Nottingham Forest have come a long way in such a short period of time under boss Steve Cooper.
From being bottom of the Championship to play-off winners and surviving relegation in the Premier League last season – it truly has been a mesmerising two years.
On this day in 2021, the Reds came from a goal down to beat Bristol City by two goals to one, but where are the starting eleven from that day now?
Brice Samba – GK
The goalkeeper went on to be a Forest hero that very season, helping the club reach the play-off final with three penalty saves in the semi-final shootout against Sheffield United.
Samba now plays for French side RC Lens, who came second in Ligue 1 last season, with the 29-year-old featuring in the Champions League, beating Arsenal already this season.
Joe Worrall – CB
Defender Joe Worrall was a key part of a back three that secured promotion during the 2021/22 season.
He’s gone on to make over 200 appearances for his boyhood club, with Worrall also named as the club’s captain before the start of the Premier League campaign last season.
Tobias Figueiredo – CB
The now 29-year-old became a squad player at the club after the arrival of Cooper but always produced when called upon.
He left the club at the end of the 2021/22 season, joining Hull City making just 22 appearances, before joining Brazilian side Fortaleza on a three-year deal this summer.
Scott McKenna – CB
Like Worrall, Scott McKenna was pivotal for the Reds during that campaign, but since promotion has only been utilised as a squad player.
He’s made 93 appearances for Forest, with the 26-year-old out of contract at the end if this season.
Djed Spence – RWB
The definition of don’t fall in love with a loan player.
Djed Spence joined Tottenham for a deal in the region of £20 million last summer, before being loaned out to Stade Rennais in France for the second half of last season.
Despite the change in management at Spurs, he’s found himself on the fringes again – joining Championship side Leeds United on a season-long loan.
Ryan Yates – CM
A player who has developed massively since the promotion-winning campaign is Ryan Yates.
He’s proved a lot of doubters wrong in the Premier League and whilst he may not be the most technically gifted footballer, he certainly makes up for it with his passion and desire for the cause.
The 25-year-old has racked up over 150 appearances for the club since his debut in 2018.
James Garner – CM
James Garner was a beautiful footballer to watch during his time at the City Ground.
The now Everton midfielder possessed so much quality, whether that be at a dead ball or with the ball at his feet – he could create anything.
Now aged 22, he finds himself playing on the right-hand side of midfield for Sean Dyche’s Everton side.
Max Lowe – LWB
A player whose loan spell at the club was tarnished by injury.
Max Lowe missed large parts of the campaign, with Jack Colback filling in at left-back for the most part.
Lowe is currently playing at Sheffield United in the Premier League, where he’s played twice so far this season.
Philip Zinckernagel – CAM
The attacking midfielder impressed during his loan spell at Forest – before leaving upon the expiration of his deal at the end of the promotion season.
Zinckernagel joined Belgian side Club Brugge for £2 million this summer, where he’s played ten times, scoring three – a great return from a very talented player.
Brennan Johnson – ST
A youngster who has given his all for his hometown football club.
Fired the Reds to promotion, before scoring eight goals in the Premier League last season – a great stat for a 22-year-old in his first-ever season in the top flight.
He joined Tottenham for £47.5 million this summer – a club-record departure fee for the Reds.
Lewis Grabban – ST
Lewis Grabban joined the Reds for £6 million from Bournemouth back in 2018, scoring 54 times in 114 appearances.
He was a key figure for many years for the Reds, despite multiple injury problems.
The now 35-year-old left the Reds at the end of the 21/22 season after his contract expired, joining Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia on a one-year deal where he only featured five times.
Grabban still remains without a club.
Although he didn’t start a huge mention needs to go to Lyle Taylor who scored the late double to secure victory at Ashton Gate on this day two years ago.
Taylor was released by the Reds at the end of last season, before going on trial at Sheffield Wednesday, failing to earn himself a deal.
Now aged 33, he still remains without a football club.
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