Nuno was given the faith to build, but there was no talk of Europe before this season.
The plan was to take a step forward and avoid a relegation battle, because you cannot become an established or growing Premier League side while fighting the drop.
Pushing into the top half was in mind, not becoming a European contender. Forest knew they had good players, and sources have dismissed suggestions this season has been a surprise, labelling it as – understandably – pleasing instead.
The clear and precise summer transfer plan was in contrast to when they returned to the Premier League in 2022 – after a 23-year absence – and signed 23 players.
This season against Crystal Palace – a 1-0 win in October – only one of those players started the game – Dean Henderson, who was in goal for Palace.
It may have appeared outrageous, but it worked and gave Forest the platform for the success of this season.
Of those players, Gibbs-White and Neco Williams have played key roles this season while Danilo could have, had he not suffered a broken ankle on the opening day.
Willy Boly, Harry Toffolo, Awoniyi and Wayne Hennessey also remain at the club though are on the periphery, with Boly, Toffolo and Hennessy’s deals expiring next month.
Last summer Forest were surgical in their approach. They were clear with what they wanted, with a plan to lower the age bracket but also build on the character already at the club.
Defender Nikola Milenkovic joined for £10m from Fiorentina – there was no release clause and it has proved a bargain in the current market – and he has formed a crucial partnership with Murillo at the back.
The centre-back had been tracked for a number of years and Forest made their move with the Serbia international impressing at Euro 2024.
Anderson joined from Newcastle with goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos going the other way in a separate deal, which will have helped with keeping the club compliant with profit and sustainability rules (PSR).
This year it will be the same – Liam Delap and James McAtee are of interest but there is an expectation Ipswich striker Delap will join Manchester United.
The Champions League would have added extra revenue and therefore more financial wriggle room, but Forest’s transfer plans do not hinge on joining the elite.
Nuno was clear in the profile of player he wanted, and had total belief in his methods. It brought a mutual trust between the Portuguese and the hierarchy, allowing him to deliver the club’s best season in 30 years.
The club have not played in Europe since a Uefa Cup quarter-final defeat by Bayern Munich in March 1996, and will return in September for the Conference League.
It has been unexpected, but after years in the wilderness Forest, two-time European Cup winners, have returned to a stage they used to call home.
“It took us a couple of years to find that stability, and when this club gets momentum it’s unstoppable,” smiles Yates.
