Nottingham Forest

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Like everything, context is key for Nottingham Forest.

Ange Postecoglou is right when he says the wins will come, and they could - and perhaps should - have had one or two already.

The late collapse at Swansea City in the Carabao Cup was a huge disappointment, but other results carry their own reflections.

Forest lost 3-0 at Arsenal off the back of one full training session after Postecoglou's arrival and the September international break. The Burnley draw was hard fought and a point was a fair result against a tenacious home side who look better equipped to survive this season.

So then a 2-2 draw away at Betis in their first European game for almost three decades can only be viewed as positive.

This is a club that only avoided relegation from the Premier League on the final day of the season less than 18 months ago. They have come a long way in a short space of time - not without some bumps in the road - and progression is not linear.

Postecoglou has worked to quickly implement his style in the two weeks he has been at the club and results will come.

Forest host Sunderland in Postecoglou's first home game since taking charge on Saturday and as his philosophies take hold there will be greater expectation to for victories.

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White says it would be "wrong" for the team to go into the Europa League without having the goal to win it.

The Reds began their first European campaign in 30 years with a 2-2 draw at Real Betis on Wednesday.

In an entertaining game, Forest had a number of chances to take a big lead into half-time but could not take them and were ultimately pegged back late in the match.

"That's our goal - to go and win the competition," Gibbs-White said.

"It would be wrong for us to go into the competition with a different mindset. That's definitely our goal and our motivation.

"The fans were outstanding, so thank you to them for travelling such a long way.

"Coming back into Europe after 30 years is an incredible feeling, and to walk out there as captain, to play the game, was a real honour.

"I feel like we might look back at this game and realise it was a good point, but one that we know we could have got three points."

Still waiting for a first win under new boss Ange Postecoglou, Forest will be looking to put the disappointment of losing the lead against Betis behind them as they host Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday.

"We should have had four or five goals in the first half," added Gibbs-White. "But this game is cruel and it's something we've got to get better as a team in managing the game out.

"We were great at that last season and we've got to try to add that into our game this season."

David Jackson
BBC Radio Nottingham sports editor in Seville

Image source, Getty Images

Once the Real Betis fans had left the stadium on Wednesday night, all that was left was the 3500 Forest supporters, high up in one corner, left to reflect on an exciting, at times breathless return to the European stage.

That is until Ryan Yates and the rest of the substitutes ran out for a warm down. And what a reception they got. As the players applauded the travelling spectators, Yates set to orchestrating them in chants in a real symbol of togetherness and mutual appreciation.

Yates' appearance as a sub last night means he can add Europa League to his list of competitions he has played in, which includes National League (with Barrow), League Two (Notts County), League One (Scunthorpe), the Championship and the Premier League (with Forest).

His rise up the leagues is as impressive as Forest's in recent years.

It was a big test for Yates, and indeed for the players he now finds himself surrounded by (he is the only one left from the team which won promotion in 2022), but it is a test they passed.

Watching them carve open the Betis defence during a brilliant first half was a sign not just that Forest had arrived in Europe, but also that they have a chance of making a big statement in the tournament.

Fans have waited nearly 30 years and now they have just a week to wait for a home European test. And this time more than just a few thousand will be able to see it.

Image source, Getty Images

Elliott Anderson spoke to BBC Radio Nottingham after Thursday's Europa League draw with Real Betis: "It is tough to take but there are loads of positives from the way we played. A point away from home is good and not many teams will come here and play like that.

"[The first half] was very good and really enjoyable to play in. We had a lot of control, we just need to start putting these chances away and killing the game off.

"We are building, we have come a long way and we have a long way to go."

On his role in the match: "I was a little bit more attacking - I had the licence to get into the box and join in. I enjoyed it."

Listen to more from Anderson on BBC Sounds

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Ange Postecoglou spoke to TNT Sports after Wednesday's Europa League draw at Real Betis: "First, I should be proud of the players' efforts. It's a difficult place to come, difficult conditions.

"People don't realise the humidity out there and how energy sapping it is, even the pitch, and I thought our football was outstanding at times in the first half. The thing I could fault is we didn't put the game to bed.

"In the second half we had to sit off a little bit and defend. I never really felt threatened by it and I don't think Sels had many saves to make.

"I'm just disappointed that the players and supporters don't get the rewards for our efforts. I've just got to make sure they keep their heads up because there's plenty to be positive about and the wins will come."

