Nottingham Forest have seen some truly iconic teams throughout their long and storied history, but according to one club legend, there’s one area in which the current team under Nuno Espirito Santo stands out from even the most successful sides of the past.
Despite pundits like Gary Lineker predicting that Forest would face relegation this season, Espirito Santo’s leadership has taken the team to an impressive third place in the Premier League. This remarkable achievement has given the current squad a unique place in the club’s history, adding a layer of distinction to their season that many fans will not soon forget.
A key factor in Forest’s success this season has been the exceptional form of Chris Wood, who has stepped up as the club’s top Premier League goalscorer. With an outstanding 17 goals already, Wood’s prolific performance has been a crucial part of the team’s rise in the league standings. One of his most memorable moments came with a record-breaking goal away at Manchester United, a moment that will go down in Forest history.
Beyond Wood’s heroics, the team has produced several unforgettable performances this season, including a stunning victory at Old Trafford and a memorable triumph over Liverpool at Anfield. These results have given the Forest supporters some incredible away-day experiences, complementing the overall brilliance of their campaign. However, one club legend has pointed to something a little closer to home that has left him feeling a bit envious.
Brian Laws, a key player in Forest’s defensive line during the late 1980s under manager Brian Clough, recently shared his thoughts on the current atmosphere at the City Ground. Laws, who won the League Cup twice with the club, has admitted that he wishes he could experience the electric atmosphere that now fills the stadium. In a recent appearance on the Forest Focus podcast, he opened up about how the current vibe at the City Ground has left him feeling a bit jealous of the current generation of Forest players.
Laws reflected on how he used to approach games during his playing days, noting how the current optimism around the team is palpable. “I’m going to games now and thinking I’m so looking forward to this game, I’m not worried about relegation and just your mindset is completely different. Oh my goodness me, are we enjoying it at the moment and rightly so!” he said. He went on to express his envy at the electric atmosphere at the City Ground, adding, “I’m jealous, jealous, jealous of the atmosphere at the City Ground, it wasn’t like that in my day that’s for sure! If you can’t be inspired by that as a player, then you need a good shaking.”
The atmosphere at the City Ground this season has also caught the attention of Nuno Espirito Santo. After Forest’s Boxing Day victory over Tottenham, the Forest manager praised the incredible energy and passion from the supporters. It’s no surprise, considering the fantastic football his team has delivered on home soil this season.
Forest’s home form has been nothing short of exceptional, with the City Ground proving to be a fortress for the team. Their position as one of the top three teams for home form in the Premier League is a testament to how formidable they’ve become at their stadium. Only Fulham and Newcastle have managed to defeat Forest at home this season, with bigger clubs like Liverpool and Aston Villa failing to secure victories when visiting the City Ground.
The success on the pitch and the unmatched atmosphere at the stadium have made this season one of the most memorable in recent memory for Forest fans. And things are only going to improve from here. In 2026, the City Ground will begin a redevelopment project aimed at expanding the stadium’s capacity. This renovation will not only increase the number of regular seating options but will also enhance hospitality areas, ensuring that future generations of fans—like Brian Laws—get to experience the same incredible atmosphere that has become so synonymous with Nuno Espirito Santo’s Forest team.
In summary, while Forest have had more legendary teams in their past, the current squad’s achievements—led by Espirito Santo and propelled by standout performances like Chris Wood’s goal-scoring exploits—have created a season to remember. The City Ground’s electric atmosphere, highlighted by victories over top clubs, has made this one of the most exciting times in recent Forest history. With stadium upgrades on the horizon, it seems the Forest faithful will only continue to enjoy the electric environment created by this team for years to come.
