Nottingham Forest

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The Court of Arbitration for Sport [CAS] has confirmed that an in-person hearing for the case Crystal Palace v. UEFA, Nottingham Forest Football Club & Olympique Lyonnais is scheduled for Friday, 8 August 2025.

The hearing will be held behind closed doors at CAS headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.

No decision will be issued on 8 August.

It is expected that an operative decision [without grounds] will be given on Monday, 11 August.

Palace submitted an appeal against their demotion from the Europa League to the Conference League with CAS on 22 July.

The appeal is against Uefa, which issued the punishment, French club Lyon and Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest.

The Eagles were punished for breaching multi-club ownership rules as American businessman John Textor owns a stake in the club and is the majority owner of Lyon, who have also qualified for the Europa League.

Forest, who finished seventh in the Premier League last season, are expected to replace FA Cup winners Palace in the Europa League should the punishment stand.

Manchester City have rejected a bid in the region of £25m from Nottingham Forest for 22-year-old English midfielder James McAtee. (Sky Sports), external

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Pat Riddell
Fan writer

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At one point, it felt almost inevitable that Morgan Gibbs-White was going to become a Tottenham Hotspur player.

The confidential £60m release clause had been met and surely any protests were just going to delay the unveiling.

Nottingham Forest, however, are a different beast these days.

While the club might have sanctioned the £55m sale of Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United, Evangelos Marinakis was clearly in no mood to weaken the squad any further.

To his credit, the player made no noise. He attended training and the pre-season camp in Portugal, despite some personal issues, and now signing a new contract suddenly clears the way for the rest of Forest's transfer window plans.

Replacing Elanga is one thing. Replacing the heartbeat of Nuno Espirito Santo's side is another thing entirely.

Links with the likes of James McAtee and Harvey Elliott showed that there could be a future - it is just that the upheaval in one summer could be far too disruptive to the club's first European campaign in 30 years.

As it is, a three-year contract for Gibbs-White still potentially paves the way for a departure next summer, after the World Cup, but at a price more fitting to his stature - and with a succession plan in mind.

For now, it is very much a statement of intent. Forest are not here to be picked off by other clubs - especially ones that finished 10 places below us in the league - and we continue to look up, not down.

The uncertainty over the past few weeks has undoubtedly stalled the signing of new players, but with moves for Dan Ndoye, Adama Traore and possibly Jacob Ramsey, strengthening rather than weakening is definitely the name of the game.

With new contracts for several existing players agreed, those not likely to feature being moved on and money still to spend, Marinakis, Nuno and the fans are now hopefully on the same page for next season.

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Nottingham Forest are eyeing a move for Fulham and Spain winger Adama Traore, 29, who previously worked with manager Nuno Espirito Santo at Wolves. (Telegraph - subscription required, external)

Forest are also on the verge of signing Switzerland international Dan Ndoye, 24, on a long-term contract for a club-record fee after he informed Bologna of his desire to play in the Premier League. (Telegraph – subscription required, external)

If Forest beat Napoli to Ndoye's signature, the Italian club could step up their interest in Manchester City's Jack Grealish or Manchester United's 21-year-old Argentina forward Alejandro Garnacho. (Sun, external)

Finally, Forest, Everton and West Ham are battling it out for Brazil midfielder Douglas Luiz, 27, who wants to leave Juventus this summer. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian, external)

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There is something unique about a football fan's love for their club.

As once said by the great Arrigo Sacchi: "Football is the most important of the least important things in life".

Tears of joy - and heartbreak. Friendships forged. Memories that last a lifetime.

Sometimes it is there from the beginning, sometimes a moment is what starts it all or takes it to another level.

Wherever it comes from, the love for a club is often there for life.

As a new season edges closer, we want to know why you love Forest.

When was the moment it all began?

What is your most special memory?

Your first home game? Earliest shirt? A seminal away trip?

Send us your pictures and stories

Blackpool face competition from Plymouth Argyle for 21-year-old Nottingham Forest and Northern Ireland striker Dale Taylor's signature. (Alan Nixon via Patreon - subscription required), external

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Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, speaking to club media about Morgan Gibbs-White signing a new contract: "We are very happy about it. We share the same dreams and he is a talented player. He loves Nottingham Forest and has become a legend already.

"It didn't take long to reach an agreement with Morgan - it was a very short conversation full of passion and love for the club.

"All of our supporters should know that this guy loves the club."

