Ranking the 10 Best Nottingham Forest Players of All Time

Nottingham Forest is one of the most underrated clubs in the Premier League. There was a time when the best Nottingham Forest players came together as a band and brought European glories to the club during the ’80s and ’90s. Those glorious days are long gone as the Reds last won a major trophy in 1998 in the form of an EFL Championship title. Since then, there has been a significant decline in their performances across the competition, and they have failed to stay alive in the English Premier League consistently. But, things have somehow changed for good for Nottingham Forest as they are now pushing for a surprising top-four finish in the English top flight and are in contention to book a spot in the UEFA Champions League next season.

There was a time when the Reds were touching the sky, thanks to a formidable squad that put their club ahead of everything. Among those famous lots, the best Nottingham Forest players of all time were part of their two back-to-back European Cup glories. Forest once was the breeding ground of the homegrown talents who later went on to create an astounding legacy of their own. From Kenny Burns to Stuart Pearce, from Peter Shilton to John McGovern, a bunch of star Englishmen who not only won over the fans but also stayed in the club for years to cement their legacy. In this post, we will discuss the top 10 best Nottingham Forest players who have taken the history of the club to a whole new level through their dedication, talent, and achievements.

Ranking Factors

Impact: One of the primary aspects that we have focused on to find the top players amongst the lot is their long-lasting impact on the history of the club. 

Longevity: Longevity is one of the major parameters in deciding the best players list as this trait has helped us understand the consistency and loyalty of players at the club.

Achievements: Another important aspect is the number of achievements, such as goals, assists, and trophies. Players who have topped the lists in these areas have made it to the top 10.

10 Best Nottingham Forest Players

10. Martin O’Neill

Martin O’Neill is one of the most decorated football players in the history of Nottingham Forest. As long as the list of the greatest players of the Reds goes, the clinical Irish midfielder will be in the group of elites. He won eight major titles in his nine-year stint with the English club. When he had the key to Nottingham Forest’s midfield in his hands, the club went on to lift two consecutive European Cups and establish themselves on the map of Europe. 

His influence in the club doesn’t end with his incredible playing career. He returned to the City Ground as a manager, but couldn’t reflect on his massively successful journey as a midfielder. He was sacked just after 19 games in charge. 

Key Stats	Figures
Appearances	312
Goals	51
Assists	16
No. of trophies	8

9. Ian Storey-Moore

Ian Storey-Moore’s inclusion on the list of the best Nottingham Forest players should not be debatable, for he was the heart of the club’s attack in the 1960s. He netted over 100 goals across all competitions and took charge of the Reds’ English top-flight hunt by giving a tough fight to Manchester United during the 1966-67 season.

In an incredible career of 10 years, Storey-Moore recorded over 124 goals which played a crucial role in Nottingham Forest’s charge in major tournaments. Despite being a serial goal-scoring machine at the City Ground, Storey-Moore eventually left for Manchester United for personal glory in the later stages of his career.

Key Stats	Figures
Appearances	294
Goals	125
Assists	1
No. of trophies	–

8. Viv Anderson

Viv Anderson is not only one of the best players in the history of Nottingham Forest, but also one of the most influential figures in English football. He became the first African footballer to have played with England’s national football team after making his debut in 1978. 

Through hard work and compassion, Anderson also cemented his place at Nottingham Forest and became an immovable figure in the team under the management of Clough. Alongside other geniuses like Martin O’Neill and Storey-Moore, the Englishman also was a crucial part in the club’s consecutive European successes and one domestic glory.

Key Stats	Figures
Appearances	612
Goals	46
Assists	11
No. of trophies	7

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7. Kenny Burns

Kenny Burns is our next pick on the list of the best Nottingham Forest players, thanks to his short yet impactful stint at the Tricky Trees. In a 22-year-long career, the strong defender operated like a wall in four different clubs in the English Premier League and Championship. Burns played at the City Ground from 1977 to 1981 and won two Player of the Year awards in the club, edging big names in the attack.

How astounding Burns’ performance was at Nottingham Forest can be understood by looking at his English top flight winning campaign in the 1977-78 season where he conceded only 22 goals in the whole calendar year.

