Forest Review - Vol 58 - Issue 3 v Sunderland

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Club Directory
Nottingham Forest Football Club
The City Ground, Pavillion Road,
Nottingham, NG2 5FJ
www.nottinghamforest.co.uk
Official Socials
Facebook: Nottingham Forest
Twitter: @NFFC
Instagram: @officialnffc
Youtube: @NottinghamForestFC
TikTok: officialnffc
Forest Review
Editors: George Harbey & Ryan Crompton
Contributors: Alex Galinski, Olivia Moore
& Richard Harrison
Photography: Ritchie Sumpter, Getty Images
Production: ACA Creative Ltd
The opinions expressed by some of our
contributors do not necessarily reflect those
of the Club.
Honours
European Cup:
1978/79; 1979/80
European Super Cup:
1979
First Division:
1977/78
CONTENTS
6
18
14
26
FA Cup:
1897/98; 1958/59
EFL Cup:
1977/78; 1978/79; 1988/89;
1989/90
42
50
FA Charity Shield:
1978/79
Second Division/First Division:
1906/07; 1921/22; 1997/98
Championship play-off final:
2022
54
60
Third Division South:
1950/51
Full Members' Cup:
1988/89; 1991/92
Football League Centenary
Tournament: 1988

MAGICMOMENTS
BREAKING BARRIERS, BUILDING BRIDGES
For our Premier League clash against West Ham
United on Sunday 31st August, Nottingham Forest
proudly hosted the second edition of our Magic
Moments initiative – an occasion designed to bring
joy, connection and unforgettable experiences to
people in our community.
We were delighted to welcome 20 children and young
adults from the Nottingham-based charity Breaking
Barriers Building Bridges as our special guests at the
City Ground. Each guest received their very own
Nottingham Forest shirt and enjoyed a behind-thescenes
matchday experience like no other.
The group met the players as they arrived on the team
bus, before walking the same iconic route out of the
tunnel and onto the hallowed turf – retracing the steps
of generations of Forest legends. They then took their
seats in the Brian Clough Stand, ready to watch Forest
in action in the Premier League.
The smiles told the story. It was a truly magical day,
filled with memories that will last a lifetime.
Breaking Barriers Building Bridges is a Nottinghambased
charity that works to unite people of all ages
and backgrounds through shared experiences,
education, and dialogue. Their mission is to promote
understanding and respect, challenge prejudice, and
create stronger, more connected communities. By
offering young people opportunities to learn, grow,
and build positive relationships, they help break
down the barriers that can divide us and instead build
bridges that bring us together.
Maxine, Founder of Breaking Barriers Building Bridges
said "We were all so honoured to have been part
of Magic Moments. This experience will stay in the
young people's minds forever. This experience will
help push them forward. So many of them live such
hard lives and this took them away from the pain and
hardship. It showed them that dreams can come true"
This initiative reflects the vision of Mr Evangelos
Marinakis, who cares deeply about uplifting those in
our city who need a helping hand and ensuring that
Nottingham Forest continues to be a source of hope,
inspiration, and community pride.
For today’s match, we are delighted to welcome
members of the Nottingham Forest Disabled
Supporters Association as our latest Magic Moments
guests. We hope they enjoy a wonderful day at the
City Ground and take-home memories to treasure.
5

ANGE'S
NOTES
"IT’S A REAL PRIVILEGE
FOR ME TO LEAD THIS
TEAM AS WE AIM TO
MOVE TO THE NEXT LEVEL
AND CONTINUE THE RISE
WE HAVE ALL SEEN IN
RECENT YEARS.
"
6

Good afternoon and welcome back to
the City Ground for this afternoon’s
Premier League fixture against
Sunderland.
I would like to take this opportunity to
say thank you to you all for the warm
messages I have received since I became
the Head Coach of this fantastic football
club.
It’s a real privilege for me to lead this
team as we aim to move to the next level
and continue the rise we have all seen in
recent years.
The club is full of ambition which is really
important to me, and we have a really
exciting squad. I’ve no doubt we have
some exciting times ahead.
It’s been a whirlwind start with two
Premier League fixtures and one each in
the Carabao Cup and Europa League, all
away from home, but it has given me and
my staff the opportunity to see the squad
in action and really implement the way
we want to play in a live match scenario.
I think you can really see the progress
we have made and that the players are
starting to perform the way we want to.
What’s really exciting for me is that there
is still room for improvement. We aren’t
quite the finished article just yet, but
with more time on the training ground
and more understanding of the style, I’ve
no doubt the improvements will be there
for everyone to see.
Today we welcome Sunderland to
the City Ground and I’d like to take
this opportunity to welcome Régis Le
Bris, his staff, players, and the visiting
supporters to the match.
No game in the Premier League is easy,
and they have made a good start on their
return to the division. We know we’ll
have to be at our best to get a positive
result from this match.
It’ll be the first time I will see a packedout
City Ground from the home dugout
this evening, and having seen the
support you have given us on the road so
far, I’ve no doubt the atmosphere you will
generate will be something special.
Enjoy the game.
Ange
7

CLUB NEWS
CLUB WEAR SPECIAL SHIRT TO KICK-
OFF EUROPA LEAGUE CAMPAIGN
Nottingham Forest wore a special version of the Garibaldi red shirt
during the Club’s first appearance in European competition in 30 years,
thanks to a generous gesture from the Club’s principal partner, Bally’s.
Due to Spanish advertising regulations, our front of shirt sponsor
needed to be altered for the fixture on Wednesday evening, and
our usual partner, Bally’s, opted to generously donate this space to
Nottingham Forest Community Trust.
This meant the logo of the Club’s official charity was prominent as we
took on Real Betis in the Estadio de La Cartuja on Wednesday evening.
Nottingham Forest Community Trust plays a vital role across
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, using the power of sport, education,
and wellbeing to help communities and individuals to thrive, with the
aim of ensuring everybody – regardless of background – can reach their
full potential.
Last year, Nottingham Forest Community Trust engaged with over
53,000 individuals through its range of inclusive and ambitious
programmes, and recent independent evaluation has highlighted the
meaningful impact of the Community Trust’s work:
• 86% of participants reported a positive or very positive effect on
their physical wellbeing
• 85% reported the same for their mental wellbeing; and
• 73% of participants were physically active – 9.1% higher than the
national average
These results demonstrate the Community Trust’s ability to deliver
high-quality, inclusive health programmes that make a real, measurable
difference to the lives of people across Nottinghamshire.
TWO NOVEMBER
FIXTURES ADJUSTED
Two of our Premier League
fixtures in November have been
rearranged.
Our home game against Leeds
United will now take place on
Sunday 9th November, kick-off
2pm, due to our Europa League
fixture against Sturm Graz which
is scheduled for Thursday 6th
November.
Our home fixture against Brighton
and Hove Albion has also been
rearranged due to our participation
in the Europa League, with our
clash against the Seagulls now
scheduled for Sunday 30th
November, kick-off 2:05pm, three
days after we face Malmö FF on
Trentside.
Both Premier League fixtures will
be televised live on Sky Sports for
supporters in the UK, with ticket
information to be confirmed at a
later date.
9

T r i c k y
TRIVIA
FOREST MASTERMIND
1994/95
1. Forest finished the season in third place in 1994/95, qualifying for the UEFA Cup in the
1995/96 campaign, but how many points did the Reds accumulate over the course of the
season?
2. Forest didn’t lose a Premier League match until October 29, how many league matches did
the Reds go unbeaten in during this time?
3. Forest failed to take a point off one side in the league that season, who was it?
4. Lars Bohinen made 34 appearances in the Premier League across the course of the season,
but who was the other Norwegian in the Forest squad?
5. How many points clear of Liverpool did Forest finish the season?
6. Stan Collymore ended the campaign as Forest’s top goalscorer in the Premier League, how
many times goals did he score?
7. What was so unique about Forest’s third place finish which still stands to this day?
8. Who arrived at the City Ground from Belvedere on August 1 of the summer transfer
window?
9. Forest’s biggest win of the season came on April 1 against Sheffield Wednesday, but what
was the final score at Hillsborough?
10. Who were the only team Forest took points off during November?
ANSWERS FOREST MASTERMIND:
1. 77 2. 11 3. Blackburn Rovers 4. Alfie Haaland 5. Three
6. 22 7. No newly promoted club has finished as high in the Premier League since. 8. John Burns 9. 7-1 10. Newcastle United
10

