Nottingham Forest

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  1. Our reporter asked... You answeredpublished at 09:54 16 August

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    Our football news reporter Nick Mashiter says "a season of anonymity may well be welcomed" at Nottingham Forest, so we asked you what you hope for from this campaign.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Neil: After two fraught seasons, a mid-table or below finish would suit me. We've retained our best players and had some good additions. I'm so disappointed most predictions make us either favourites for relegation or a 17th-place finish. We're better than this - if we can keep our forwards fit.

    Paul: I'll settle for lower mid-table and a decent cup run. No interference from the chairman either would be nice. So yes, a season of anonymity would be fine by me.

    Dave: A steady, under the radar, generally uneventful season please. Good home form but with an attacking edge away from home that will surprise a few teams. But this is Forest - so something dramatic will happen.

    Kevin: Forest may surprise people this season. I think a realistic aim should be comfortably mid-table - around 12th to 15th. However, I would not be surprised if Forest make a push for the top 10.

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  2. Nuno holds quiet confidence before new seasonpublished at 07:39 16 August

    Nick Mashiter
    BBC Sport football news reporter

    Nuno Espirito Santo holds his right arm in the air, raising his index finger, and opens his mouth while wearing a white Nottingham Forest t-shirtImage source, Getty Images

    Nuno Espirito Santo wore a wry smile when he was asked if he had missed the press this summer.

    It opened the Nottingham Forest boss' first news conference of the Premier League season before Saturday's opener at home to Bournemouth.

    Nuno is never one to give much away to the media during these sit-downs and remained tight-lipped about any transfer plans before the close, but there is a quiet confidence around the City Ground.

    Last season's tally of just 32 points saw them finish 17th, six points above the relegation zone, after the four-point deduction following a profit and sustainability breach.

    With a pre-season under Nuno, which he did not have after replacing Steve Cooper in December, the manager is adamant he has seen improvement in the time he has been at the club.

    The two European Cups the club won in 1979 and 1980 were also brought through the media area, not being paraded but being moved as the club improves and upgrades the stadium before the curtain-raiser.

    They are a fierce reminder of what has been achieved in the past and, while nobody is expecting a challenge for the Champions League spots this season, avoiding a prolonged relegation scrap is expected.

  3. Nuno on team news, improvements and Bournemouthpublished at 15:12 15 August

    Tasnim Chowdhury
    BBC Sport Journalist

    Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Bournemouth (kick-off 15:00 BST).

    Here are the key lines from his news conference:

    • On team selection, Nuno said there are no "big issues" and his squad are fine for Forest's opener.

    • On changes he would like to see at Forest this season: "Hopefully, we improve - that’s the main idea. We now have the real moments to evaluate what we need to improve [and] there’s always a chance to do better."

    • In his view, one of the main aspects of the transfer window is "that we keep the players we have" and he is "100% sure" they will not encounter further financial problems.

    • He added: "On a daily basis in the training ground, everyone is there and I hope everyone is there tomorrow and until the last day [of the transfer window]. That’s our priority - to keep all the players that are with us. I realise there’s interest from other clubs but we want to keep them all."

    • Nuno is "really happy" with the new signings at Forest, but emphasised they will "have to work hard" because of how strong the squad is. He has also not ruled out making further additions: "We want to bring people in who can bring something different to what we have."

    • On Saturday's opponents who recently sold star striker Dominic Solanke to Tottenham: "We know Bournemouth is a strong squad, They are in the market also. Solanke is a good player [and] he’s not going to be involved in the game but they will have quality players on the pitch."

    Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences

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  4. Focus on results now distractions in the past for Forestpublished at 11:32 15 August

    Nick Mashiter
    BBC Sport Football News Reporter

    Nuno Espirito Santo raises the index finger on his right hand and smilesImage source, Getty Images

    Nuno Espirito Santo will face the media on Thursday afternoon ahead of Saturday's Premier League opener with Bournemouth at the City Ground.

    The former Wolves boss avoided serious scrutiny last season, getting the job done in terms of survival, but it was hardly straightforward.

    The second half of last term appeared chaotic off the pitch; a four-point deduction - and subsequent failed appeal - after a profit and sustainability breach and a public row over VAR and refereeing decisions took the spotlight off results and performances.

    Forest won just four of their final 18 league games and there is an argument Nuno was fortunate the focus was elsewhere, otherwise there would have been more scrutiny on him.

    As Nuno enters his first full season at the City Ground, there will an expectation of improvement.

    But, with the transfer window open, it is naturally going to dominate the agenda on Thursday.

    Midfielder Elliot Anderson from Newcastle and defender Nikola Milenkovic from Fiorentina are the biggest summer arrivals to date.