Did you know?

• Postecoglou became the first manager not to win any of his first four games in charge of Forest since Paul Williams in April 2016, and the first permanent manager to do so since Billy Walker in August 1946.

• Igor Jesus became the first player to score twice on his major European competition debut for Forest.

Listen to more from Postecoglou and get full reaction on the Shut Up And Show More Football podcast

Neil Johnston
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

This was a night Nottingham Forest fans had waited decades for, with around 5,000 in Spain for the 'I was there' moment.

Some of those present were in Munich and Madrid in 1979 and 1980 when Forest beat Malmo and Hamburg respectively to win back-to-back European Cups under Brian Clough.

Others in Seville were at Yeovil Town, Scunthorpe United and Hartlepool United for demoralising League One defeats in 2005-06.

On Wednesday, there was plenty for them to be proud about before Forest were frustrated by Antony's late equaliser.

Ange Postecoglou, of course, won this competition with Tottenham last season and the Forest boss looked to have got his tactics right on a night his players played with flair and an adventurous spirit in the first half.

But it was a different story after Douglas Luiz was replaced at the start of the second half after suffering a hamstring problem.

Forest's attacking statistics were impressive, with the visitors registering 16 attempts - six on target - to Betis' nine (four on target).

Unfortunately for Forest, they were unable to hang on for what would have been an eye-catching win.

Instead Postecoglou remains without a win after four games in charge, although this was Forest's most positive display since the Australian's appointment.

Postecoglou's first four Forest games have all been away from home but they return to the City Ground when Sunderland visit on Saturday (17:30 BST).

The question is: will Igor Jesus keep his place ahead of Chris Wood, who scored 20 Premier League goals last season?

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

What did you make of Forest's display?

Come back on Thursday for a selection of your replies

There are some familiar names in the Real Betis starting XI, including former Manchester United forward Antony, ex-Red Devils loan signing Sofyan Amrabat and former Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso.

Real Betis XI: Lopez, Firpo, Gomez, Natan, Ortiz, Amrabat, Lo Celso, Altimira, Ezzalzouli, Bakambu, Antony

The big news from the Nottingham Forest dressing room is that Chris Wood, who scored 20 Premier League goals last season, drops to the bench. Brazilian forward Igor Jesus gets the nod up front.

There are three changes from the side that started the 1-1 draw at Burnley last weekend. Ibrahim Sangare and Callum Hudson-Odoi also return in place of Dan Ndoye and Dilane Bakwa.

Nottingham Forest XI: Sels, Williams, Milenkovic, Morato, Zinchenko, Luiz, Anderson, Sangare, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi, Jesus

The countdown is well and truly on. It is just two hours until Nottingham Forest kick off their first European campaign in 30 years.

Plenty of fans have travelled the distance to Seville while others have opted to stay closer to home, but everyone will be hearing the Europa League anthem tonight.

BBC Radio Nottingham have got the build-up covered as always, so join David Jackson and Colin Fray for a special pre-match show live from Seville.

They will be counting down to kick-off, setting the Spanish scene, catching up with supporters and revealing the team news on a historic night for the Reds.

Listen live on BBC Sounds from 18:00 BST

Thank you for the stories and photos from those of you travelling out to Seville.

Or maybe you are staying in Nottingham to enjoy the match?

We would love to hear whatever your plans are.

Here are a few more, keep them coming:

Send us your plans and photos here

Listen to Shut Up And Show More Football from Seville

James: I was booked on a flight to Germany. I arrived in plenty of time at 4am for a 6:20am flight. Airport was closed and we were not allowed in.

Eventually they let us into the airport at 6am but security was jampacked and by the time I got through security it was 6.45am and the flight had gone! Hundreds of people have missed flights that it was impossible to get to because the airport wouldn't let passengers in. Planes must have left empty! Crazy.

Ryan: Yes drove down from Nottingham at midnight for my flight at 6.30am to Faro. Flight took off empty. Now no other alternatives for me to get there in time or unless I pay well over £600 which isn't feasible. Why did it take so long for the fire to be put out?

Jonathan: Just landed in Barcelona from Gatwick. Next flight to Seville is in 90 minutes so would be rude not to sample the local delicacies!

Nic: We booked - or so I thought - accommodation right next to their ground. Unfortunately, it's shut for renovation!