SUDOKU
Q Y K B Q L E X E J C J B R Y R H D H N
S H C X K I M N E P I A G U I R F F N Y
R L D K F L A Z Y E S U F M F Y O P I M
J F Q I U N Y J Y D D N P M C Z Y O H E
O E G N U O L C N Q C R N R S A O S C B
Y T V O Y S P X Q D A H U Z H P T T O C
L K C P E B Y O D N V W X E O O V E IJ T
Y P Z F W S L Q O A O K F V F O W C E B
B L A C K C A T S L H F B C F T G O Z C
Z W K H G V F C F R M D V V L Z O G A Y
W U A W N U A K Y E L I O R J D J L A I
C L B G W H B N U D X D U E Q N D O Q K
Z G K E O G R H H N O F N Y X U O U A C
W I W R O G C R J U O V Y N H O M S D X
U P Q C F H I J N S G K O Y A R I L N F
S A T H D P T R M E E N Y Q K G N K E R
O B S M V L D Z O V O Z Z C A Y G D Y V
O T J O Y N A Q D K J I R E R T U F A W
P W G K N L J N F N X W U S Z I E K M Z
H A B O X T F D Y B Z H K L H C Z E N R
WORDSEARHCH
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Sunderland Black Cats McAtee
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EITHER
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or
MATZ
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Pasta or Pizza?
Tea or Coffee?
⁠Sweet or Savoury?
⁠Beach holiday or City break?
Winter or Summer?
Movies or Series?
Board games or Video games?
Early kick-off or Late kick-off?
Win 5-4 or Win 1-0?
Sunrise or Sunset?
14

15

25 YEARS
CHAMPIONING
GRASSROOTS
Shout it from the terraces,
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ELLIOT
ANDE
ELLIOT ANDERSON HAS ENJOYED
QUITE THE START TO THE
2025/26 CAMPAIGN.
18

RSON
19

On the back of an outstanding debut season at the
City Ground, the Nottingham Forest midfielder
enjoyed success at the Under-21s Euros, playing in
every game as the Young Lions went on to lift the
trophy in Bratislava.
He returned to NG2, joining the rest of the Forest
squad for the pre-season training camp in Portugal,
before laying on his first assist of the campaign on
the opening weekend of the Premier League against
Brentford.
His summer exploits earned the “Geordie Maradona”
a first senior England call-up for September’s doubleheader
against Andorra and Serbia.
The Forest maestro played the full 180 minutes across
both matches, being named Player of the Match
in each fixture, rounding off a special week for the
midfielder and his family.
“I really enjoyed the week; it was pretty successful
for me but we’re back to club football now and that’s
where my full focus is.
“They (Anderson’s family) were really proud;
obviously they were at the game against Andorra.
They were proud that all the hard work is paying off
for me but also for them. I would never have been
in that position without them and the support and
encouragement they’ve given me.
“It was really special for them as well as me as they
have been on this journey with me every step of the
way.
“I was just happy to be a part of the squad, to be
honest! But then I ended up playing both games and
gave the best impression I could while I was there.
"
IT’S EVERYONE’S
AIM TO REPRESENT
THEIR COUNTRY
AND I’M JUST
REALLY PROUD
TO DO IT.
"
20

21

“I’m glad that I did and hopefully I did enough while I
was there to keep my place.”
Anderson admitted he had a few nerves before
making his Three Lions debut.
“I was nervous, to be fair! More so in the first game
against Andorra at Villa Park. I’m not normally one
who gets nervous before games really, but that was a
huge occasion for me.
“I was nervous but after getting a few touches of the
ball it became second nature to me, and I quickly
settled into the game.
“I was with a top group of lads which helped too!
“It’s everyone’s aim to represent their country and I’m
just really proud to do it.
“I don’t want just the two; I want to keep going now
and build on it.”
With his first two England caps under his belt,
Anderson’s focus has firmly returned to NG2 and
giving his all in Garibaldi after being named the Club’s
Player of the Month for August.
“I’ve started quite well, to be fair; I had the Euros
in the off-season which we did well in. I’m really
enjoying my football at the minute and I feel very
settled out there.
“It’s always nice to pick up personal achievements
along the way. It was a nice bonus to be
acknowledged for your work. It’s always special when
you receive recognition from the supporters.”
Of course, a match against Sunderland for a
Newcastle United fan is going to be a special
occasion.
Having grown up in an era when the fixture was fairly
regular, the midfielder knows all about the history of
the match, though he has yet to appear against the
Black Cats in senior football.
“I’m buzzing for it; it should be a great game. I loved
the Tyne-Wear derbies as a kid growing up. I’m really
looking forward to playing against them.
“My family will want to be there for sure! They come
to the games regardless but for sure they’ll want to be
part of that one.
“It’ll be tough – every game in the Premier League is.
They’ve got off to a good start and we certainly can’t
expect it to be easy at all.
“Hopefully we can get the three points.”
22

23

25/26 AWAY KIT
AVAILABLE IN-STORE
AND ONLINE

Nottingham Forest
v Cardiff City
Division Two
October 4th 1947
8 PAGES | 2D (APPROX. 1P)
RICHARD HARRISON LOOKS THROUGH THE OLDEST HOME
PROGRAMME IN HIS COLLECTION AND FINDS A MANAGER
SEETHING AT HIS TEAM’S AWAY FORM…
R
As I mentioned last season, in
weak moments I occasionally
find myself typing the words
“Nottingham Forest” into eBay
and seeing what catches my
eye among the memorabilia and
programmes on offer. Sometimes
I’ll buy a programme simply
because it supersedes what had
hitherto been the oldest home or
away programme in my collection
and that is why I got hold of this
one from October 1947.
League football had of course
been suspended at the outbreak
of World War Two and replaced by
various regional competitions. This
match against Cardiff City took
place in the autumn of the second
season after the resumption of
the national Football League. The
previous spring we had finished a
respectable 11th in Division Two,
but we were now struggling in 19th
place with just three wins and six
points from our first 10 games.
What is now the Forest Review
was then known, rather grandly,
as The Nott’m Forest News and
Official Programme. The cover
was a generic one which would
have been used throughout the
season. The details of each match
were at the top of page three and
included manager Billy Walker’s
work phone number (“TEL.: 8236”).
The whole publication was printed
in red and white with more than
half of the eight pages given
over to advertising. There was no
photography, with illustrations only
used in some of the adverts - with
a particular fondness, it seems, for
images of players heading the ball
and spectators smoking.
As ever with older programmes,
the adverts can be of as much
interest to a modern reader as
the editorial content. The Co-op
and Nottingham’s own Player’s
Cigarettes took pride of place
on the front and back covers.
Meanwhile, two members of the
club’s Committee advertised their
businesses - Oscroft’s (a Vauxhall
and Bedford dealership) and
vice-Chairman Jack Brentnall’s
music shops (whose five branches
included one on Mansfield Road in
Sherwood where, a little over two
decades later, I would start buying
chart singles). Sports outfitters
Gunn & Moore and Redmayne &
Todd’s vied for custom, with the
latter helpfully providing a sketch
map showing their location on the
corner of Arkwright Street and
Canal Street (where, many years
later, I would buy one of my first
replica tops with Panasonic, our
first shirt sponsor, on the front).
The football content was limited to
a page of Club Notes penned by
Walker, the centre pages with the
team line-ups (in the days when shorts
were still described as “knickers”)
and a Half-Time Score Board, and
a page of fixtures, league tables
and first team scorers. As well as
getting mightily confused in their
attempt to note our team changes
at inside right and inside left, the
first owner of the programme has
diligently jotted down either the
half-time scores or the later results,
so if you’re in the away end today
I can tell you that at the time of
writing Sunderland were drawing -
or had drawn - 2-2 at Huddersfield
Town…
The only actual reading matter
was Walker’s column, but he didn’t
disappoint. Hard to imagine these
days, but the manager had not seen
our defeat at Sheffield Wednesday
for himself. Having spent “the last
three or four weeks… travelling
thousands of miles” scouting for
potential signings to improve the
team he was now going to attend
matches until things improved.
We had lost all our away games to
date and there was no disguising
Walker’s anger when he asserted
that “the sort of display given at
Hillsborough doesn’t occur when
I am there” and made it clear that
“any [players] who do not pull their
weight are going to know about it”.
He added: “I am not making any
allegations against individuals, but
there is not the same fighting spirit
away from home that has been
demonstrated at the City Ground.”
26