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Following the news that Morgan Gibbs-White had signed a "record deal" with Nottingham Forest, we asked for your views on the 25-year-old committing to three more years at the City Ground.

Here are some of your comments:

Samuel: How quickly the tide can change in football. Really didn't expect this, and it's brilliant for the club. Could have really done with it not being played out in public but he's a young guy and you cannot blame him for what has happened. However, Mr. Marinakis has done wonders to keep him - especially when all those Tottenham fans thought they'd got him on the cheap! Ambition from Forest. Definitely finishing above them (again)!

Andy: Could prove to be Forest's biggest 'signing' of the summer. Will calm a few nerves and show any potential targets we mean business and are a club continuing on an upward trajectory.

Ben: Expect the unexpected: this should be Forest's new mantra. Absolutely over the moon he's staying. Everything good that Forest do goes through him. Find an adequate replacement for Anthony Elanga and Forest are back on track for another exciting season!

John: Great news but we all know the worth of football contracts! Ask Wolves when Matheus Cunha signed a new contract in January and now is a Manchester United player!

Kerry: Always plays with his heart on his sleeve. No doubt more money for new contract - player and agent got want they wanted.

Richard: The whole thing with Morgan Gibbs-White was a farce but, as a devoted Forest fan, I'm glad he's staying.

Sean: It's great to get the uncertainty out of the way. We would be in trouble if we lost both Elanga and Gibbs-White in the same window, so this is a great result. We do still need to bring some players in to give ourselves a chance of competing throughout the season, but it's great news MGW is staying.

Gary: Relief mostly. A big cog in the Forest machinery. Folks will say he has held the club to ransom. I don't care - Morgan is staying.

Choose how you are feeling here

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Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White says he wants to be "part of something special" after signing a new three-year contract at the City Ground.

The 25-year-old's future at the club was uncertain, after Tottenham attempted to trigger his release clause earlier this month, but the club has now announced a "record deal" for the England international.

Forest described it as a "record deal" for the club in a social media post, with the midfielder committing his future to the Reds and extending his stay at the City Ground through to 2028.

Gibbs-White has made 118 appearances, scoring 18 goals and providing 28 assists, since signing from Wolves in August 2022.

Speaking to the club, external after penning his deal, Gibbs-White said: "I've felt at home at Forest from the moment I arrived. The support from the fans, my teammates and everyone around the club has been unbelievable.

"I believe in what we are building here - and with the backing of Mr Marinakis and the enormous ambition he has, I want to be part of making something special.

"I am excited for what's to come."

What do you make of the news?

Were you expecting Morgan Gibbs-White to stay or leave the City Ground this summer?

Does the midfielder still have the fans' support?

Let us know your thoughts here

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Fulham claimed a comfortable 3-1 victory over Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest thanks to a brilliant brace from forward Harry Wilson, as both sides continued their preparations for the 2025-26 campaign.

Marco Silva gave minutes to 21 different players during the first friendly of their Portugal training camp, as his side cruised to their third pre-season victory at Estadio de Sao Luis.

Nuno Espirito Santo took a similar approach, handing summer signing Jair Cunha his first minutes in a Nottingham Forest shirt and giving starts to academy quintet Jimmy Sinclair, Aaron Bott, Josh Powell, Adam Berry and Archie Whitehall.

The Cottagers are set to face Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad in their next pre-season friendly, while Primeira Liga side Estoril Praia await the Reds. Both matches are set to be played on Wednesday, 30 July.

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Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina, speaking to BBC Radio Nottingham about his contract and Forest's prospects for the new season: "The friendly against Monaco was a good test and we played well as a team. Pre-season is about getting ready and getting to know each other.

"We wanted to get a bit of fitness out of it and also make connections, and practise our ideas with each other. Hopefully we can go again next season. Everyone knows each other now so we are looking forward to it.

On his three-year deal with the club: "Obviously, I am very happy to get it over and done with. It's nice to have the stability and now I can fully focus on working hard for Forest. I feel at home here.

On prospects for European football: "We are buzzing for it. Hopefully we can continue to grow as a club because we did fantastic last year. We don't want to go backwards.

"It's good to set a bar high, because we have a standard now and the fans expect that from us. It's fantastic for us that we have a level to aspire to."

BBC Nottingham's Colin Fray added: "Nuno seemed very happy with the squad at the friendly against Monaco.