    That Morgan Gibbs-White and Murillo are still in the building ahead of the season remains an obvious positive.

    Away from transfers, Forest could do with some calm waters to start the season.

  5. Would Forest welcome a season of anonymity?published at 09:42 15 August

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    Our reporter Nick Mashiter will be covering Nottingham Forest up close this season.

    Nick says: "Forest will be looking for a smoother season after sacking Steve Cooper in December and appointing Nuno Espirito Santo, although much of the drama came afterwards.

    "PSR and VAR dominated talk at the City Ground - with a four-point deduction and public rows over decisions and referees - so a season of anonymity may well be welcomed."

    Would you take a season of anonymity, Forest fans? What should the Reds be aiming for?

    Let us know here, external

  6. 'I expect Elanga and Hudson-Odoi to be less predictable'published at 09:03 15 August

    Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga celebrate togetherImage source, Getty Images

    BBC Radio Nottingham's Colin Fray told the Shut Up And Show More Football podcast he is expecting positive seasons for forwards Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi:

    "I suspect that Nuno and his staff will have really sat down with players this summer to instil belief. They will have been pushing an open door because the players will have been receptive to it.

    "Hudson-Odoi in particular ended last season on a real high. His form was outstanding, scoring lots of goals and looking a real threat every time he got on the ball.

    "He was starting to go both ways instead of always cutting in. We know his danger when he's cutting but so too do defenders. They can't always defend against him because he is a good player and when he cuts in he is dangerous - that's where he gets most of his goals from.

    "But if you also don't know whether he is going to cut in or he might go outside you then you can't commit as the defender until it might be too late

    "That is what Elanga has been talking about as well - that ability to go one way or another so the defender is unsure. To be less predictable. That is going to be the next stage of progression.

    "Elanga had a good tally last season in terms of goals and assists but he wants better. He has the determination to improve and the confidence to go with it.

    "If that happens it can only be to Forest's benefit."

    Listen to the full show on BBC Sounds

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  7. Phil McNulty's predictions - Nottingham Forestpublished at 09:03 15 August

    Chief football writer Phil McNulty byline banner

    It's that time of the year again - the annual act of foolishness in which I try to predict the outcome of the 2024-25 season for all 20 Premier League clubs.

    Nottingham Forest - 16th

    Nuno Espirito Santo's presence as Nottingham Forest manager in succession to Steve Cooper was hardly inspirational, but the priority of survival was achieved, especially after being deducted four points for breaching financial regulations.

    It gives the Portuguese manager the chance to push on in an attempt to satisfy the demands of Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.

    Forest’s magnificent support at the City Ground was a crucial factor and will be again, as will the continued presence of Morgan Gibbs-White, a significant contributor to their cause in the past two seasons. It is vital that Forest hold on to him.

    He will be a central figure along with last season's player of the year Murillo, with the outstanding 22-year-old defender linked with Chelsea, Spurs and Atletico Madrid. Forest are under no pressure to sell and the Brazilian appears happy to stay.

    Wales right-back Neco Williams has attracted interest from Atalanta, but if Forest keep this squad together (and they are always looking to add) then I see them staying up.

    Read all of Phil's predictions here

  8. Carabao Cup - who are you facing in second round?published at 22:31 14 August

    General view of Carabao Cup trophyImage source, Getty Images

    The draw for the second round of the Carabao Cup has been made.

    Here is the list of the ties - which are split into southern and northern sections - involving Premier League clubs:

    South

    • AFC Wimbledon v Ipswich Town

    • Brighton & Hove Albion v Crawley Town

    • Birmingham City v Fulham

    • Cardiff City v Southampton

    • Colchester United v Brentford

    • Crystal Palace v Norwich City

    • West Ham United v Bournemouth

    North

    • Everton v Doncaster Rovers

    • Nottingham Forest v Newcastle United

    • Leicester City v Tranmere Rovers

    • Wolverhampton Wanderers v Burnley

    See the full draw

    The games will take place in w/c 26 August.

  9. Forest 'optimistic for a steadier, less traumatic season'published at 16:10 14 August

    Colin Fray
    BBC Radio Nottingham reporter

    Nottingham Forest expert view banner

    There is a quiet feeling of mild optimism about Forest ahead of their third season back in the Premier League, however, nobody is getting carried away or having a sudden expectation they will leap from narrowly avoiding relegation to challenging for Europe.

    Instead, it is for a steadier, less traumatic season, with less stress about the proximity of the bottom three. A little more distance points-wise above the relegation zone would be progress and most fans are encouraged by what has happened over the summer.

    Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo seems happy and settled (as much as any Premier League boss can be!) and has been pleased to have a full pre-season working with his squad. Pre-season results are never an indicator of what might happen when the real stuff starts, but Forest's performances have been solid and encouraging. As the summer has gone on, they have seemed to be a more developed squad and club than at similar times in the past two years.

    And then there is the transfer window.

    So far, the business done seems to be both understandable and strengthening. They have not spent fortunes by Premier League standards, but the squad looks stronger - despite it being six in and 20 out since the end of last season.

    Forest continue to be linked with forwards and a goalkeeper, and it would not be surprising to see more additions and departures before the end of August.

    But the transfer business has seemed calm and measured. It appears profit and sustainability rules have been complied with - Nuno certainly believes so - so a points deduction should not be a concern.

    There was scepticism and anger among the fan base towards the end of last season when a huge hike in season ticket prices was announced, and it seemed possible that the club may leave the City Ground.

    However, fans have bought tickets in big numbers again - the ground is likely to be sold out for every game again - and the future seems more settled on Trentside.

    So, many of those negative feelings from the early part of the summer have been replaced by that quiet optimism - that things could be a little safer and the next nine months may not be quite as stressful as last season.

    Live commentary of Nottingham Forest v Bournemouth from 15:00 BST on Saturday on BBC Radio Nottingham DAB, 95.1FM and 103.8FM

    An image detailing how to follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport: "On the app? Tap the bell icon to get news about your club sent to you. Signed in on a browser? Hit 'Follow' to stay up to date
  10. Dig into the data - what will season deliver?published at 12:10 14 August

    Chris Collinson
    BBC Sport football statistician

    Table showing Nottingham Forest's Premier League rankings for 2023-24 stats: Goals - 17th, shots - 15th, expected goals - 15th, goals conceded - 15th, shots faced - eighth, expected goals against - fifth, possession - 18th, possession won in final third - 19th, goal difference - 17th, xG difference - 12th, points - 17th

    While it was Nottingham Forest's points deduction that meant they only secured survival on the final day last season, a big reason why they were so close to the drop in the first place was their problems between the posts.

    Despite the fact that only the top three and Crystal Palace had a better defence in terms of xG, only four teams conceded more goals. All three of their three goalkeepers struggled with stopping shots, letting in around 17 more goals than expected given the quality of chances they faced between them.

    Although they continued to rank near the bottom for possession and pressing, Forest's numbers after Nuno Espirito Santo took charge at Christmas were those of a mid-table side, so there are reasons to hope that they will not be facing the chop so late again this campaign.

  11. When is the Carabao Cup second-round draw?published at 11:54 14 August

    The Carabao Cup with ribbons in the colour of last season's winners LiverpoolImage source, Getty Images

    The draw for the second round of the Carabao Cup will take place on Wednesday at the conclusion of the first-round tie between Leeds United and Middlesbrough.

    Thirteen Premier League clubs will enter in the second round, as will Luton Town and Burnley, who were relegated from the top flight in 18th and 19th positions last season.

    The draw for round two will be regionalised into northern and southern sections.

    The seven Premier League clubs playing in European competitions in 2024-25, including Carabao Cup holders Liverpool, will come in at the third-round stage.

    The key dates for the competition are as follows:

    • Second round - w/c 26 August

    • Third round - w/c 16 and w/c 23 September

    • Fourth round - w/c 28 October

    • Quarter-finals - w/c 16 December

    • Semi-finals - w/c 6 January (first leg) and w/c 3 February

    • Final - 16 March

    Follow Wednesday's action and then the full draw here from 19:30 BST

  12. Forest appoint Pavlin as international sporting advisorpublished at 15:53 13 August

    An empty shot of the City Ground from the corner flag, showing the Trent End on the left and the Brian Clough Stand in the centre with red seatsImage source, Getty Images

    Nottingham Forest have appointed Miran Pavlin as the club's new international sporting advisor.

    The former Slovenia international, who played at Euro 2000 and the 2002 World Cup, has spent the past four years at sporting director of the Slovenian FA.

    He has also worked as sporting director for Maribor, as they qualified for Europe five times including the Champions League twice.

    The ex-Porto and Freiburg midfielder will support the expansion of the club's international scouting network and develop sporting initiatives across the world.

  13. Breakout star? It's season predictionspublished at 13:11 13 August

    Pat Riddell
    Fan writer

    Nottingham Forest fan's voice graphic

    Where will you finish in the league and why?

    Having survived two seasons in the top flight, Forest have a real chance to cement their place in the Premier League. These things do not come easy, we know, but the majority of the squad has been here for at least a season now and the constant change should be in the past (we hope). For that reason, I think 14th is a reasonable prediction.