BY
RICHARD
HARRISON
FOREST
EVIEWED
Walker’s words hardly had the
desired effect, though, as we lost
this game by the odd goal in three
and our away form only improved
very slightly as we managed just
two wins on our travels all season.
We were still in 19th place at the
end of the campaign, having only
guaranteed our survival with two
games remaining. Today’s visitors
Sunderland were in Division One
but also had a disappointing
season, avoiding relegation by a
single place after finishing ninth
the year before.
27

SUNDERLAND
STAT ATTACK
TAKE A LOOK AT SOME OF THE KEY STATS
AGAINST TODAY'S OPPONENTS.
COMPETITIVE GAMES P 97 W 33 D 24 L 40 F 126 A 148
First meeting 0-4 (A), FA Cup 3rd Round (Quarter-final), 14/2/1891
Last meeting 0-1 (H), Championship, 30/12/2017
Biggest win 4-0 (H), Division 1, 30/1/1909
Biggest defeat 2-7 (A), Div 1, 7/3/1908; 0-5 (H), Div 1, 3/12/1892
Top scorer
Longest unbeaten run 11 games – 1976-1984
‘Knocker’ West – eight goals in seven games
Longest run without a win Six games – 1897-1899 and 1922-1930
Highest home attendance 31,106, FA Cup, 19/2/1930
Highest away attendance 42,957, FA Cup, 30/1/1965
TOP TIER LEAGUE GAMES P 70 W 24 D 16 L 30 F 93 A 110
Biggest win 4-0 (H), Division 1, 30/1/1909
Biggest defeat 2-7 (A), Div 1, 7/3/1908; 0-5 (H), Div 1, 3/12/1892
HOME LEAGUE GAMES P 44 W 21 D 10 L 13 F 73 A 59
Biggest win 4-0, Division 1, 30/1/1909
Biggest defeat 0-5, Division 1, 3/12/1892
BY
RICHARD
HARRISON
DID YOU KNOW?
Our 1-0 win here in December 1968 was our first
home win that season. We were yet to win here
when the Main Stand burned down in August
and played six times at Meadow Lane without
winning while it was rebuilt. This was our third
home game after returning to the City Ground.
29

TAKE A LOOK AT SOME OF THE BEST PHOTOS FROM
AROUND THE CLUB OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS.
THE
HOTOBOOK
32

33

34

35

G2
Happy 11th Birthday Lewis.
The biggest Nottingham Forest
fan in South Yorkshire
Happy 40th birthday Daddy.
Lots of love, Ollie
A truly incredible father,
fiancée and friend. You will
always be loved and missed.
Happy 16th Birthday Henley!
Have the best day ever. Love
from Mum, Joe, Jack, Aubrey,
Kate and Uncle Mick xxx
Happy birthday love you lots
Jake, Tommy, George
Happy 8th Birthday Bobbie!
We love you so much and are so
proud of you. Hope you enjoy the
game. Lots of love from Daddy,
Nanna & Popa and all your
family. You Reds! xxx
36

YOUR MATCHDAY MESSAGES
Happy birthday mum!
Happy 16th birthday Harrison.
Love Mum Dad Mad and Nate
Happy Birthday Evan my boy,
have a wonderful day. lots of
love Wesley and mum xx
Happy Birthday Ruth...lots
of love from Tom, Alfie and
husband Philip..plus Dad Tim x
Welcome to the world Dorothy
Grace Booker, just in time for
our european adventure! Love
from mum, dad and sister
Jessica xx
Happy 18th Bozza! From
Mum, Miles and Louis
37

G2
Happy Birthday, Maisie
16 - as sweet as a Neco strike
against Burnley! Lots of love
All of us in E block xxxx
congratulations Donna on your
amazing GCSE results! Now
onto college for your A levels.
Go smash it, Mum and Dad
Happy 18th Birthday Luca!
Have an amazing day. Love
you loads, Dad, Liam & Riley
xxx
Happy 12th birthday: lots of
love from Daddy.
Have the best birthday at
the WFCG.
COYR. All our love Alisa,
Malc & Ellie
Happy birthday to my best
buddy, Joshua Smith. Love you
always son . X Dad X
38

Happy 11th birthday! Love
from Mum, Dad & Sullivan x
Happy 2nd birthday to our
Baby Malani #COYR
Today you experience what I
have been doing for the last
35 years and I couldn't have a
better person by my side than
you my lad! Your first game
and here is to many more!
Happy 16th Birthday Kav,
Have a great day! Lots of
Love from Dad, Mum, Kaizen
and Daisy xxxx
Happy 14th Birthday Dominik
and first game celebration on
the City Ground!
Happy 6th Birthday Ezra!
Enjoy your first Forest game!
Come on you Reds!! Lots of
love, Mummy, Daddy & Esme
xxxxx
After finally turning 4 years
old, what better way to spend a
birthday than watching his first
game at The City Ground. Happy
Birthday to our boy, Hudson,
love from Mum, Dad, Grandad,
Nanny & Auntie. YOU REDS!
Happy 9th Birthday Rowan,
love Mum, Dad and Harper xxx
YOUR
MATCHDAY
MESSAGES
39

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ACADEMY
NEWS
JOYCE’S OVERVIEW
OF 2025/26
CAMPAIGN SO FAR
Warren Joyce spoke at length earlier this week
about the importance of bedding the next group
of young Reds into the Nottingham Forest way
of playing.
As documented towards the end of the 2024/25
campaign, we proudly saw a number of B Team
players join League One clubs in the next phase of
their respective careers, while new players have
arrived on Trentside, progressing through the
Academy setup as part of the next phase of their
development.
Joyce’s current crop have enjoyed a busy start
to the new campaign, competing across the
Premier League 2, Vertu Trophy, Premier League
International Cup and National League Cup. But
while getting the group up to speed can take time,
Joyce takes heart from the work that has already
gone into their development.
“We had a settled group that played together for not
only two or three years but they had played together
since they were eight years old some of them.
“They’ve gone on to do really good things in league
football which is the aim of development. We’re
starting again with a new group and we’re trying to
impose and embed a new style on them and it’s still
a work in progress at the minute.
“Last season we played 50-odd games but the
group was more embedded in the way we wanted
them to play, then they played games to go and
get chances in league football either on loan or by
being sold.
“With the current group the games are coming
fast and furious and we still need to do quite a lot
of work on the training ground which you don’t
always get chance with because the games are
constantly coming.
“We’re a work in progress and there is a long way
to go. We have some older lads that are giving us a
base at the minute to work the younger players.
“We’ve got to ensure we have a group that has a
desire to be a team and try to win by playing the
football that we want.”
The level of the first team has continued to rise
during Joyce’s time in charge of the B Team, but
he says the challenge now is to ensure players are
constantly knocking on the door for an opportunity
to represent the club at senior level.
“With the cycle in football at 19 you want to be
knocking on the door for first team football, we’ve
not always had that during my time here because
the level of the first team has been so high and the
bar has been raised but we must endeavour to get
to that cycle where players are constantly knocking
on the door of the first team.
“To do that they have to learn from the games we’re
playing and when they do get the opportunity they
can deal with whatever they’re asked to do.
42

