Given the ever-going struggles that Nottingham Forest have, their glorious past has been something of sticking point with fans in recent times.
After all, with the club in a state, why should they be reminded of times they are never likely to witness?
However, while that view is completely understandable, Forest do have a history that makes many green with envy.
You only have to look at the disastrous Super League for context on this.
Out of the 12 teams there, Forest had more European Cups than five of the teams combined and the same amount as Juventus.
In total, they are England’s 10th most successful side with 10 major trophies to their name – quite a feat, all things considered.
Here is a detailed breakdown of what they have won and how they did it.
European Cups – 2
It’s very hard to believe now, but Forest are of course two time champions of Europe – a miraculous feat they achieved in 1979 and 1980.
The hardest thing in football is to retain your glory in any format, but especially so in the European Cup/Champions League.
For context, Forest are the last English side to do it and since then, only AC Milan and Real Madrid have managed to do so.
Their first triumph came in 1979 when they defeated Malmo FF 1-0 in Munich, while their second came via a 1-0 win over SV Hamburg in Madrid.
No matter what happens, no-one can take these achievements away from Forest and they have every right to be proud of them.
First Division titles (top flight) – 1
It’s amazing that Forest have more European Cups than top flight trophies, but it’s true they have only reached the summit of English football once.
That came in 1978 and what makes it even more remarkable is that Forest had just been promoted the year before.
Forest finished seven points ahead of Liverpool and lost just three times in 42 games as they won the title for the first time.
On two other occasions have Forest come second – in 1967 and 1979 – while their highest finish in the Premier League is third.
FA Cups – 2
The most sought after domestic knockout trophy in world football has twice been in the hands of Forest, although quite some time ago.
Their first victory came in 1898 when the Reds smashed their East Midlands rivals Derby County 3-0 at Crystal Palace.
Their second came in 1959, when Forest defeated Luton Town 2-1 at Wembley and it’s a trophy that has eluded them since.
They got to the final in 1991, but lost to Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in extra time – thus making it the only competition Brian Clough didn’t win.
League Cups – 4
Clough was very successful in the League Cup though, which makes the FA Cup troubles slightly odd.
Forest have won the trophy on four occasions, in 1978, 1979, 1989 and 1990, which makes them the fourth most successful team in the competition.
They also lost in the final twice, too – once in 1980 and once in 1992 – so it was very much a competition the club took seriously.
The Reds retained the trophy on two occasions and were the first team to do so, as well.
They have since been joined by Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City in achieving that.
European Super Cups – 1
As we know, the winners of the Champions League play the Europa League winners for the Super Cup as the European curtain raiser.
It was no different in Forest’s time, with the European Cup winners playing the UEFA Cup winners.
Forest’s first two-legged final was against none other than FC Barcelona, with the Reds prevailing 2-1 on aggregate – 1-0 at home and 1-1 in the Nou Camp.
Their second final was also against Spanish opposition in Valencia, but despite winning 2-1 at home, the Reds lost 1-0 in the Mestalla and lost the final on away goals.
Charity/Community Shields – 1
Much like the Super Cup, the Community Shield – or Charity Shield as it were – is the traditional curtain raiser for English football.
It has lost its value over the years, but certain managers will still tell you that it’s a major trophy and it is one that Forest have contested for twice.
The first came in 1959 after their FA Cup triumph, but they lost 3-1 to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Wembley.
They were more successful the second time, with Forest – as league champions – battering Sir Bobby Robson’s Ipswich Town 5-0.
That margin of victory is still one of the most convincing wins in the tournament’s history.
Other notable entries
Forest have won other bits and bobs too, most notably the Full Members Cup – otherwise known as the Simon Cup or Zenith Data Systems Cup.
Essentially, this was a domestic competition created in the aftermath of the European ban of English clubs in 1985 and ran through until 1992.
In that time, the Reds won the trophy twice – in 1989, where they beat Everton 4-3 (AET) and 1992, where they beat Southampton 3-2 (also AET).
Given that the 1992 final was the last one, Forest are still technically the holders of the competition, which is unlikely to resurface.
Will Nottingham Forest be winning trophies of this ilk again soon?