Image source, Getty Images

The last Nottingham Forest manager to take the club into Europe says he is "excited" for this season's Europa League campaign and "would love Forest to win the competition."

Frank Clark guided Forest to a third-placed Premier League finish in the 1994-95 season, earning the East Midlands club a spot in the Uefa Cup - now known as the Europa League.

It was only Clark's second season in charge. The previous year he had steered Forest to promotion from the second tier after replacing legendary boss Brian Clough upon relegation from the top flight in 1993.

"Time waits for no man," he joked on BBC East Midlands Today after being reminded 30 years had passed. "It's something I always look back on because it was a great time.

"I would hope the fans are really looking forward to it. A lot of them won't have been around 30 years ago and they will have only heard about the last time we were in Europe by their father or grandfather.

"I am excited for it too."

The 82-year-old, who was also a player and chairman at the club, now happily calls himself a fan and has faith in new manager Ange Postecoglou.

"I would be very reluctant to give advice to any present day manager because I know how difficult the job is," he added,

"He comes over quite well on the TV and he knows what he is doing and has the experience from last season at Tottenham. That will be very important.

"I would love Forest to win the competition."

Image source, Joe Hollman

Nottingham Forest fans are experiencing disruption on their journey to Seville today due to a fire at Stansted airport.

The fire took place in the early hours of Wednesday morning, leading to some areas of the airport having to close and causing some delays.

Forest face Real Betis in the Europa League tonight in their first European game for 30 years.

Speaking to BBC Radio Essex, Reds fan Joe Hollman said: "We thought we'd given ourselves loads of time.

"We left Nottingham about midnight and got to Stansted about three o'clock. Everything was going swimmingly, we got through security really quick, got into departures and then all hell broke loose.

"We were sitting down to get some breakfast and got evacuated from the restaurant. We weren't allowed to leave departures, couldn't get to the gate, and then by the time we got to the gate the plane had gone.

"We've had to book on a later one - we're waiting here now. Hopefully, this one isn't delayed. We're on a bit of a tight schedule trying to get to Seville in time for the game tonight.

"There's loads of Forest fans in the airport. We were chatting to a couple who are now flying to Porto so will have a bit of a drive the other end. We're doing everything we can to get there.

"One of our friends was stuck in security and he's not been able to get on the new flight. He's going to go home - he's going to miss the day."

Have your travel plans been affected?

Let us know

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BBC Radio Nottingham commentator Colin Fray says Forest manager Ange Postecoglou wants fans to "create more memories" as the Reds get set for European competition and another landmark on their "incredible rise" over recent seasons.

"I'm fortunate to have been doing the job that long that I covered all the games in that 1995-96 Uefa Cup run as it was then," Fray told Today on BBC Radio 4.

"This is the first time they will have been involved in this style of competition in Europe. The last four seasons have been a meteoric rise. Four years ago this week Steve Cooper was appointed at Forest when they were bottom of the Championship.

"An incredible rise over the last few years. Forest paid a lot of money for a lot of players to bolster their squad. They now have a squad they feel can compete over both the Premier League and the Europa League. That will be tested over the next few months."

Forest finished seventh in the league last season and will compete in a Uefa competition for the first time in 29 years when they face Real Betis on Wednesday.

"[Ange] Postecoglou could do with a win certainly," Fray added.

"In terms of the Europa League it's not the end of the world if Forest don't get three points tonight. Real Betis are a good European side, sixth in La Liga, in pot one in the Europa League and it is away from home so therefore the toughest game of the eight group matches that Forest face.

"This is Ange Postecoglou's fourth away game in a row since he has taken control of the club. That is pretty unprecedented I think. He could certainly do with a win before they go back to the City Ground to face Sunderland on Saturday in the Premier League.

"Postecoglou himself is confident, upbeat, excited about this European campaign and wanting the fans to create more memories."

David Jackson, Colin Fray and the BBC Radio Nottingham team are in Seville and ready for Forest's return to European action on Wednesday evening.

We have started to hear from a few of you on your journeys.

If you're on your way, if you're in Seville or even if you have just got something exciting lined up for the game at home, tell us - and send us your photos!

Image source, Getty Images

Nick: Leaving a rainy Paris for the heat of Seville as the only representative of the small but vociferous Paris Tricky Trees fan group. Hoping for a great three days topped off by a win or draw!

Tim: We're flying out of Stansted early to Porto, then on to Seville. Home journey is Seville to Eindhoven in Holland and then back to Stansted. Can't wait!