FIXTURES & RESULTS 2025/26
FOREST B TEAM
AUGUST
Tue 12 Aug | National League Cup
Boreham Wood 2-0 Forest B Team
Mon 18 Aug | PL2
West Ham United U21s 0-1 Forest
B Team
Fri 22 Aug | PL2
Forest B Team 2-2 Arsenal U21s
Sat 30 Aug | PL2
Tottenham Hotspur U21s
1-0 Forest B Team
SEPTEMBER
Tue 9 Sep | Vertu Trophy
Tranmere Rovers 2-2 Forest B Team
(9-8 on penalties)
Sat 13 Sep | PLIC
PLIC Forest B Team 0-1 Dinamo
Zagreb U21s
Tue 16 Sep | National League Cup
Braintree Town 1-0 Forest B Team
Mon 22 Sep | 19:00 | PL2
Stoke City U21s (A)
Fri 26 Sep | 19:00 | PL2
Aston Villa U21s (H)
OCTOBER
Sat 4 Oct | 14:00 | PL2
Ipswich Town U21s (H)
Tue 14 Oct | 19:00 | Vertu Trophy
Blackpool (A)
Fri 17 Oct | 19:00 | Premier League Cup
Swansea City U21s (A)
Tue 21 Oct | 19:00 | National League
Cup
Wealdstone (A)
Fri 24 Oct | 19:00 | PL2
Birmingham City U21s (A)
Tue 28 Oct | 19:00 | Vertu Trophy
Barrow (A)
NOVEMBER
Sat 1 Nov | 14:00 | PL2
Sunderland U21s (H)
Sat 8 Nov | 15:00 | PL2
Leeds United U21s (A)
Fri 21 Nov | 19:00 | PL2
Wolves U21s (H)
Tue 25 Nov | 19:00 | National League
Cup
Forest Green Rovers (A)
Fri 28 Nov | 19:00 | Premier League
Cup
Swansea City U21s (H)
DECEMBER
Wed 3 Dec | 19:00 | PLIC
Benfica U21s (H)
Fri 12 Dec | 19:00 | Premier League
Cup
Millwall U21s (H)
Tue 16 Dec | 19:00 | Premier League
Cup
Millwall U21s (A)
Mon 22 Dec | 19:00 | PL2
Wolves U21s (H)
JANUARY
Wed 7 Jan | 19:00 | PLIC
Real Sociedad U21s(H)
Mon 12 Jan | 19:00 | PL2
Blackburn Rovers U21s (A)
Sat 17 Jan | 14:00 | PL2
Crystal Palace U21s (H)
Sun 25 Jan | 14:00 | PL2
Reading U21s (A)
Fri 30 Jan | 19:00 | PL2
Derby County U21s (A)
FEBRUARY
Fri 6 Feb | 19:00 | PL2
West Bromwich Albion U21s (H)
Mon 16 Feb | 19:00 | PL2
Middlesbrough U21s (A)
Fri 20 Feb | 19:00 | PL2
Liverpool U21s
Fri 27 Feb | 19:00 | PL2
Manchester City U21s (A)
MARCH
Fri 6 Mar | 19:00 | PL2
Southampton U21s (H)
Fri 13 Mar | 19:00 | PL2
Fulham U21s (A)
Fri 20 Mar | 19:00 | PL2
Newcastle United U21s (H)
FOREST UNDER-18S
AUGUST
Sat 16 Aug | U18s Premier League
Derby County U18 0-2 Forest U18s
Sat 23 Aug | U18s PL
Stoke City U18s 0-2 Forest U18s
Sat 30 Aug | U18s PL
Everton U18s 3-2 Forest U18s
SEPTEMBER
Sat 13 Sep | U18s PL
Middlesbrough U18s 2-1 Forest U18s
Sat 20 Sep | 13:00 | U18s PL
Sunderland U18s (A)
Sat 27 Sep | 12:30 | U18s PL
Burnley U18s (H)
OCTOBER
Sat 18 Oct | 12:00 | U18s PL
Manchester United U18s (H)
Sat 25 Oct | 13:00 | U18s PL
Newcastle United U18s (A)
NOVEMBER
Sat 1 Nov | 11:30 | U18s PL
Wolves U18s (A)
Sat 8 Nov | 12:00 | U18s PL
Liverpool U18s (H)
Sat 29 Nov | 11:00 | U18s PL
Manchester City U18s (A)
DECEMBER
Sat 6 Dec | 12:00 | U18s PL
Leeds United U18s (H)
Sat 13 Dec | 12:30 | U18s PL
Blackburn Rovers U18s (A)
JANUARY
Sat 10 Jan | 11:00 | U18s PL
Derby County U18s (H)
Sat 17 Jan | 12:00 | U18s PL
Middlesbrough U18s (H)
Sat 24 Jan | 12:00 | U18s PL
Everton U18s (H)
FEBRUARY
Sat 7 Feb | 11:00 | U18s PL
Stoke City U18s (H)
Sat 14 Feb | 12:00 | U18s PL
Burnley U18s (A)
Sat 21 Feb | 13:00 | U18s PL
Sunderland U18s (H)
MARCH
Sat 7 Mar | 12:00 | U18s PL
Manchester United U18s (A)
Sat 14 Mar | 13:00 | U18s PL
Newcastle United U18s (H)
Sat 21 Mar | 11:30 | U18s PL
Wolves U18s (H)
APRIL
Sat 11 Apr | 12:00 | U18s PL
Liverpool U18s (H)
Sat 18 Apr | 12:00 | U18s PL
Manchester City U18s (H)
MAY
Sat 2 May | 12:00 | U18s PL
Leeds United U18s (A)
Sat 9 May | 12:30 | U18s PL
Blackburn Rovers U18s (H)
43

ACADEMY
UPDATE
44

"
WARREN JOYCE’S B TEAM
WINNING THE PREMIER LEAGUE
INTERNATIONAL CUP IN 2024/25
WAS A KEY MILESTONE AND A
FANTASTIC ACHIEVEMENT FOR
EVERYONE INVOLVED
"
A key part of our responsibility at the
Academy is to ensure we’re providing a holistic
programme, exposing the players from an
early age to an array of experiences that give
them the best possible chance of forging a
career in football.
Across education, facilities, nutrition, player
welfare, coaching, and more – we must
continuously look for ways to elevate the
development of every young person who plays
for Nottingham Forest.
Warren Joyce’s B Team winning the Premier
League International Cup in 2024/25 was a
key milestone and a fantastic achievement for
everyone involved. The night at the City Ground
was amazing and the win was thoroughly
deserved. Throughout the competition, the elite
European teams we faced gave the players a
challenge of coming up against different styles
of football, something the team coped with
brilliantly.
We have made improvements to our scheduling
for all age groups, such that even our youngest
cohort will have regular exposure to playing
against the best teams around the world.
This summer, from our early foundation phase
right the way up to our 18s and our B Team, our
players were given fantastic experiences across
Europe and beyond. Teams in the Foundation
Phase, led by Nathan Cantrill, have spent the
last week in Italy to compete in the Pro Eureka
International Tournament. Among others, the
Under 11s have faced Ajax, Juventus, AC Milan,
and Sporting Lisbon. The 18s had a memorable
trip to Canada to play in the Kamloops Cup.
Three fixtures for Tom Mallinson’s team during
a 10-day trip, as well as our coaches delivering
sessions within the local area and our players
engage in community workshops while out
there has put the group in a fantastic place for
the season ahead.
Our teams across the Club have been to, or are
scheduled to go to the Netherlands, Slovakia,
Poland, and many more.
In a footballing sense, the cross-border,
best vs best competition gives so much to
the development of both the players and
the coaching staff. They face situations,
environments, and challenges that are
invaluable for their growth.
Away from the football, there is a powerful
culture piece on offer. Travelling as a team
tightens the connections and friendships within
the group, and the experiences of these trips
will give them memories for a lifetime. Learning
about differing cultures, food and ways of life will
serve them well for whatever their future holds.
The plan moving forward is to deliver a fixture
programme that sees every player at this club,
no matter their age, get the chance to play
abroad at least once or twice per season. It
represents another exciting development at
the Club, as we remain committed to providing
the best possible experience to everyone who
walks through the door at the Nigel Doughty
Academy.
Chris McGuane
Head of Academy
45

