‘Absolute dreamland’ – Excitement as Nottingham Forest secure European football for first time in 30 years
Following Nottingham Forest’s first European football title in thirty years, supporters and companies claim they are in “absolute dreamland.” The Reds mathematically assured themselves of a spot in one of the European championships for the upcoming season despite faltering to a 2-2 draw against rivals Leicester City on Sunday, May 11.
Although Forest supporters’ hopes of playing in the Champions League are dwindling, a place in the Conference League or Europa League would come with its own romanticism. Fans who were used to traveling to Yeovil and Rotherham might now have to schedule flights to Rome, Porto, and Dortmund.
Fans and companies have expressed their excitement for the European campaign, regardless of its format, which may be in contrast to owner Evangelos Marinakis’ obvious annoyance following the final whistle against the Foxes. The Great Northern Group, which operates establishments like the Trent Navigation Inn, has Tom Holodynsky as its operations manager.
He also had a season ticket at City Ground and remembers being 10 years old when Forest’s final continental campaign, the 1995–96 UEFA Cup, was magical. You believe that this is something you will do annually for the rest of your life. We have been in the doldrums ever since we were demoted to the Championship,” he remarked.
“As a fan, it’s like heaven. It’s unreal to have it back again. Although he stated it was a “gut punch” to fall behind in the Champions League battle, Mr. Holodynsky remains optimistic about the upcoming campaign.
It’s more home games, which are our pubs’ main source of income. It makes up a significant portion of our work. They might advance in the competition once you play at least four more home games.
“It’ll be a massive benefit to the pubs and the wider economy.” It had been a “tremendous” season, according to Mark James, owner of The Boot Room, a bar across from the stadium.
“I believe they’ve overdone it. As a company, it has been invaluable. “When Forest wins, it makes me feel good because of the sales we make after the games, and people probably have a few more drinks because they’re enjoying what they’re seeing at the City Ground,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to another year with extra games being played.” Neil Williams, 57, a Forest supporter, said: “To achieve European qualification this season I think the fans should appreciate that, people are disappointed we might miss out on the Champions League but European qualification is a tremendous achievement.”
An employee at the Trent Bridge MSR newsagents stated: “Business has been good. Similar to Forest, we have had success in our business. The number of supporters is steadily increasing.
According to Visit Nottinghamshire, the tourism board, it is “excited about the long-term benefits” of European football, which may include more tourists and overnight stays. “This is a unique opportunity to strengthen Nottingham’s position as a thriving, internationally connected city,” stated Megan Powell Vreeswijk, the organization’s chief executive.
“With European football approaching, we’re not just getting ready to welcome new tourists; we’re also focused on using this attention to build new connections, expand our tourism industry, and showcase all that makes Nottinghamshire a unique travel destination on the European scene.”
The accreditation was also praised by the East Midlands Chamber, which collaborates with companies throughout the region. “Playing at a European level keeps a club front of mind hundreds of miles away and that can positively impact visitor numbers and be a boost, not just to vendors close by a stadium; the economic lift tends to go wider with hotel occupancy, hospitality, and supply chains benefiting,” stated Richard Blackmore, assistant director of policy and insight.
The Reds’ final European match before their incredible 2024–25 season under Nuno Espirito Santo was a 5-1 home loss to Bayern Munich in the second leg on March 19, 1996.
Frank Clark’s team advanced to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Cup run, which is now known as the Europa League, by defeating Malmo of Sweden and French teams Auxerre and Lyon over two legs. The eventual winners of the competition, Bayern Munich, defeated the Reds 7-2 on aggregate.
But perspective is essential for Reds fans, with Forest having just survived relegation in their first two seasons back in the top division after a 23-year exile from the Premier League.
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