Nottingham Forest sent out a strong message as they made a winning start to the new Premier League campaign.
The Reds want to build on last term’s seventh-placed finish, and they set out their intention to do just that on Sunday. Brentford were put to the sword 3-1 at the City Ground as Nuno Espirito Santo’s men demonstrated they once again mean business.
It has the makings of being another exciting season for Forest, with both domestic and European competition to go at over the next nine months.
Our Reds reporter, Sarah Clapson, opens up her notebook on the latest goings-on Trentside as Nuno Espirito Santo and his team prepare for a Sunday trip to Crystal Palace (2pm kick-off)...
Anderson praise
Elliot Anderson has been backed to push for a place in England’s World Cup squad ahead of next year’s tournament. The Reds ace is yet to receive a senior call-up but was one of the Three Lions stars when the under-21s triumphed at this summer’s Euros.
Boss Thomas Tuchel has the 22-year-old on his radar and namechecked him as someone who could play a role for the senior team in the future. And pundit Troy Deeney has picked out Anderson as an outside bet to be on the plane in less than 12 months’ time.
Selecting the midfielder for his team of the week on the back of his eye-catching display against the Bees, Deeney said in his BBC column: “That through ball (for Chris Wood’s second goal) alone gets him in the team (of the week). He has become an outside horse for being in the England squad for the World Cup.
“We thought last year could have been a bit of a fluke with Forest, but he was the driving force against Brentford. That pass through to Chris Wood was perfectly weighted and a lot of players would have rushed and tried to kick the ball away, but he played the pass.”
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Hennessey tribute
Forest have confirmed they will pay tribute to former captain Terry Hennessey at their next home game. The former Wales international died earlier this month at the age of 82.
The club acknowledged his death at the time but there was no official recognition prior to the game against Brentford. The Reds have explained the absence of a tribute on Sunday and say they will honour Hennessey when they host the Hammers.
A statement said: “Nottingham Forest was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Terry Hennessey, a true great of our football club whose immense contributions will never be forgotten. We recognise that many supporters were surprised there was no tribute to Terry ahead of our recent fixture against Brentford.
“On that occasion, all Premier League clubs agreed to honour the lives of Diogo Jota and André Silva following their tragic passing. While we considered paying our respects to Terry at the same time, after internal discussions, we felt this would not have shown the full respect that Terry, or Diogo Jota and André Silva, deserve.
“Therefore, we will mark our tribute to Terry Hennessey ahead of our home fixture against West Ham United on Sunday 31 August. We hope you will all join us in celebrating his life and legacy.”
Miguel move
Carlos Miguel is closing on a return to his homeland after little more than a year at the City Ground. According to Brazilian publication Globo Esporte, he will become the most expensive goalkeeper in Palmeiras’ history.
Miguel played understudy to No 1 Matz Sels for the Reds last season and made three appearances. However, his performances were mixed and Forest have brought in free agent Angus Gunn as cover between the posts.
It has left Miguel free to move on, and a five-year contract with Palmeiras is now on the cards. The 26-year-old was pictured arriving in Brazil on Sunday and his transfer is expected to be announced ‘at the beginning of this week’.
Palmeiras will reportedly pay €5.5 million (£4.6m), plus another €500,000 (£430,000) to secure 80 percent of the stopper’s rights. Forest will retain the remaining 20 percent and will have a sell-on clause as part of the deal.
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Match officials
Sunday’s clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park has taken on extra spice following Forest replacing the Eagles in this season’s Europa League. The man tasked with overseeing the match will be none other than Anthony Taylor.
Taylor was in charge of the Reds’ final game last term, when they lost 1-0 to Chelsea. Prior to that, he was the referee for Forest’s controversial 2-0 defeat to Everton in April 2024.
On that occasion, Taylor infuriated the Reds when he waved away three penalty appeals at Goodison Park. The two clubs were battling relegation at the time and Forest went on to post an angry tweet after the full-time whistle.
Taylor’s assistants this weekend will be Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn. Fourth official will be Sam Barrott while Paul Tierney will be the VAR with Paul Howard his assistant.
The game has been dubbed the El CASico in reference to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) judgement that condemned Palace to the Conference League and promoted the Reds to UEFA’s second tier competition. As one Forest fan quipped on X: “What could possibly go wrong.”
What has impressed me recently
Wood continuing his form of last season by quickly getting back among the goals on the opening weekend. Nuno’s men struggling to find the net in pre-season had led to a few concerns about their cutting edge at the top end of the pitch, but they put things right on Sunday.
Moment not to be missed
Anderson’s pass for Wood deserves to be highlighted again. It was sublime. It could be another big campaign for both men.
Player with point to prove
Forest’s newest recruits will hope to make good first impressions, if they are permitted their first minutes for the club on Sunday. Omari Hutchinson, James McAtee and Arnaud Kalimuendo will hope for the opportunity to catch the eye.
Next up
A trip south to face Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday (2pm kick-off). It could be particularly interesting in the boardroom seats, given the Europa League saga involving the two clubs.
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