Send us your plans and photos here

David Jackson
BBC Radio Nottingham reporter

Image source, Getty Images

The news that Oleksandr Zinchenko has been added to Forest's Europa League squad (replacing Ola Aina thanks to Uefa's new rules on long-term injuries) makes it 17 Forest players now who have previous experience in European competition.

It is this experience - and that of the head coach who won this trophy last season, of course - that contrasts sharply with the young fans who are here experiencing an away trip in Europe for the first time.

In his interview with us, recorded by the side of the pitch at the Olympic Stadium, Ange Postecoglou said that 'the new generation want their own stories' - and he's right. It has also been a long wait for the older fans, and those we have seen are aware how easily these things can be here and then gone again before you know it.

They are here to enjoy themselves, and why not?

What is also true though is that the players have the ability and the know-how to represent their supporters properly on the pitch. Nikola Milenkovic said the players were 'excited like the fans' to be in Europe.

He has played in two finals for Fiorentina so knows about playing against different styles and in different conditions but is clearly aware of the responsibility they have to these supporters.

It is going to be a fascinating night tonight, against an experienced side (and manager in Manuel Pellegrini).

But for the fans getting ready to experience their own stories, they are just hoping they will be happy ones.

Listen to a special Shut Up And Show More Football podcast recorded in Seville

Image source, Getty Images

Former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Mark Crossley says his phone "has not stopped all week" as anticipation builds on Nottingham Forest's return to Europe.

"It is 30 years since we were last in Europe and I was in that team," said Crossley on BBC East Midlands Today. "We had a great European campaign.

"When I look back at my 12 years at Forest, I can honestly say that it was my favourite time.

"My message to the players would be enjoy it, embrace it, and think about all the travelling fans who are spending their hard-earned money to be there.

"It will be a really special time for [the supporters] and everyone will enjoy it."

Forest kick-off their Europa League campaign with a trip to Real Betis on Wednesday and you can follow all the build-up on BBC Radio Nottingham.

Colin Fray and David Jackson are live from Seville as we near Nottingham Forest's first European game in 30 years.

Listen to all of the build-up with the BBC Radio Nottingham team from 18:00 BST on Tuesday as the Reds head out to Real Betis for their first European game since the quarter-finals of the 1995-96 UEFA Cup against Bayern Munich.

Centre-back Nikola Milenkovic has already spoken to the media and said the players are "excited" to be back in Europe.

"We are excited to go through this European journey with the fans," he added. "We will do our best and give everything we have to make them proud."

Listen live from Seville

If you're listening back after the show, access it here

Forest boss Ange Postecoglou has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Europa League tie against Real Betis.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On this being a big moment for the football club: "Without a shadow of a doubt this is a big moment for the club. You can just imagine how the supporters are feeling. There's probably a couple of generations in there who have heard the stories but not lived the experiences and now they can live their own experiences. I know everyone at the club is excited, the players are excited. Hopefully it's a successful campaign for us."

• On player availability: "The only one that misses out is Murillo again. He trained on Monday but he's still not comfortable so I've left him back home to do some work."

• On the importance of substitutions: "The players are ready for that. That's why we need a big squad and the important things is the guys that come on make an impact, which they did against Burnley on Saturday. We're really pleased with the guys that came on and made an impact. Whatever team we start with on Wednesday, we still have the ability to make changes that can impact the game."

• On how important the addition of Oleksandr Zinchenko will be: "Bringing Zinchenko in is brilliant for us. Losing Ola [Aina] was a massive blow and we'd be really short of full-backs if we weren't allowed to bring Oleksandr in. I'm super pleased that the amendment to the rule has been made. He will be huge. You can already see that he's a quality player, he's got experience at the highest level of European football, so it's great to bring him in."

• Postecoglou has brought the whole squad along for their first match in order to "keep the group together". He said: "Being away allows some of the spirit between the team to gel a bit quicker because we do have a lot of new players. It will be a worthwhile couple of days for us."

• On the difference between European football and the Premier League: "I think what's really important is that you treat this as a standalone tournament. It's very different from the Premier League and it challenges you in different ways and we need to embrace that. If you expect to roll in after a Premier League game, I don't think that's the way it works. I've had experience in this competition and we'll make sure the lads are ready for every unique challenge that's before us."

Listen to Postecoglou from Radio Nottingham on BBC Sounds