Podcast: The History of Nottingham Forest

My guest is Matt Oldroyd from the Nottingham Forest fan group, Forza Garibaldi. Matt’s new book, Trailblazers, explores the history of one of the world’s oldest and most historically significant football clubs, two-times European champions Nottingham Forest. We look at what the club – and the city of Nottingham – has contributed to the game in England and worldwide.

In this podcast, we cover:

Roots in Revolution: We learn that Nottingham Forest was founded in 1865 by a group inspired by Italian revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi, which led to the club’s iconic red colours and the later formation of Forza Garibaldi, a fan-led cultural movement.

Pioneers of the Game: We reflected on how Forest were instrumental in football’s development, pioneering use of the whistle, shin pads, the 2-3-5 formation, and the passing game—cementing Forest’s legacy as true trailblazers of the Victorian era.

Arsenal and AC Milan Connections: We discussed Forest’s influence beyond Nottingham, including providing the first kits for Arsenal and inspiring AC Milan’s colours through Nottingham-based Herbert Kilpin.

A South American Legacy: We explored how Forest’s 1905 tour of Argentina inspired the red kits of Club Atlético Independiente, as well as influencing the local style of play.

Elusive Domestic Dominance: Despite early promise and two FA Cup wins (1898 and 1959), Forest has performed inconsistently throughout its history, often due to a modest financial structure and resistance to professionalism early on.

Clough and Taylor’s Miracle: We reflect on the transformative Clough-Taylor era, which turned Forest from Second Division strugglers in the 1970s into League and double European Cup winners, an unprecedented footballing ascent.

Struggles in the Modern Era: We look at the decline that followed, particularly in the 1990s and 2000s, where a lack of modern infrastructure and commercial savvy saw Forest fall behind as the Premier League evolved.

Fan Power and Revival: We took pride in the passion of our fanbase, including initiatives like Forza Garibaldi, and how collective energy and protest helped usher in new ownership and a Premier League return.

The City Ground Spirit: We discuss the electric atmosphere at the City Ground, with a strong, loyal core of supporters who’ve ridden the highs and lows, creating a uniquely emotional matchday experience.

Football Heritage in Nottingham: We highlighted key football heritage sites around the city—from the Clinton Arms to the Forest Recreation Ground and Kilpin-linked landmarks—making Nottingham a worthy destination for football history lovers.

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