Nottingham Forest has had more memorable teams than the one Nuno Espirito Santo is currently managing, but one Forest great is certain that the previous teams cannot surpass Espirito Santo’s side in one element.
After commentators like Gary Linekar projected that Forest would be relegated, Espirito Santo’s squad has risen to third place in the Premier League table, adding to the current crop’s memorability.
Another reason this Forest squad will be remembered beyond their years is Chris Wood’s outstanding season. Wood became Forest’s top Premier League goalscorer with 17 league goals this season, including the record-breaking goal away at Manchester United.
Along with the Old Trafford success, Forest defeated Liverpool at Anfield, providing Forest fans with some unforgettable away days to complement their excellent season in general, but one club icon has pointed to an aspect closer to home that has made him slightly envy this season.
Brian Laws wishes he had experienced the City Ground atmosphere this season.
While Ola Aina is the starting right-back this season, Brian Laws was a regular in the position under Brian Clough in the late 1980s.
The Forest icon had a successful career at the City Ground, winning the League Cup twice, but he recently told the Forest Focus podcast that the atmosphere was never nearly as wonderful as it is now under Espirito Santo.
Laws stated, “I’m going to games now and thinking I’m really looking forward to this game, I’m not scared about relegation, and your perspective is entirely different. Oh my gosh, we are enjoying it right now!
“I’m jealous, jealous, jealous of the atmosphere at City Ground; it wasn’t like that back in my day, for sure! If that doesn’t motivate you as a player, you should get a good shake.
Espirito Santo lauded the City Ground atmosphere again this season when Forest defeated Tottenham on Boxing Day, but it shouldn’t surprise the Forest manager given how many positive days he has given City Ground supporters this season.
Nottingham Forest perform exceptionally well at home in the Premier League.
Forest’s home record this season has been so strong that when Bournemouth thrashed them 5-0, it should have been obvious that Espirito Santo’s team would respond in style at the City Ground the following week.
Forest is third in the Premier League in terms of home form, trailing only Arsenal and Liverpool, as is the case throughout the league.
This season, only Fulham and Newcastle have won at the City Ground, while Liverpool and Aston Villa have failed to win.
The City Ground will undergo reconstruction in 2026 to increase capacity in terms of regular seating and hospitality, allowing fans like Laws to appreciate the atmosphere that Espirito Santo’s football has generated.
