Nottingham Forest 2024/25 Season Review: From Relegation Fears to European Dreams
As the sun set over the City Ground on the final day of the Premier League season, Nottingham Forest fans stood and applauded their team despite a narrow 1-0 defeat to Chelsea. The result may not have delivered the fairy-tale ending some had dared to hope for, but in many ways, it marked the closing of one of the most remarkable chapters in the club’s modern history. Nottingham Forest, a team widely tipped to battle relegation at the start of the campaign, finished seventh in the Premier League and earned a spot in next season’s UEFA Conference League.
This is the story of a team that defied expectations, flirted with the extraordinary, and ultimately reignited belief among their supporters. A season that may not have ended with a Champions League ticket, but which has paved the way for something even more enduring — a return to relevance, pride, and ambition.
The Season Begins: A Quiet Confidence
Few outside of the East Midlands gave Nottingham Forest much of a chance when the 2024/25 season kicked off. Having only recently re-established themselves in the Premier League after a long exile, many pundits predicted a season of struggle. Their 16th-place finish the previous year was seen as a warning sign, not a stepping stone. However, those inside the club — especially manager Nuno Espirito Santo — believed otherwise.
Nuno, who took over midway through the prior campaign, used the summer wisely. Forest added depth in key areas and committed to a structured, disciplined style of play that prioritized defensive solidity while allowing their creative stars, particularly Morgan Gibbs-White, to thrive.
The results were immediate. Forest began the season with purpose, stringing together a series of strong performances that propelled them into the top half of the table early. By November, they were not only comfortably in the top six — they were inside the top four, brushing shoulders with Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal. The Tricky Trees were no longer a novelty — they were genuine contenders.
The Rise of a Core Identity
Much of Forest’s success this season can be attributed to a clear team identity. Nuno built a side that was difficult to break down, quick in transition, and dynamic in wide areas. The back line, led by the experienced Moussa Niakhaté and the ever-improving Murillo, provided the platform for the midfield duo of Danilo and Orel Mangala to dictate tempo and break lines.
Further forward, Morgan Gibbs-White emerged as one of the league’s brightest creative sparks. Operating in the No. 10 role, he often dictated the rhythm of Forest’s attack. His combination of technical ability, vision, and tireless pressing made him indispensable. Meanwhile, Chris Wood offered a physical presence up top, and young winger Callum Hudson-Odoi chipped in with key goals.
At one point, Forest went 11 games unbeaten in the Premier League — a run that included impressive wins over Tottenham, Brighton, and a memorable 2-1 win at Anfield. By February, talk of a Champions League finish wasn’t just fanciful — it was grounded in reality.
The Final Stretch: Fatigue and Frustration
However, as the season wore on, cracks began to show. A congested fixture list, injuries to key players, and a visible drop in energy levels led to a frustrating end to the campaign. Gibbs-White, who had carried so much of the creative burden, began to struggle for form. Chris Wood missed several key chances in important matches. And while the defense remained solid, goals became harder to come by.
Forest won just two of their final seven matches, dropping crucial points against sides like Fulham, Brentford, and Bournemouth. The defeat to Chelsea on the final day confirmed what many had feared — Champions League football was just out of reach.
Still, the disappointment was tempered by perspective. Seventh place. Europe. Pride.
Roy Keane and Jamie Redknapp’s One-Word Verdicts
In the Sky Sports studio, pundits tried to put Forest’s campaign into perspective. Roy Keane, known for his ruthless honesty, chose a word that captured the essence of their achievement: “Overachieving.”
Jamie Redknapp was even more effusive, calling the season “incredible.”
Both were right. Forest didn’t just exceed expectations — they shattered them.
Morgan Gibbs-White: A Star’s Swan Song?
One of the most pressing narratives now surrounds Morgan Gibbs-White. Rumors continue to swirl about a potential move to Manchester City, with the Premier League champions reportedly viewing him as a long-term heir to Kevin De Bruyne.
If the Chelsea game proves to be his last in a Forest shirt, he leaves behind a legacy of progress and inspiration. He was the face of Forest’s resurgence and has likely earned the club a hefty transfer fee should a move materialize.
Replacing him won’t be easy — but Forest are already preparing.
Transfer Window: The Building Blocks of a New Era
With European football on the horizon, Forest will enter the transfer market with both opportunity and responsibility.
Liam Delap, the Ipswich Town striker, is reportedly on their radar. His £30 million release clause makes him a significant investment, but one that could solve their need for a reliable, athletic striker.
James McAtee of Manchester City, currently on loan at Sheffield United, is being considered as a creative replacement for Gibbs-White. At just 22, McAtee has shown flashes of brilliance and could thrive in a more central role.
Perhaps the most eye-catching rumor is a potential move for Darwin Núñez, the Liverpool forward who has struggled for consistency. While this move may be unlikely, the fact that Forest are even in the conversation speaks volumes about their ambition.
There will also be key decisions to make about the futures of loanees and fringe players. With the added demands of Europe, squad depth will be vital. Nuno’s experience managing a squad in multiple competitions (as he did at Wolves) will be a major asset.
A New Chapter: The Promise of European Football
The UEFA Conference League might not have the glitz and glamour of the Champions League or Europa League, but it presents Forest with a golden opportunity. Clubs like West Ham and Roma have shown that it can be a platform for silverware, growth, and continental recognition.
More than anything, it gives the Forest faithful something they’ve long craved — European nights at the City Ground. The chance to hear the roar of the crowd echo across the Trent as their team represents England on foreign soil. For a club with such a proud history in Europe, this return — even in a third-tier competition — feels poetic.
Conclusion: The Dream is Only Just Beginning
Nottingham Forest’s 2024/25 season may not have ended with a top-four finish, but it has laid the groundwork for a new era. They are no longer simply a club “happy to be here.” They are building something real — a project rooted in ambition, identity, and belief.
Nuno Espirito Santo deserves immense credit. So too does the club hierarchy, who have balanced investment with patience, and who now face the challenge of taking Forest to the next level.
There will be obstacles ahead, of course. Expectations will rise, and the Premier League remains as unforgiving as ever. But Nottingham Forest have shown that they belong — and now, they’re ready to aim even higher.
One year ago, survival was the goal.
Now, it’s silverware.
Europe awaits.