Key Stats	Figures
Appearances	404
Goals	65
Assists	6
No. of trophies	7

6. Trevor Francis

Trevor Francis was one of the most successful recruits of Nottingham Forest as the player became a household name through his trailblazing displays during a short stint at the City Ground. He signed with the Tricky Trees for €1 million, becoming the first-ever English player to have earned a seven-digit figure in a transfer fee. Francis made an immediate impact after coming in as a new player in the European Cup final against Bayern Munich, as he was the sole goal-scorer in the match and led the English club to their first European glory.

Despite winning the hearts of the fans and earning the trust of the management, Francis missed out on a long period of his stay due to fatal injuries, resulting in his exit in 1981.

Key Stats	Figures
Appearances	573
Goals	188
Assists	22
No. of trophies	6

5. Peter Shilton

Peter Shilton is one of the greatest goalkeepers in English football history. The showstopper also played a crucial role for the Reds and wrote his name as one of the best Nottingham Forest players in the club’s history book. Shilton was a part of the club for five years and won seven major trophies, including two European titles. In Nottingham Forest’s domestic title-winning campaign, the 125 international cap holder, the most by any English goalkeeper to date, conceded only 18 goals,

This highlights his standout presence between the sticks. After winning almost all major trophies with the Reds, Shilton moved to Southampton for new challenges.

Key Stats	Figures
Appearances	985
Goals	NA
Assists	NA
No. of trophies	6

4. Des Walker

Des Walker, a monumental figure in Nottingham Forest’s history, is one of the best players in the club’s long history. The fast and strong English defender was so good that it was very difficult to get past him when he stood tall at the back. Des Walker was a leader whenever he set foot on the pitch. In his two stints with Nottingham Forest, he won five major titles and three Player of the Year awards. With 409 appearances, Des became one of the greatest players in the club’s history.

Key Stats	Figures
Appearances	763
Goals	1
Assists	3
No. of trophies	8

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3. John McGovern

Our pick for the third-best Nottingham Forest player of all time is John McGovern, who captained the English club in their two appearances in the European Cups. The prolific central midfielder was a foundation stone in the club’s rise from the second division to the English top flight. McGovern made a total of 334 appearances for Nottingham Forest, scoring 16 goals in the process.

He was the heartthrob of the City Ground whenever he came onto the ground to lead his team. There is no doubt that he had an immense aura to lead multiple stars in the team, uniting them as a team of winners.

Key Stats	Figures
Appearances	437
Goals	28
Assists	6
No. of trophies	8

2. Stuart Pearce

Many might argue about why Stuart Pearce is in the second spot on the list of the best Nottingham Forest players, but we have decided this after a long and thorough consideration. Coming from Coventry City as a young talent, Pearce soon became a popular name in the club, thanks to his work ethic, non-stop defensive plays, and agility.

He was infamously nicknamed “Psycho” for his unforgivable tackles and style of play that horrified opponents. Pearce spent 12 years with the Tricky Trees, winning more than nine trophies in that period. 

Key Stats	Figures
Appearances	660
Goals	86
Assists	18
No. of trophies	8

1. John Robertson

John Robertson is the best Nottingham Forest player on our list. The extremely talented baller was the cog in the wheel of the Tricky Trees’ attacking department and played a key role in the club’s two consecutive European successes in 1979 and 1980, respectively. Robertson was an exquisite dribbler of the ball, who could find other teammates with his defense-tearing passes.

Riding his close control and quick-thinking ability, Robertson went on to become the most prolific figure amongst the Nottingham Forest players at that time. With over 500 appearances for the English club, John Robertson etched his name in Nottingham Forest folklore.

Key Stats	Figures
Appearances	353
Goals	71
Assists	36
No. of trophies	8

List of Best Nottingham Forest Players

Rank	Player Name	Position	Spell at Nottingham Forest
1	John Robertson	Forward	1970-83, 1985-86
2	Stuart Pearce	Defender	1985-1997
3	John McGovern	Midfielder	1974-1981
4	Des Walker	Defender	1984-1992, 2002-2005
5	Peter Shilton	Goalkeeper	1977-1981
6	Trevor Francis	Forward	1979-1981
7	Kenny Burns	Defender/ Attacker	1977-1981
8	Viv Anderson	Right-back	1974-1983
9	Ian Storey-Moore	Forward	1962-1972
10	Martin O’Neill	Midfielder	1971-1980

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