How overlooked star is key to Forest's magnificent rise
The Independent|January 06, 2025
The best league position Nottingham Forest had achieved in 28 years came last season.
KARL MATCHETT
How overlooked star is key to Forest's magnificent rise

There was one objective and only one: avoid relegation. That they did, finishing 16th, a best return in the pyramid since ninth in 1995/96.

Forest's top-flight record until then in the Premier League era read four seasons, two relegations - and one third-place finish, improbably. After surviving their fifth year in the division, with off-pitch headlines making more waves than anything they did on-pitch, few would have expected much other than more of the same from the Reds in 2024/25.

But under Nuno Espirito Santo, and making the most of others’ hesitations, unexpected slip-ups and general lack of consistency, the “Tricky Trees” have become one of the stories of the season, currently looking to push for Europe and maybe even equalling that podium spot of ’95, if all goes near perfectly according to plan.

With a long way to go, there are no guarantees of course. Even so, with the third-best defensive record, third-best away record and the current best run of form in the league, there’s no shortage of optimism around the City Ground.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE INDEPENDENTView all
Old-school Dubois set on inheriting Taylor's throne
The Independent

Old-school Dubois set on inheriting Taylor's throne

Caroline Dubois is unbeaten in 10 fights, has barely lost a round, she is the world champion, and nobody wants to fight her.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 07, 2025
Forest canter past Wolves to continue unbeaten run
The Independent

Forest canter past Wolves to continue unbeaten run

Nottingham Forest opened the door to a surprise Premier League title challenge after a sixth win in a row with a 3-0 victory at Wolves.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 07, 2025
Life after Moyes a mess for incoherent Hammers side
The Independent

Life after Moyes a mess for incoherent Hammers side

As West Ham were defeated, they got a glimpse of what they have lost. David Moyes was at the Etihad Stadium, the scene of his last game as their manager. West Ham were beaten then, just as they were in Julen Lopetegui's latest match in charge.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 07, 2025
Lessons learnt by United or just one more false dawn?
The Independent

Lessons learnt by United or just one more false dawn?

For large parts of his Manchester United career, Bruno Fernandes has appeared the answer. Now he posed the question.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 07, 2025
From recession to rate cuts: 2025 economic predictions
The Independent

From recession to rate cuts: 2025 economic predictions

I usually feel queasy when writing predictions for the year ahead.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 07, 2025
London exchange exodus is a sign of US dominance
The Independent

London exchange exodus is a sign of US dominance

Last year saw the biggest outflow of companies from the London Stock Exchange since the global financial crisis. According to accountants EY, 88 companies, including Paddy Power owner Flutter, travel group Tui and Just Eat, abandoned the London market for US and European exchanges.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 07, 2025
New blow as retailers warn of price hikes and job cuts
The Independent

New blow as retailers warn of price hikes and job cuts

Keir Starmer faces a fresh Budget headache as retailers warn of higher prices and job cuts following disappointing sales in the crucial Christmas \"golden quarter\".

time-read
3 mins  |
January 07, 2025
TALKING TRASH
The Independent

TALKING TRASH

From KKK brawls to the infamous man who married a horse’ episode, a new Netflix documentary delves into the story of The Jerry Springer Show’. Louis Chilton finds out more

time-read
6 mins  |
January 07, 2025
Why the latest social media vogue is a fridge too far
The Independent

Why the latest social media vogue is a fridge too far

Thought wall-to-wall beige and displaying books the wrong way round was bad? They’ve got nothing on fridgescaping’, the most unhinged Instagram trend yet, writes Helen Coffey

time-read
4 mins  |
January 07, 2025
Drill, baby, drill': Big Oil is coming after electric vehicles
The Independent

Drill, baby, drill': Big Oil is coming after electric vehicles

Have you ever gone back over your new year's resolutions from years ago and just thought, \"What was I thinking?\" Over the last year, it seems that Europe's biggest oil corporations did just that.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 07, 2025