J u n i o r R e d s
Spot The
Ball
Can you guess which letter the ball is behind?
A
B
C
Player Anagrams
Can you guess the Forest and
West Ham players’ names?
AI Blank Wade ........................
Dion Iris Owls .........................
Emma Etc Jase .......................
Admin Soaring ........................
Spot The Difference
Can you spot all four?
Guess The
Stadium
Can you name the stadium
in the photo?
____________________________________
3. Spot The Difference: 1. The number 3 is missing from Milenkovic's shorts, 2. Burnley player, Lyle Foster's, tattoo has disappeared, 3. The Addidas logo is
missing from one of Nico Williams' socks, 4. The bottom of Williams' boots is a different colour. 4. Name The Stadium: Emirates Stadium (Arsenal)
46
ANSWERS: 1. Spot The Ball: C. 2. Player Anagrams: Dilane Bakwa, Wilson Isidor, Emma Etc Jase – James McAtee, Simon Adingra

o
Jude
Age: 9
Favourite player: Murillo
Prediction:
4 1
M a s c t s
Arran
Age: 11
Favourite player: Murillo
Prediction:
3 1
George
Age: 7
Favourite player: Matz Sels
Prediction:
3 2
47

FOREST FIRSTS
WE’RE PLEASED TO WELCOME
TODAY’S JUNIOR REDS TO THE
CITY GROUND FOR THEIR FIRST
NOTTINGHAM FOREST MATCH!
As part of the all-new MyForest Junior Reds
Membership, any Junior Reds Member (aged
4-13) that haven’t attended a match at the City
Ground before will have the opportunity to
do so.
Become a MyForest Member today!
EMILY
SAM
CHLOE
HARRY
HENRIK
STAN
TEDDY
TOBY
ALEXANDER
DOUGIE

FOREST
WOMEN
SUMMER TRANSFER
WINDOW OVERVIEW
Forest Women have welcomed a plethora of
new signings to the City Ground as 15 players
have joined the Reds in an incredibly busy
summer transfer window.
Head of Women’s and Girls’ Football, Amber
Wildgust, spoke on the recruitment window on
Trentside.
“Our principles in terms of recruitment have not
changed since myself and Carly (Davies) arrived
at the Club; we always like to operate above
the league that we’re playing in. We always
want to bring in players with experience in the
Women’s Super League or WSL2 – that was the
first principle.
“Secondly, we want good characters in the
group, the WSL2 is an incredibly competitive
league and we need to prepared for the difficult
challenges ahead, with the likes of trips to
Newcastle United and Sunderland.
“Finally, I want us to become a club that
develops talent, so mixing in some young loans
and creating good relationships with Arsenal,
London City and West Ham was important.
“We need that delicate balance of experienced
players with some really promising youth talent.
“I’m delighted with the 15 new signings that
we’ve brought in, and it’s certainly been a busy
summer for the team.
Watch Amber’s interview in full on our YouTube
to find out more about the Reds’ summer window.
50

51

WATCH ALL THE BARCLAYS WOMEN’S SUPER
LEAGUE 2 ACTION FOR THE LOWEST PRICE
From £20 for under 18’s and £75 for Adults
FOR MORE INFORMATION
SCAN THE QR CODE
52

COMMUNITY
MATTERS
COMMUNITY TRUST
LAUNCHES 2024/25
IMPACT REPORT
Nottingham Forest Community
Trust has published its 2024/25
Impact Report, showcasing
the difference its programmes
are making to people and
communities across Nottingham
and Nottinghamshire.
The report, produced in
partnership with independent
evaluation specialists Evid
Impact, provides a detailed
picture of the Trust’s work across
its three strategic priorities:
Health & Wellbeing, Education
& Employment, and Community
Engagement.
With 2,392 responses collected
from participants and parents
during the season, it offers one
of the most comprehensive
evaluations of the Trust’s impact
to date.
• 86% of participants reported a
positive or very positive effect
on their physical wellbeing.
• 85% reported the same for their
mental wellbeing.
• 73% of participants were
physically active – 9.1% higher
than the national average.
The findings highlight the Trust’s
role as a catalyst for change in
Nottinghamshire. While results
show sustained and growing
impact in areas such as mental
wellbeing and junior physical
activity, they also point to areas
where greater focus is needed,
particularly around access to
opportunities and long-term
personal development.
Speaking on the launch of the
report, Calum Osborne, CEO of
Nottingham Forest Community
Trust said:
“We’re incredibly proud of the
impact Nottingham Forest
Community Trust continues to
deliver. This report demonstrates
not just the positive change we’re
making today, but also where
we can go further. By listening
to our participants, parents, and
partners, we’ll continue to build
programmes that make a lasting
difference to people’s lives and our
communities.”
Scan the QR Code to read
our 2024/25 Impact Report.
COMMUNITY
TRUST CREATES
OVER £52
MILLION IN
SOCIAL VALUE
Nottingham Forest Community
Trust (NFCT) has released its
latest Social Value Report (2023–
25), independently evaluated by
EVID Impact.
The findings show the Trust
generated £52.5 million of social
value across the past two seasons,
reinforcing its role as a catalyst for
positive change in Nottingham and
Nottinghamshire.
The report demonstrates that for
every £1 invested, NFCT delivers
more than £13 of value back into
54

the community, highlighting the
measurable and lasting difference
created through programmes
spanning health & wellbeing,
education & employment, and
community engagement.
The findings evidence a 21 per cent
increase in social value year-onyear,
rising from £23.8m in 2023/24
to £28.7m in 2024/25. This growth
reflects the Trust’s ability to expand
its reach and deliver meaningful
impact across all age groups:
Children (5–11): £5.9m in 2024/25
Juniors (11–16): £15.7m in 2024/25
Adults (16+): £7.1m in 2024/25
Social value was calculated using
2,513 survey responses and the
Government-approved WELLBY
(Wellbeing-Adjusted Life Year)
methodology, which measures
improvements in life satisfaction,
health, and wellbeing. Each
WELLBY equates to a participant
moving one point higher on a 0–10
life satisfaction scale for a full
year, assigned a monetary value of
£15,300–£15,920.
This robust framework ensures
that NFCT’s reported impact is
transparent, credible, and aligned
with HM Treasury’s Green Book
guidance.
“These figures reflect the real
difference our programmes
make to people’s lives every day,”
said Calum Osborne, CEO of
Nottingham Forest Community
Trust.
“From children taking their first
steps on the pitch to adults
improving their health and
wellbeing, our work creates lasting
impact across Nottingham and
Nottinghamshire. We are proud of
what we’ve achieved and remain
committed to generating even
greater social value in the years
ahead.”
55

COMMUNITY
MATTERS
VOLUNTEERS PACK 3,000 GOODY
BAGS FOR LOCAL CHILDREN
Nottingham Forest Community
Trust joined forces with club
partner Ideagen and local
charity Himmah to deliver 3,000
goody bags to children across
Nottinghamshire.
The large-scale initiative, hosted
at the East Midlands Conference
Centre, brought together almost
500 Ideagen colleagues alongside
volunteers from Nottingham
Rugby and the Community Trust.
Teams transformed the venue into
a bustling hub, carefully packing
winter treats donated by Ideagen
and children’s books contributed
by staff. For many families facing
financial challenges, these gifts
provide a welcome boost during
the colder months.
The Community Trust supported
the project by coordinating
deliveries to the venue and helping
to manage the packing operation.
Staff and volunteers rolled up their
sleeves to ensure the process ran
smoothly, enabling thousands of
children to benefit.
The event showcased Nottingham’s
strong sense of community, with
people from different organisations
uniting behind a shared goal. From
start to finish, there was a spirit of
teamwork and generosity.
Arron Cuttriss, Community
Engagement Manager at
Nottingham Forest Community
Trust, said, “This project shows
the real difference that can be
made when local organisations
and volunteers work together.
By combining our efforts, we’ve
been able to give children across
Nottingham a little extra joy and
support this winter.”
The Trust continues to work with
partners year-round, supporting
programmes that bring lasting
benefits to children, families,
and communities throughout
Nottinghamshire.
56

