Nottingham Forest are back in the Premier League after their worst start to a season in 108 years. A magnificent, long-awaited moment arrived on May 29, 2021.

Thousands of fans packed Wembley Stadium to witness Nottingham Forest’s biggest moment of the last two decades.

Some screamed, some cheered, some laughed, some cried, and others were just speechless. 

Forest's last season in the Premier League was 23 years ago. Some fans were not even born yet. Some people are too young to recall. Some people remember the agony of being relegated. Many people have witnessed the pain of the Championship play-offs and the lows of League One.

The wait is finally over. Every Forest supporter will have reflected on prior disappointments and failures, knowing that the final whistle was the only thing that might convince them they would be promoted.

The red side of Wembley erupted as Forest held on to a 1-0 lead. Strangers hugged, many sobbed, and a lot of people drank late into the night.

Nottingham Forest have had their best season in many years, and this season review explores how.

Steve Cooper

Embed from Getty Images

Fans were generally pleased with Steve Cooper's arrival in September, but there were some reservations.

Swansea City fans were outspoken in their disapproval of the Welshman's methods and described him as "boring" and "negative" as a manager.

Dane Murphy, on the other hand, was looking for a manager who could take a team to the play-offs, and with Cooper having led Swansea into the top six in each of the previous two seasons, he was confident that he had found him.

Steve Cooper's first message to Nottingham Forest fans was a delight to hear, and it's fascinating to reflect on now that the season is over.

He wrote: “This is a squad with lots of potential. Results have not been as you would have wished in recent weeks and we understand that we have to win the faith of our supporters.

“Nevertheless, I can see from my first session that this is a strong squad of players who want to do well. I hope that very soon we will be delivering performances and results of which you can be proud.

“My approach to management throughout my time coaching in the junior and senior game has been to play attacking, creative football. That will not change. From speaking to those who love Forest and hold dear its traditions and history, I recognise that this is a club that demands a style and a verve in keeping with its greatest days under its greatest manager. I hardly need to tell you that this club have been out of English football’s top-flight for far too long.”

Forest had lost six of their first eight games before Steve Cooper came, with the lone win coming under first-team coach Steven Reid shortly before Cooper's arrival.

Reid switched Forest's back four to a back five for his one game in command, and the result was Forest's first win of the season, a 2-0 victory over Huddersfield.

Steve Cooper used the formation and won four of his first five games in charge after drawing the first. Forest were not the same team they were under Chris Hughton, and relegation may not be their fate this season after dominating away wins at Barnsley and Birmingham City.

Forest and Steve Cooper were brought back to earth after a 4-0 home defeat to Fulham, realising that there was still a long way to go before they could be considered contenders in this division. 

Following that, Steve Cooper guided his team to a nine-game unbeaten run, during which he also defeated his former club, Swansea, 4-1 at the Swansea.com Stadium.

Forest supporters began to believe when the Reds were only one point outside of the play-offs midway through the season, but consecutive losses to Middlesbrough and Huddersfield foreshadowed a dismal Christmas for the Midlands club. Nevertheless, Forest had developed a resilient streak and went on to win three league games in a row.

A 2-1 loss away at Cardiff City set Forest back again, but a 2-0 win away at Blackburn Rovers followed, putting Forest inside the top six for the first time since 2020. 

From there, Steve Cooper guided Forest to a ten-game unbeaten run that saw them not only become clear play-off contenders, but also begin to push Bournemouth for the automatic promotion spots.

Bournemouth eventually started to drop points, and Forest found themselves three points behind the Cherries in second place, meaning a win over Bournemouth on the penultimate day of the season would put Forest in the automatic promotion spots on goal difference.

Forest would ultimately lose to Bournemouth before drawing with Hull City in the final game of the season, setting up a play-off tie with Sheffield United.

Forest won 2-1 in the first leg at Bramall Lane, but it should have been more. The Reds would go on to draw the play-off contest 3-3 on aggregate after scoring first in the second leg, forcing extra time and penalties.

