Nottingham Forest

The Cole Era

Nottingham Forest were known as one of the greatest English clubs of the late 20th century, winning the European Cup twice and cementing themselves in the top division of English football. Their most successful period was undoubtedly under Brian Clough, now a club legend, who ruled over the club for 18 years, creating a legacy for the Reds to march in to the future and continue with their success.

It perhaps did not go the way Clough anticipated it however, as the transition between the 20th and 21st century would see the Nottingham club fall to their knees, Forest unable to gain promotion to the Premier League and even dropping to League 1 on more than one occasion. It would mean that their last season in the top division was in the 1998-99 season.

Forest's fan-base had clearly deteriorated, but the loyal followers of the club were not too optimistic about the future of the club as they watched it yo-yo between the second and third division, most probably wondering if they would ever earn promotion, but a spark of hope flared when Kuwaiti businessman, Fawaz Al-Hasawi purchased the club and planned to invest in it.

Despite this, the club still suffered poor results and swapped managers, looking for something that would work. It seemed they were doomed to the Championship, but it was around this time that the Cole era began, the penultimate period in Nottingham Forest history.

The Cole Era

Nottingham Forest

Bruce Arena 4/1 | Stuart Pearce 7/1 | Roy Keane 7/1
Glenn Roeder 10/1 | Derek McInnes 10/1 | Dave Jones 15/1