NOTTINGHAM FOREST FC AND SUNDERLAND
AFC TEAM UP FOR ENGLISH FOOTBALL’S
'PLAY SAFE' CAMPAIGN
Nottingham Forest Football Club
and Sunderland AFC are proud
to announce their partnership in
supporting English football’s 'Play
Safe' campaign.
'Play Safe' is led by The FA and
supported across all levels of the
game – including the Premier
League – and is dedicated to
promoting safety, wellbeing, and
responsible behaviour among
supporters, staff, and players
across the football community. The
theme for this season is: Small Talk
Is Bigger Than You Think - creating
environments where children and
young people feel empowered and
listened to.
CHAMPIONING SAFETY ON AND
OFF THE PITCH
Safety in football means looking
after everyone, both on and off
the pitch. From fair play and
proper support during matches
to stewards, accessible facilities,
and easy ways to report concerns,
we aim to create a welcoming
environment. Supporters are
encouraged to travel safely, show
respect, and embrace inclusivity,
helping every matchday be a
positive experience.
From encouraging good behaviour
in the stands to raising awareness
around mental wellbeing, 'Play
Safe' works to make football
enjoyable and safe for all. Both
Clubs are dedicated to providing
these experiences whether at the
City Ground, the Stadium of Light,
or across community events.
COLLABORATION ACROSS CLUBS
By joining forces, Nottingham
Forest and Sunderland are sharing
best practices, resources, and
campaigns to:
• Promote safe travel to and from
matches with steward, safeguarding,
and staff support to ensure safety
throughout the stadium.
• Encourage responsible
behaviour inside stadiums with
clear signage and messages
reminding everyone to act
responsibly.
• Supporting the mental health
and wellbeing of supporters
with dedicated welfare and
response teams.
• Highlight the importance of
reporting any unsafe behaviour
quickly and easily by using the
Safe Text number.
A MESSAGE FROM THE CLUBS
Nottingham Forest FC: “We are
proud to be part of the 'Play Safe'
campaign and to work alongside
Sunderland AFC to promote safety,
wellbeing, and respect both on and off
the pitch. Our supporters’ wellbeing is
a top priority, both on matchdays and
in the wider community”.
Ericka Williams – Equality,
Diversity, and Inclusion Lead and
Disability Access Officer
Nottingham Forest FC: “Football
should be a safe and inclusive
environment, enjoyed by all. We
are proud to be part of the 'Play
Safe' campaign, promoting our
supporters’ safety and wellbeing
throughout this upcoming season”.
Lou Gibson – Head of
Safeguarding
Sunderland AFC: "SAFC are
committed to fostering a culture of
safety and inclusivity both at home
and away and are committed to
working with Nottingham Forest
to promote respect and well-being
both on and off the field. The
well-being of everyone attending
our matches is our highest priority,
ensuring that everyone can enjoy
their experience in a supportive
environment." Alex Renny – HR
Business Partner and Equality
Diversity and Inclusion Lead
ABOUT ENGLISH FOOTBALL’S
'PLAY SAFE' CAMPAIGN
The 'Play Safe' campaign
encourages Clubs to embed safety
and wellbeing at the heart of their
operations. Through collaboration,
Nottingham Forest and
Sunderland aim to foster a positive
environment for players, staff,
and fans alike, making football a
safe, welcoming, and enjoyable
experience for all.
57

25/26 HOME KIT
AVAILABLE IN-STORE
AND ONLINE

This season we’re
going up from 128 to
Premier League matches

HONOURSSUNDERLAND
FACTFILE
First Division
1891/92, 1892/93,
1894/95, 1901/02,
1912/13, 1935/36
Founded: 1879
Nickname: The Black Cats
Head Coach: Régis Le Bris
Stadium: Stadium of Light
Capacity: 49,000
2024/25 Championship: 4th
Second Division/
First Division/
Championship (level 2)
1975/76, 1995/96, 1998/99,
2004/05, 2006/07
Play-off
Winners
1989/1990,
2024/2025
60

Sunderland returned to
the Premier League for the
first time since 2016/17
following four seasons in the
Championship and four in
League One.
The Black Cats suffered the heartache of successive
relegations, dropping to the third tier of English football
for the first time since 1987/88 in 2018, and despite
finishing in the play-off places in three of their four
seasons in the division, it would take four full campaigns
to secure their return to the Championship.
Three more seasons followed in the second tier, where
a dramatic last-minute play-off final goal from Tom
Watson, in his final touch as a Sunderland player, won
the match for the Black Cats and returned them to the
top flight of English football.
There have been 14 new arrivals on Wearside over the
summer, with Sunderland’s transfer record broken on
reportedly two separate occasions, with summer arrival
Granit Xhaka taking the captain’s armband.
An emphatic 3-0 win over West Ham United on the first
weekend of the season was followed by a 2-1 win against
Brentford at the Stadium of Light two weeks later, either
side of a 2-0 loss against Burnley.
Most recently, Sunderland claimed a point against Aston
Villa at the Stadium of Light despite finding themselves
down to 10 men for the best part of an hour.
Wilson Ididor’s third goal in as many home fixtures this
season ensured the Black Cats’ unbeaten start on home
soil continued.
Sunderland have a rich history in the First Division,
having won the competition six times in their history,
though their last success came back in 1935/36.
Two FA Cups and a Community Shield also sit in the
Stadium of Light trophy cabinet alongside their various
successes in the second tier and play-off wins in recent
years.
Third Division/
League One
(level 3)
1987/88
Play-off
Winners
2021/2022
FA Cup
Winners
1936/37,
1972/73
EFL
Trophy
Winners
2020–21
Charity
Shield
Winners
1936
61

THE COACH
RÉGIS
LE BRIS
Régis Le Bris wrote himself into Sunderland
folklore when he led the Black Cats back
to the Premier League in his first season
in charge at the Stadium of Light - and his
first season in English football.
Le Bris spent his playing days in his native France and Belgium before moving
into coaching with his first club, Rennes. He later became head of youth
development at Lorient in 2012.
Three years later, in 2015, Le Bris took charge of the French side’s B team,
coaching numerous players who would go on to represent the first team in
future years.
After seven years in charge of the B team, the 49-year-old took over the first
team, guiding Les Merlus to 10th place in his first season before the French
side were relegated to Ligue 2 in 2023/24.
He left the club in the summer of 2024 to become head coach of the Black
Cats ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
His first month at the Stadium of Light brought a 100% start to life on
Wearside and the award of Manager of the Month.
The Black Cats remained a constant presence towards the top end of the
table throughout the campaign, finishing the season in fourth place before
overcoming Coventry City in the semi-final and Sheffield United in the final at
Wembley.
Le Bris took charge of his first Premier League fixture on the opening weekend
of the following campaign as the Black Cats welcomed West Ham United to
the Stadium of Light — completing his rise to the top table of English football.
62

THE
SUMMER
ADDITIONS
ROBIN
ROEFS
DEFENDER
AGE: 27
SIGNED FROM: PARIS SAINT GERMAIN
GRANIT
XHAKA
GOALKEEPER
AGE: 22
SIGNED FROM: NEC NIJMEGEN
The one-cap France international has been ever-present at the heart of
the Sunderland defence since moving to the Stadium of Light from PSG.
He was absent for their 2-0 defeat to Burnley, having only joined the
club in the build-up to the fixture, but he has not missed a minute for the
Black Cats since.
The Dutch stopper displaced Anthony Patterson as Sunderland’s No.1
this season after arriving at the Stadium of Light from Eredivisie side
NEC Nijmegen in the summer transfer window. Roefs has kept two clean
sheets in his five Premier League appearances for the Black Cats so far
this season.
MIDFIELDER
AGE: 32
SIGNED FROM: BAYER LEVERKUSEN
NORDI
MUKIELE
Granit Xhaka returned to English football in the summer, joining
Sunderland from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen. The midfielder
previously spent seven years in the division with Arsenal, making just
shy of 300 appearances in all competitions, including 225 in the Premier
League alone.
FORWARD
AGE: 25
SIGNED FROM: ZENIT SAINT PETERSBURG
After impressing during an initial loan spell on Wearside in the
2024/25 campaign, Wilson Isidor completed a permanent move to
Sunderland during the summer transfer window. He scored 12 times in
43 appearances during his loan spell with the Black Cats and has netted
three goals in six games so far in 2025/26.
WILSON
ISIDOR
63