    Who is the best signing or has he not signed yet and who should it be?

    We have been linked with Santiago Gimenez - and Forest are obviously linked with a lot of players - but if the Feyenoord striker was to sign, or anybody as prolific, then it would certainly bolster our chances. Taiwo Awoniyi's injury problems curtailed our goal threat last season and another goalscorer would make a huge difference.

    What do you want from your manager this season?

    Nuno Espirito Santo has had a full pre-season with the players and should have identified our strongest first XI and our best style of play by now. Building on the positives of last season, we should hope he can start to replicate some of the success he achieved with Wolves. The balance between keeping it tight at the back and encouraging attacking flair is always a fine one.

    Who will be the breakout star in your squad?

    Elliot Anderson looked like he had been here for months when he made his City Ground debut against Villarreal. The former Newcastle player appeared to be at ease attacking from the left, but can also play centrally, and that extra impetus in midfield will hopefully help the Reds drive forwards.

    What is your one major concern?

    Scoring goals has been an issue and, even if we have a fit Awoniyi, creating or taking chances is something we have to improve. Linking the midfield and the forward line will be key, and if the side enables Morgan Gibbs-White to influence games as best he can, then we should be fine.

    Pat Riddell can be found at The Famous Club, external

  14. Which tactic caught the eye in pre-season?published at 08:50 13 August

    Nuno Espirito, coach of Nottingham Forest, gesturesImage source, Getty Images

    On the latest episode of the Shut Up and Show More Football podcast, David Jackson and Colin Fray have been discussing the high-pressing style Nottingham Forest have played during pre-season.

    They ponder whether that is likely to continue for the start of their Premier League campaign.

    Jackson: "The high press is interesting because they were the dead opposite to that for a long time since making the step up into the Premier League.

    "Where they've got some of their success, especially against the better teams, is actually by sitting very deep and then counter-attacking.

    "I wonder if we will see the high press every time because it is risky, especially against the better teams.

    "You can just get passed through if you're not careful so I wonder if that will be used every time or sometimes. I wonder if that's a complete change of policy or just something to try now before the first few games."

    Fray: "I can see probably for the start at home against Bournemouth, Forest really being on the front foot with that high press.

    "You're not gonna go to Manchester City and play that way or Arsenal but it is interesting. That's certainly something that caught the eye in pre-season."

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

  15. Monday Night Club returns!published at 19:00 12 August

    Monday Night Club graphic

    After a long summer break, BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club is back in action this evening.

    Tune in as the panel cover all the major talking points from the summer and look ahead to Premier League football returning at the weekend.

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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  16. 🎧 The big season previewpublished at 17:44 12 August

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    The latest episode of BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up And Show More Football podcast is available now on BBC Sounds.

    Colin Fray and David Jackson preview the 2024-25 season as Forest prepare for their third consecutive season in the Premier League, plus you can listen to interviews with midfielder Ryan Yates, winger Anthony Elanga and manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

    Listen on BBC Sounds banner
  17. How did each club do in pre-season?published at 14:58 12 August

    Premier League ballImage source, Getty Images

    The curtain opens on the 2024-25 Premier League season in just a matter of days, so why not take a look at how all 20 clubs performed in pre-season?

    The games have been spread across the globe, from Tokyo and New York to Crawley and Preston.

    See the results here

  18. Olympiakos 'a template for Forest to try to follow'published at 17:30 9 August

    Nottingham Forest celebrate a goal against OlympiakosImage source, Getty Images

    Nottingham Forest have a "template" for success in the shape of Olympiakos, BBC Radio Nottingham reporter Colin Fray believes.

    The two clubs, both owned by Evangelos Marinakis, met in a pre-season friendly in Greece on Thursday - with Forest winning 4-3.

    Fray watched the game having earlier visited Olympiakos' training facilities, and thinks the infrastructure there - on and off the pitch - is "a model for Forest to aspire to".

    He said: "On the pitch, they won a European competition last season. They won the Europa Conference League and also the Uefa Youth League at under-19 level. The two head coaches came out with those trophies [at the friendly].

    "They're hugely proud, and it's where I'm sure Evangelos Marinakis wants eventually to take Forest. It may take years and years, it may seem fanciful at this stage, but you can see there's a template there for Marinakis and Forest to try to follow."

    On the game itself, Fray added: "Forest played well and got themselves into a very healthy position, leading 4-1 and running Olympiakos ragged at that stage, and then towards the end after a lot of substitutions they lost their way a little bit.

    "Some positive stuff out there on display. One or two issues, but you always get those in pre-season - that's what pre-season is all about."