Nottingham Forest's Ambitious Revival Under Glasner: A New Era Begins
Predicted Position: 11th Last Season's Position: 16th Prospects The arrival of Oliver Glasner has sparked a tactical shift as he implements a 3-4-2-1 formation that previously thrived at Crystal Palace. While adaptation may take time, pre-season has shown promising signs. With three quality centre-backs, Glasner aims to establish a solid foundation for Nottingham Forest. After a tumultuous previous season marked by four coaching changes, fans hope Glasner can provide the stability they crave. The absence of European football may benefit the squad, allowing players like Dan Ndoye and Dilane Bakwa to settle after challenging first years in the Premier League. The club is actively seeking a new striker, with Chris Wood's fitness concerns raising doubts about his longevity in the role. Liam Delap is a target, although securing his services from Chelsea is expected to be costly. Off-field Picture Evangelos Marinakis has initiated legal action against Crystal Palace over derogatory banners, drawing media attention. Meanwhile, plans to expand City Ground from 30,500 to 52,500 seats await local council approval, with construction anticipated to begin next summer. Owner-Fan Relationship Ticket prices sparked discontent last season, prompting price reductions after poor sales. Although season ticket prices were frozen to ease tensions, Marinakis’s controversial coaching decisions have led to mixed feelings among fans. The Manager The dismissal of Vítor Pereira surprised many, but Glasner is viewed as a significant upgrade. His style aligns well with the team's needs, and improving relations with the club hierarchy will be crucial for his success. Stat Attack Last season, Forest finished 16th in the league and recorded no positive expected goal difference, marking a challenging campaign for the team. Star Signing Ousmane Diomande, acquired for £34m from Sporting, is the only significant signing this summer. Admired by Glasner, he is expected to make an immediate impact while also being a long-term investment. Set for a Breakthrough James McAtee had a disappointing first season but could find new opportunities this year, potentially stepping into a more prominent role in midfield. World Cup Impact With Nigeria failing to qualify, Ola Aina enjoyed time off, participating in various leisure activities, which may leave him refreshed and ready for the upcoming season.
Source: The Guardian Sport - 2026-08-20