LAST OUTING
Sunderland 1-1 Aston Villa |
21/09/2025 | Premier League
THE LINE-UP
22. Roefs
17. Reinildo Mandava
15. Alderete
20. Mukiele
32. Hume
27. Sadiki – Neil, 90+1’
34. Xhaka
11. Rigg – Ballard, 37’
28. Le Fée – Geertuida, 81’
18. Isidor – Mayenda, 80’
7. Talbi – Masuaku, 80’
MATCH STATS
LAST
OUTING
64
Possession:
29%-71%
Shots:
14-12
On Target:
4-2
Yellow cards:
2-0
Sunderland battled back to claim a point against Aston Villa despite playing for just
under an hour with 10 players at the Stadium of Light.
After Reinildo was sent off on 33 minutes, Matty Cash put the away side ahead
on Wearside when his swerving effort from distance beat Robin Roefs in the
Sunderland goal.
Despite being a player down, Régis Le Bris’ side continued to battle and claimed a
point when Wilson Isidor netted his third goal in as many home fixtures this season
with time running out on Wearside, extending the Black Cats unbeaten start on
home soil to three matches.
Red Cards:
1-0

DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know these unusual and
unique facts about our visitors
from Wearside?
FA CUP MEDALS MIX-UP
Following the 1992 FA Cup final, Sunderland’s players were
accidentally given the winners' medals instead of the runners-up
medals, and had to swap them with Liverpool after the match.
LIGHTING THE WAY
Sunderland’s home, the Stadium of Light, is built on the former
Monkwearmouth Colliery site and features a Davy lamp monument
at its entrance, in recognition of the city's coal mining heritage.
THE BLUE CATS
Sunderland's initial kit in 1879 was entirely navy blue. The now
iconic red and white stripes were introduced in 1884, and the
striped shirt made its debut three years later.
SCHWARZ IN SPACE
Swedish player Stefan Schwarz joined Sunderland in 1999
and had a unique "Space Clause" in his contract, prohibiting
him from space travel. The clause was reportedly included to
prevent him from embarking on a commercial space flight after
previously expressing an interest.
PAINTING THE PAST
Sunderland AFC features in what is potentially one of the earliest
football paintings in the world. In 1895, artist Thomas M. M.
Hemy captured a match between Sunderland and Aston Villa
at Sunderland's former ground, Newcastle Road. The painting,
titled "A Corner Kick", now hangs in the entrance of the Stadium
of Light.
65

S

COMMUNITY ROOTS
2025-2026
WHERE THE FOREST FAMILY BEGINS
AGES: U8-U16
VENUES IN: DERBYSHIRE, LINCOLNSHIRE,
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE & STAFFORDSHIRE
VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR SCAN THE QR CODE
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK NOW
www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/communityroots

FIXTURES & RESULTS 2025/26
68
DATE KO OPPONENTS H/A RES ATT. TV.
AUGUST
Sunday, 17 2pm Brentford H 3-1 29,949
Sunday, 24 2pm Crystal Palace A 1-1 24,876
Sunday, 31 2pm West Ham United H 0-3 30,215
SEPTEMBER
Saturday, 13 12.30pm Arsenal A 3-0 60,167
Wednesday, 17 8pm Swansea City (Carabao
Cup) A 3-2 11,354
Saturday, 20 3pm Burnley A 1-1 21,475
Wednesday, 24 8pm Real Betis (Europa
League) A 2-2 57,257
Saturday, 27 5.30pm Sunderland H
OCTOBER
Thursday, 2 8pm Midtjylland (Europa
League) H
Sunday, 5 2pm Newcastle United A
Saturday, 18 12.30pm Chelsea H
Thursday, 23 8pm Porto H
Sunday, 26 2pm AFC Bournemouth A
NOVEMBER
Saturday, 1 3pm Manchester United H
Thursday, 6 5.45pm Sturm Graz (Europa
League) A
Saturday, 8 3pm Leeds United H
Saturday, 22 3pm Liverpool A
Thursday, 27 8pm Malmö FF (Europa
League) H
Saturday, 29 3pm Brighton & Hove Albion H
DECEMBER
Wednesday, 3 8pm Wolves A
Saturday, 6 3pm Everton A
Thursday, 11 5.45pm Utrecht (Europa
League) A
Saturday, 13 3pm Tottenham Hotspur H
Saturday, 20 3pm Fulham A
Saturday, 27 3pm Manchester City H
Tuesday, 30 8pm Everton H
JANUARY
Saturday, 3 3pm Aston Villa A
Wednesday, 7 8pm West Ham United A
Saturday, 17 3pm Arsenal H
Thursday, 22 8pm Braga (Europa
League) A
Saturday, 24 3pm Brentford A
Thursday, 29 8pm
Ferencváros (Europa
League)
Saturday, 31 3pm Crystal Palace H
FEBRUARY
Saturday, 7 3pm Leeds United A
Wednesday, 11 8pm Wolves H
Saturday, 21 3pm Liverpool H
Saturday, 28 3pm Brighton & Hove Albion A
MARCH
Wednesday, 4 8pm Manchester City A
Saturday, 14 3pm Fulham H
Saturday, 21 3pm Tottenham Hotspur A
APRIL
Saturday, 11 3pm Aston Villa H
Saturday, 18 3pm Burnley H
Saturday, 25 3pm Sunderland A
MAY
Saturday, 2 3pm Chelsea A
Saturday, 9 3pm Newcastle United H
Sunday, 17 3pm Manchester United A
Sunday, 24 4pm AFC Bournemouth H
H
STARTING XI
26. Sels 3. Williams 5. Murillo 31. Milenkovic 34. Aina 8. Anderson
26. Sels 3. Williams 5. Murillo 31. Milenkovic 34. Aina 8. Anderson
26. Sels 3. Williams 5. Murillo 31. Milenkovic 34. Aina 8. Anderson
26. Sels 4. Morato 5. Murillo 31. Milenkovic 3. Williams 8. Anderson
13. John 35. Zinchenko 4. Morato 30. Boly 37. Savona 12. Douglas Luiz
26. Sels 35. Zinchenk 4. Morato 31. Milenkovicć 3. Williams 12. Douglas Luiz
26. Sels 35. Zinchenk 4. Morato 31. Milenkovic 3. Williams 6. Sangaré

Fixtures are subject to change
SUB 1 SUB 2 SUB 3 SUB 4 SUB 5 UNUSED SUBS REFEREE
6. Sangaré 7. Hudson-Odoi 10. Gibbs-White (C) 14. Ndoye 11. Wood Yates Jota Silva I. Jesus Ball (66) 18. Gunn, 4. Morato, 9. Awoniyi, 23. Jair, 30. Boly, 44. Abbott Peter Banks
6. Sangaré 7. Hudson-Odoi 10. Gibbs-White (C) 14. Ndoye 11. Wood McAtee Hutchinson Kalimuendo I. Jesus 18. Gunn, 4. Morato, 12. Douglas Luiz, 30. Boly Anthony Taylor
6. Sangaré 7. Hudson-Odoi 10. Gibbs-White (C) 14. Ndoye 11. Wood McAtee I. Jesus Kalimuendo Hutchinson 18. Gunn, 4. Morato, 12. Douglas Luizt, 22. Yates, 30. Boly Peter Banks
6. Sangaré 7. Hudson-Odoi 10. Gibbs-White (C) 14. Ndoye 11. Wood Savona Kalimuendo McAtee Yates 13. John, 21. Hutchinson, 12. Douglas Luiz, 30. Boly Darren England
22. Yates 21. Hutchinson 24. McAtee 29. Bakwa 19. I. Jesus Jair Cunha Kalimuendo Gibbs-White Hudson-Odoi Sangaré 18. Gunn, 9. Awoniyi, 14. Ndoye, 44. Abbott Robert Madley
8. Anderson 14. Ndoye 10. Gibbs-White 29. Bakwa 11. Wood Hudson-Odoi I. Jesus Sangaré Kalimuendo 13. John, 21. Hutchinson, 22. Yates, 23. Jair Cunha, 24. McAtee Simon Hooper
7. Hudson-Odoi 8. Anderson 12. Douglas Luiz 10. Gibbs-White 19. I. Jesus Bakwa Ndoye Kalimuendo Yates Boly 13. John, 11. Wood, 16. Domínguez, 24. McAtee, 37. Savona Sascha Stegemann
69

