Nottingham Forest’s connection to Mull of Kintyre is one of the most iconic traditions in English football, deeply woven into the club’s history and identity. The song, originally written and performed by Paul McCartney and Wings, has been a staple of Forest matchdays for decades, creating an electrifying atmosphere at the City Ground. What makes this anthem particularly special is the way it has evolved alongside the club’s most historic moments, from Brian Clough’s title-winning campaign in the late 1970s to their crucial League One promotion in 2008.
Origins of Mull of Kintyre at Forest
The song was released in November 1977, during a period of immense transformation at Nottingham Forest. Under the management of the legendary Brian Clough, Forest had just been promoted to the First Division and were mounting an unlikely challenge for the league title. That same season, Mull of Kintyre became a massive hit in the UK, resonating with fans across the country. Given the timing of its release and Forest’s meteoric rise under Clough, the song found its way into the terraces of the City Ground.
As the Nottingham Post later reported, fans altered the lyrics to fit their own experiences, particularly the line “Oh mist rolling in from the sea,” which they changed to “Oh mist rolling in from the Trent,” in reference to the club’s location on the banks of the River Trent. It became the soundtrack to Forest’s rise as they went on to win the First Division title in 1977/78, making them the most recent team to win England’s top flight immediately after promotion.
This success was just the beginning of a golden era. Under Clough, Forest went on to win back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980, cementing their place in football history. Throughout this time, Mull of Kintyre remained a terrace favourite, with generations of supporters passing down the tradition.
Becoming the Official Anthem in 2008
Despite its deep roots in the club’s history, Mull of Kintyre was not always a pre-match staple. That changed in 2008 when Nottingham Forest faced Yeovil Town on the final day of the League One season. The club had spent three seasons in the third tier of English football, a frustrating period for a team with such a prestigious past. However, on that day, goals from Julian Bennett, Kris Commons, and Lewis McGugan secured a 3-2 victory, confirming Forest’s promotion back to the Championship.
For that crucial match, the club decided to play Mull of Kintyre over the City Ground’s speakers before kickoff, and the response was overwhelming. The entire stadium erupted in song, creating an unforgettable moment that would forever link the track to Forest’s resurgence. From that point on, it became the club’s official pre-match anthem, ensuring that every Nottingham Forest side to take the field at the City Ground would be greeted by thousands of voices singing in unison.
The City Ground’s Expansion and Future
The City Ground has long been one of the most atmospheric stadiums in England, and Forest’s return to the Premier League has only amplified that reputation. Nuno Espírito Santo recently praised the Forest fans for the incredible noise they created during their Boxing Day victory over Tottenham, a testament to how vital the supporters are in making the stadium an intimidating place for opposition teams.
Now, the club is planning a major redevelopment of the City Ground, with proposals to increase the capacity to around 50,000. If these plans come to fruition, the expansion would not only provide a significant financial boost for owner Evangelos Marinakis but also strengthen the club’s presence in the Premier League and beyond. A larger stadium, combined with Forest’s continued push for European football, could establish the City Ground as one of the premier venues in English football.
Interestingly, Marinakis has drawn inspiration from innovative stadium designs such as Stadium 974 in Qatar, which was constructed using shipping containers. While Forest’s redevelopment is unlikely to take such a radical approach, the focus will be on modernizing the stadium while preserving the unique atmosphere that makes the City Ground so special.
The Lasting Legacy of Mull of Kintyre
Regardless of any future changes to the stadium, one thing is certain: Mull of Kintyre will continue to be the heartbeat of the City Ground. From its spontaneous adoption in 1977 to its formal establishment as the club’s anthem in 2008, the song has become an enduring symbol of Forest’s resilience, history, and ambition.
With Forest now dreaming of a return to European football, Mull of Kintyre could soon be ringing out on Champions League nights, just as it did during the club’s glory years under Brian Clough. If the City Ground expansion aligns with the club’s ambition on the pitch, Forest could be set for another golden era—one backed by the passionate voices of fans singing their beloved anthem.
Would you like to see Forest return to Europe? And what are your thoughts on the City Ground expansion?