"Many people turned up to see Morgan Gibbs-White, who played well and seemed very happy. That also suggests Nuno is happy with him and that his attitude is right."

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Zack Abbott speaking to BBC Nottingham's David Jackson on the Shut Up And Show More Football podcast about his four-year contract with Nottingham Forest: "This is a reward for a lot of hard work. I am really excited to push on and go for more. These deals are about securing a long-term future at the club and it's great that Forest have put that trust in me. I will repay that by working even harder now.

"I have had some great experiences the past year and they have just made me hungry for more.

The 19-year-old came through Forest's academy having joined at the age of 11 and has agreed a contract until the summer of 2029.

"Forest is all I have ever known. I feel really integrated and you feel the trust of the club behind you, which is really nice. I want to be a future leader of this club. The amount of years here already helps me to do that.

On what his future looks like at the club: "There are no guarantees ever in football. I believe that it is all down to you and how hard you work. As long as I am doing my stuff on the training pitch, then I'm happy and the rest takes care of itself.

On European football: "It would be amazing to get minutes in Europe but as long as I'm improving and can look back next season and see progress, that's the most important thing."

BBC Nottingham's Colin Fray added: "You can see the makings of a potential leader in Abbott. The way he talks at such a young age and his ambition. He has a mixture of humility and ambition, plus lots of talent.

"This is about building on an unbelievable year for him, especially at Wembley. Let's hope he can keep developing over the next few years.

"Nuno obviously trusts him, he has shown that. Being a homegrown player, he is invaluable for a European squad and he may well get matches in European competitions."

Listen to the whole interview on BBC Sounds

A new episode of Shut Up And Show More Football is now available to listen to and download on BBC Sounds.

BBC Radio Nottingham's David Jackson and Colin Fray speak to Zach Abbott about his new four-year contract, while Ola Aina explains how the Reds are "buzzing" for European football next season.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Newcastle United are expected to choose Nottingham Forest chief football officer Ross Wilson as their preferred candidate to be their new sporting director, a role the Scot previously had with Scottish Premiership club Rangers. (Athletic - subscription required), external

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Nottingham Forest defender Zach Abbott is hoping for "many more years" with the club after signing a new long-term deal.

The 19-year-old has agreed a contract until the summer of 2029, extending his eight-year stay with the club, having joined the academy at the age of 11.

Abbott made two appearances for Nuno Espirito Santo's side last season, making his first start for the Reds in the Carabao Cup in August 2024 and also starting in the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City at Wembley in April.

To cap an impressive season, he was named captain of England for the European Under-19 Championships this summer.

"It's something you dream of as a kid making steps in the game and I'm glad I'm continuing the journey at this club," Abbott told club media. "All I can say is thank you to everyone that has helped me on this journey

"Forest is all I've known. It's been my life, every day, even when I was young and in school my parents would take me to training in the evenings. Hopefully it'll be for many more years, and we can achieve more together."

Forest's chief football officer, Ross Wilson, added: "We have a proud history of seeing players from our academy graduate into the first team setup, and Zach continues to handle that transition impressively.

"His semi-final performance at Wembley, was a result of his hard work and professionalism from the moment he joined Nuno's group.

"He continues to be guided by his team-mates and the fantastic staff at the club, and his desire to improve as a player and person will serve him well for the future."

Nottingham Forest were not happy with how Tottenham handled their approach for Morgan Gibbs-White and would prefer to sell the midfielder to another club. (Mail, external)

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Nottingham Forest are working on a deal to sign Bologna's 22-year-old Switzerland winger Dan Ndoye. (Guardian), external

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Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels says he hopes for more "great moments" after signing a new deal with the club.

The 33-year-old, who joined from Strasbourg in February of 2024, has agreed improved terms with the Reds as part of his new contract.

"I'm really happy," said Sels, who won the Premier League's Golden Glove award along with Arsenal's David Raya on 13 clean sheets in 2024-25.

"We had an amazing season last year and I was one small part of that, so I'm really happy to sign a new contract.

"Hopefully we can continue together and have some great moments again this season.

"I'm looking forward to playing in Europe because it's really something special. Playing in this stadium and playing in big games in the Premier League is also really special."

Nottingham Forest's chief football officer, Ross Wilson, said: "Matz is an experienced goalkeeper who has been consistently performing at a high level for a number of years. He made a big impact on the team last season and is an important part of our group."

"He has earned the new deal, and we're excited to see how he keeps improving and helping the team moving forward."