2025/2026 STAT PACK PACK
2025/2026 STAT PACK
NOTTINGHAM FOREST V
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
This will be the first PL
This PL meeting meeting will between the between first Nottingham
PL Nottingham Forest meeting & Sunderland between Forest & since the
Nottingham Sunderland
1996- 97 season,
since Forest when
the & 1996-
the
Sunderland 97 season, when since the Tricky
Tricky Trees lost 4-1 at 1996- home &
97 Trees season, lost 4-1 when at home the Tricky &
Trees drew
drew 1-1 away
lost 4-1 away
that
at that
season.
home season. &
drew 1-1 away that season.
55
48
5 6
4.8 4.5
5 6
4.8 4.5
GOALS
EXPECTED GOALS
GOALS
EXPECTED GOALS
49
53 51
56.2 45.1
53 51
56.2 45.1
SHOTS
AVERAGE
SHOTS
POSSESSION AVERAGE %
POSSESSION %
SCORED
MATCH FACTS & TOTAL CARDS
MATCH FACTS TOTAL CARDS
6
0
SCORED CONCEDED
0-15 SCORED
2 2 CONCEDED
00
0-15 2 0
16-30 0 0 1 1
16-30 0 1
31-45 2 2 22
31-45 12 12
46-60 1 1
61-75 46-60 01 01
61-75 0 0
76-90 61-75 0 50
76-90 0 5
76-90 0 5
MATCH FACTS & TOTAL CARDS
1
31
9 4
9 4
GOALS
CONCEDED GOALS
CONCEDED
56
9.4 11.8
9.4 11.8
SHOT CONVERSION
RATE %
SHOT CONVERSION
RATE %
GOAL TIMES
GOAL TIMES
GOAL TIMES
INCLUDES DATA FROM _ LAST SEASON
POWERED BY
POWERED BY
_
7
6 0 7 1
CONCEDED
SUNDERLAND
SUNDERLAND
SUNDERLAND
Sunderland have have won won five of five their
last Sunderland of seven their league last seven have games won league against five
Nottingham of games their against last Forest seven Nottingham
(L2), league with
this games Forest
their first
(L2), against since
with Nottingham
a
this
1-0
their first
Forest since a (L2), 1-0 with Championship
Championship victory this in December their first
since victory a in 1-0 December Championship 2017
2017
victory under
under
Chris
Chris
in December Coleman.
2017
under Chris Coleman.
41
7.7 5.3
0 2
7.7 5.3
0 2
EXPECTED GOALS
CLEAN
EXPECTED AGAINST GOALS
SHEETS CLEAN
AGAINST
SHEETS
80
1 4
2 0
1 4
2 0
POINTS GAINED AFTER POINTS DROPPED
POINTS TRAILING GAINED AFTER POINTS AFTER LEADING DROPPED
TRAILING
AFTER LEADING
SCORED
100
CONCEDED
SCORED CONCEDED
0-15
SCORED
0 0 CONCEDED
0
0-15 16-30 0 0 0
16-30 31-45 0 0 0
31-45 0 10
46-60 0 1
61-75 46-60 30 1
61-75 3 1
76-90 61-75 3 21
76-90 3 2
76-90 3 2
70

LATEST PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE *
Pos.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
100
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
TEAM P W D L F A +/- Pts
Liverpool 5 5 0 0 11 5 6 15
Arsenal 5 3 1 1 10 2 8 10
Tottenham Hotspur 5 3 1 1 10 3 7 10
AFC Bournemouth 5 3 1 1 6 5 1 10
Crystal Palace 5 2 3 0 6 2 4 9
Chelsea 5 2 2 1 10 5 5 8
Sunderland 5 2 2 1 6 4 2 8
Fulham 5 2 2 1 6 5 1 8
Manchester City 5 2 1 2 9 5 4 7
Everton 5 2 1 2 6 5 1 7
Manchester United 5 2 1 2 6 8 -2 7
Leeds United 5 2 1 2 4 7 -3 7
Newcastle United 5 1 3 1 3 3 0 6
Brighton & Hove Albion 5 1 2 2 6 8 -2 5
Nottingham Forest 5 1 2 2 5 9 -4 5
Burnley 5 1 1 3 5 8 -3 4
Brentford 5 1 1 3 6 10 -4 4
Aston Villa 5 0 3 2 1 5 -4 3
West Ham United 5 1 0 4 5 13 -8 3
Wolves 5 0 0 5 3 12 -9 0
*As of 24/09/2025
THIS WEEKEND’S OTHER PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES *
SATURDAY 27 SEPTEMBER
(15:00 UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE)
Brentford v Manchester United (12:30)
Chelsea v Brighton
Crystal Palace v Liverpool
Leeds United v Bournemouth
Manchester City v Burnley
Spurs v Wolves (20:00)
SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER
Aston Villa v Fulham (14:00)
Newcastle United v Arsenal (16:30)
MONDAY 30 SEPTEMBER
Everton v West Ham United (20:00)
*As of 24/09/2025
71

GOING TRENT
END-TO-END?

NOTTINGHAM FOREST
EXECUTIVE BOX HOLDERS
Nottingham Forest extend a very warm welcome to all of this season’s executive
box holders and wish you an enjoyable campaign here at the City Ground.
MFP LININGS
74

ideagen.com
ideagen_
linkedin.com/company/ideagen
ideagensolutions

HEAD COACH:
ANGE POSTECOGLOU
HEAD COACH:
RÉGIS LE BRIS
3. NECO WILLIAMS
4. MORATO
5. MURILLO
6. IBRAHIM SANGARÉ
7. CALLUM HUDSON-ODOI
8. ELLIOT ANDERSON
9. TAIWO AWONIYI
10. MORGAN GIBBS-WHITE
11. CHRIS WOOD
12. DOUGLAS LUIZ
13. JOHN VICTOR (GK)
14. DAN NDOYE
15. ARNAUD KALIMUENDO
16. NICOLÁS DOMÍNGUEZ
18. ANGUS GUNN (GK)
19. IGOR JESUS
21. OMARI HUTCHINSON
22. RYAN YATES
23. JAIR CUNHA
24. JAMES McATEE
26. MATZ SELS (GK)
29. DILANE BAKWA
30. WILLY BOLY
31. NIKOLA MILENKOVIĆ
34. OLA AINA
35. OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO
37. NICOLÒ SAVONA
44. ZACH ABBOTT
1. ANTHONY PATTERSON (GK)
3. DENNIS CIRKIN
4. DAN NEIL
5. DANIEL BALLARD
6. LUTSHAREL GEERTRUIDA
7. CHEMSDINE TALBI
9. BRIAN BROBBEY
11. CHRIS RIGG
12. ELIEZER MAYENDA
13. LUKE O’NIEN
14. ROMAINE MUNDLE
15. OMAR ALDERETE
16. BLONDY NNA NOUKEU (GK)
17. REINILDO MANDAVA
18. WILSON ISIDOR
19. HABIB DIARRA
20. NORDI MUKIELE
21. SIMON MOORE (GK)
22. ROBIN ROEFS (GK)
24. SIMON ADINGRA
25. BERTRAND TRAORÉ
26. ARTHUR MASUAKU
27. NOAH SADIKI
28. ENZO LE FÉE
29. AHMED ABDULLAHI
32. TRAI HUME
33. LEO HJELDE
34. GRANIT XHAKA
36. IAN POVEDA
41. ZAK JOHNSON
MATCH OFFICIALS:
REFEREE: TONY HARRINGTON
ASSISTANTS: SIMON BENNETT, MARK SCHOLES
FOURTH OFFICIAL: LEWIS SMITH
VAR: PETER BANKES
ASSISTANT VAR: CRAIG TAYLOR
42 AJI ALESE
45. JOE ANDERSON