now report to St. George's Park before the Three Lions' opening 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia at Wembley Stadium.
The 25-year-old was part of England's Under-21 Euros winning team in 2023 and made the first of his two senior appearances last September.
What do you make of the news, Forest fans?
Happy for his call-up or still frustrated he was overlooked at first?
Ipswich Town 2-4 Nottingham Forest: Gibbs-White shows his classpublished at 19:00 15 March
19:00 15 March
Steve Sutcliffe BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Nottingham Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White brushed off his omission from Thomas Tuchel's first England squad on Friday with a superb display at Portman Road.
The 25-year-old midfielder, who has excelled for Nuno Espirito Santo's side this term delivered the sort of performance that will certainly give the new Three Lions boss food for thought over the coming weeks and months.
Always available to receive the ball, Gibbs-White was constantly looking to make things happen for Forest and appeared to have time and space whenever it found him.
The run and the timing of his pass to allow Jota Silva to score Forest's fourth underlined his class on a day when others, like Elliot Anderson and Callum Hudson-Odoi, also made a case for international inclusion.
Anderson's industry in the heart of midfield and his simple but effective pass to set Anthony Elanga away for Forest's second goal, laid the platform for their impressive victory.
Meanwhile, Hudson-Odoi did not give the ball away with any of his 23 passes and offered a different kind of threat to the raw pace of Elanga on the opposite flank.
'Delighted fans can go back home happy'published at 18:33 15 March
18:33 15 March
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Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We got that moment right. We got Ipswich unbalanced and took advantage of it.
"Ipswich were always going to react. It was important for us to get the fourth goal after they scored to really put the game to bed. They have character and are intense. It was tough."
On Anthony Elanga scoring twice for the first time in the Premier League: "The first time? He has to do it again. He was huge for us today. Not only the goals he got but also his defensive tasks. He was always in the game.
On the Forest fans: "They have been huge for us. The help and support at the City Ground, and away from home I am delighted they can go back home happy."
Image source, Getty Images
