As the Premier League season reaches its dramatic climax, the battle for Champions League qualification is heating up in a way few could have predicted back in August. Among the usual contenders, one team has emerged as the story of the season—Nottingham Forest. Under the guidance of Nuno Espirito Santo, the Reds have put together a campaign that’s confounded expectations, excited their fans, and re-established them as a force to be reckoned with in the top flight. But despite their tremendous progress, there remains a reluctance in some quarters of the football world to take them seriously.
Craig Bellamy’s recent appearance on Monday Night Football has brought this hesitation to the forefront. When asked to give his predictions for who would make the Champions League places, Bellamy listed Newcastle United, Manchester City, and Aston Villa as his top picks, excluding Forest from the conversation. It was a surprising omission, given Forest’s recent form and position in the table. And it’s not just fans who raised eyebrows—Neco Williams, Forest’s ever-improving right-back and a key player for Wales, might have felt the sting more than most.
Bellamy’s reasoning wasn’t without logic, but it was far from bulletproof. He cited Newcastle’s recent cup win and the “momentum” it brings. He highlighted Manchester City’s perennial involvement at this stage of the season—understandably so. And he expressed a “funny feeling” about Aston Villa, suggesting they might just sneak in due to their quality and the form of players like Ollie Watkins and Douglas Luiz. But that “funny feeling” approach contrasts sharply with Forest’s very real, very measurable progress.
What makes Bellamy’s prediction even more puzzling is that Villa and Newcastle, both of whom he tips to finish in the top five, face more difficult run-ins than Forest. Villa still have to face both City and Newcastle, which could easily derail their momentum. Newcastle, for all their attacking prowess, have struggled with consistency and injuries throughout the season. They may have a game in hand, but they also have European fixtures to contend with and a stretched squad. Meanwhile, Forest’s fixture list looks considerably more favourable, with winnable games that could see them rack up crucial points in the final stretch.
What’s frustrating for Forest fans is that this sort of dismissal isn’t new. Despite winning three of their last four matches and pushing themselves into the conversation for Europe’s elite competition, there seems to be a persistent reluctance in the media to view them as genuine contenders. It’s as if some pundits still see Forest as the scrappy underdog, the romantic story rather than the real deal. Even with the evidence right in front of them, they continue to lean on old narratives.
Yet, those inside the club won’t be too fazed. In fact, Bellamy’s words might serve as perfect bulletin board material for Nuno Espirito Santo. These kinds of dismissive comments can unite a dressing room, reinforce a siege mentality, and bring out an extra edge in performances. Nuno, a master motivator, will surely be using these opinions as fuel. He knows that belief is half the battle at this stage of the season. When a team believes—truly believes—it belongs at the top, incredible things can happen.
Let’s not forget the journey this Forest team has been on. When Nuno took over, the club was struggling for form and identity. His arrival brought structure, discipline, and a renewed sense of ambition. He tightened the defence, brought the best out of key players, and built a team that’s as hard-working as it is exciting. The transformation has been nothing short of remarkable.
Players like Morgan Gibbs-White have stepped up as leaders. Hudson-Odoi is rediscovering the form that made him a Chelsea starlet. Danilo is growing in stature with every game, while the defensive unit, led by the likes of Murillo and Boly, has found real resilience. Even in games they don’t dominate, Forest have found ways to win—a hallmark of teams destined for big things.
And then there’s Neco Williams, who has quietly become one of the league’s most consistent full-backs. After an up-and-down start to life at Forest, he’s grown into his role with maturity and confidence. He’s improved defensively, offers a real threat going forward, and has shown tremendous versatility. If Forest were to qualify for the Champions League, it would not only elevate the club but provide players like Williams with the platform they need to reach even greater heights. It would be a massive boost for the Wales national team too, with their young right-back playing against the best in Europe.
Gary Lineker, for one, sees it. He’s publicly backed Forest to finish in the top five, barring a dramatic collapse. That kind of support from a seasoned voice of reason in the game contrasts starkly with Bellamy’s cautious optimism for others. And Lineker isn’t alone—many neutrals have started to come around to the idea that Forest’s place among the Premier League’s elite isn’t a fluke.
Of course, there are obstacles ahead. Injuries are mounting, and the pressure of the run-in can do strange things to even the most composed teams. But Forest have shown time and again that they are more than capable of rising to the occasion. If they can navigate the next couple of fixtures and maintain their composure, the dream of Champions League football becomes more than just a fairy tale—it becomes a realistic, deserved reward for months of hard work and belief.
This weekend’s match against Everton could be pivotal. A win would keep the momentum rolling and put even more pressure on the teams around them. And if Forest continue to pick up results, the pundits who have overlooked them will have no choice but to sit up and take notice.
Should Forest do the unthinkable and qualify for the Champions League, it would be a seismic moment—not just for the club, but for English football. It would prove that with smart management, belief, and unity, clubs outside the traditional top six can still disrupt the order and make their mark. It would validate the project Nuno has built, reward the loyalty of the fans, and signal that Nottingham Forest are back—not just to survive in the Premier League, but to thrive.
And if that happens, Neco Williams might just have the last laugh when he next sees Craig Bellamy at Wales training.
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