10 Greatest Nottingham Forest Managers Ever
6. Steve Cooper [2021-present]
Forest had gone through 14 bosses in 10 years and were rock bottom of the Championship when Chris Hughton was sacked in September 2021. They had become the ultimate example of a “sleeping giant” in English football. Then came Steve Cooper.
Having taken charge of the team at the foot of the Championship, he got them promoted to the Premier League. This may be Cooper’s crowning glory, but his short managerial career so far has been outstanding. Having plied his trade in England’s youth set-up, when he won the U17 World Cup in 2017. Next season will be an even bigger test for the Welsh.
5. Johnny Carey [1963–68]
Johnny Carey became manager of the club in 1963, having already managed four different teams. However, his greatest success as a manager came with Forest. Sticking to his style of attacking play, he presided over a resurgence at the City Ground, resulting in a thrilling 1966/67 campaign which saw Forest finish runners-up to Man Utd in the title race and reach the FA Cup semi-finals.
Thereafter, though, the team faltered alarmingly and in December 1968, after half a season without a home win, he was dismissed. Overall, he is regarded as one of the greatest Nottingham Forest managers ever.
4. Frank Clark [1993–96]
Clark became the manager of the club following the departure of Brian Clough. Clough’s later years as manager of the club were not great, eventually resulting in relegation from the Premier League. As a result, a lot was expected of Clark, and he did not disappoint.
He guided Forest to second place in the First Division in 1993/94, securing promotion back to the Premier League. He then picked up two Premier League Manager of the Month awards in 1994/95. Clark also picked up the LMA Manager of the Year award that year, as Forest finished third in the Premier League. He was sacked by the club in 1996, after a poor run of form.