Nottingham Forest have handed manager Nuno Espírito Santo a new three-year contract, rewarding the Portuguese tactician for a stunning turnaround that brought European football back to the City Ground for the first time in nearly three decades.
Nuno’s fresh deal follows a landmark 2023/24 campaign that defied expectations. Appointed in December amid relegation fears, he not only secured Forest’s Premier League survival but sparked a surge that carried the club to seventh place.
That finish sealed qualification for the Europa Conference League play-offs, Forest’s first European appearance since 1995–96. It also came despite a damaging four-point deduction for breaching financial regulations, which left the club teetering near the bottom in spring.
“I am delighted to be able to continue our journey at this fantastic football club,” said Nuno. “We’ve worked extremely hard to create a special bond between the players, the fans and everyone at the club.”
That unity was evident on the pitch. Forest stayed in the top four for most of the run-in, briefly dreaming of a Champions League berth. Though they faltered with just two wins in their final seven games, the achievement still felt momentous.
Nuno’s side also reached the FA Cup semi-finals, Forest’s first in over 30 years, only bowing out to eventual winners Manchester City. It was another sign of the club’s growing competitiveness under his watch.
Owner Evangelos Marinakis hailed the manager’s influence, calling him a “great impact” who maximises performance and integrates young talent. “We share the same dream and ambition of writing a new history for Nottingham Forest,” he added.
Now, with stability in the dugout and continental football on the horizon, Forest fans can dare to dream once more, of nights under the lights, of silverware, and of reclaiming their place among Europe’s elite.
