Under the guidance of legendary manager Brian Clough, Nottingham Forest dominated English and European football in the late ‘70s.
The East Midlands club was promoted from the Second Division in 1977, won the First Division title in 1978, and went on to win back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980.
Forest’s meteoric rise from mediocre second-tier side to champions of Europe in the space of three years is undoubtedly one of the most famous stories in the history of football.
However, the team has since struggled to emulate the success of their trophy-laden era, and Forest are currently competing in their eleventh successive Championship campaign.
Could this finally be the season that Nottingham Forest book their place at English football’s top table once again?
Since the club’s relegation from the Premier League in 1999, Forest have struggled to make a to return to the top-flight, and have also spent three seasons in the third-tier of English football.
Their most recent trophy came back in 1998 when they won the FA Cup, but the fans have had very little to get excited about since then.
Countless changes in ownership and management off the pitch have hindered the team’s progression on the pitch, and this has led to widespread instability at the club.
Astonishingly, Forest are currently being led by their thirteenth full-time manager is eight years.
Sabri Lamouchi has been brought in to try and steady the ship, and the Frenchman has generated a fresh sense of optimism at the City Ground.
The Championship is an extremely competitive league, and with so many high-profile clubs in the division, the battle for promotion is always fiercely contested.
However, Forest have made a promising start to the campaign, and after losing to West Brom on the opening day of the season, the team is currently on a five-match unbeaten run.
The club made numerous signings in the summer transfer window and many of them have been among Forest’s standout performers so far.
Portuguese duo Alfa Semedo and Tiago Silva have impressed in midfield, while Albert Adomah, Sammy Ameobi and Carl Jenkinson also appear to be shrewd additions to the squad.
It’s difficult to imagine a club of Forest’s size staying in the Championship for much longer.
If Forest are able to make a push for promotion, then the club’s stature and rich history will help attract the caliber of player required to keep them in the Premier League.
Could this finally be Nottingham Forest’s year?