They won 3-2 on penalties thanks to three penalty saves from Brice Samba. Forest fans will remember this as one of the most tense games ever played at the City Ground. Forest went through to the play-off final against Huddersfield Town.

For the first time in their history, Nottingham Forest took to the new Wembley Stadium. In the 43rd minute, Levi Colwill put the ball into his own net after a ball from James Garner and pressure from Ryan Yates. Forest had done it. Nottingham Forest were led to the Premier League by Steve Cooper.

The FA Cup run 

Forest fans were able to dream thanks to their FA Cup run. It was one thing to beat Arsenal 1-0 at the City Ground, but it was quite another to follow it up with a convincing victory against the holders Leicester City.

It was already a special event to welcome East Midlands rivals to the City Ground. Forest supporters might have expected a defeat, but a fun day out against a Premier League team. Nonetheless, a nine-minute period in which Forest scored three goals demonstrated to Reds fans that the team had progressed much above their expectations.

Nottingham Forest faced Huddersfield Town in the quarter-finals after defeating Leicester 4-1. Forest showed grit to come back from a goal down against a squad that had gone undefeated in 18 games at the time, advancing to the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1996.

Forest ultimately came short against Liverpool, losing 1-0 at the City Ground. However, it was due to important refereeing decisions and squandered opportunities, not a lack of effort or skill.

Forest gave a fantastic performance against the recent European champions and were disappointed not to have advanced to the FA Cup semi-finals. The Reds had come that far.

Transfer business

James Garner

The Manchester United loanee had a key role in Nottingham Forest's 2021/22 season, returning to the City Ground after a loan spell in 2020/21.

Embed from Getty Images

With four goals and 11 assists in all competitions, the 20-year-old demonstrated how crucial he could be offensively for the Reds, providing key moments throughout the season.

Speaking of key, the England under-21 international also registered 83 key passes in the Championship - more than any other player aged 20 and under across England’s top four divisions. 

Despite many key passes coming from set-pieces, Garner has a lot of assists from corners and free-kicks, which has made him a big part of Nottingham Forest's success.

Djed Spence 

Djed Spence, like Garner, was loaned in during the summer transfer window. Middlesbrough loaned out the 21-year-old, and he instantly became a fan favourite.

Embed from Getty Images

Throughout the season, Spence had a number of memorable moments. His first goal came in an exhilarating 3-0 away win against Birmingham City, followed by his first assist in a 3-0 win over Barnsley.

The youngster scored a crucial goal in Forest's 4-1 FA Cup win against Leicester City to bury the Foxes, as well as a stunning goal against Queens Park Rangers to level the game, which Forest went on to win 3-1.

In all competitions, the wing-back finished the season with three goals and four assists, although he brought much more to Forest than goal involvements.

Only James Garner (83) and Brennan Johnson (59) made more key passes this season than Djed Spence (40). Spence (76) completed more dribbles than any other Nottingham Forest player, and only Sam Surridge has earned more penalties for the club (2).

In terms of defence, only Joe Worrall (72) completed more interceptions than the Middlesbrough loanee (65). Throughout the season, the wing-back made 47 clearances and did not make an error that resulted in a goal.

Philip Zinckernagel 

Philip Zinckernagel was also brought in on a loan basis and made a strong impression. Since joining Nottingham Forest, the Watford loanee has been utilised in his preferred No 10 position.

Embed from Getty Images

Although the Danish playmaker has battled to emerge as a major player at times this season, only Brennan Johnson (27) has more goals and assists than Zinckernagel (17) in all competitions.

Zinckernagel recorded more shots on goal per game (2.1) than any other Forest player, and only Brennan Johnson produced more big chances (15) than the 27-year-old (7).

Zinckernagel had several memorable performances, including two assists in a 3-0 win against Birmingham and a goal and an assist in the 3-1 win at Barnsley, but his best performance was arguably the FA Cup victory over Leicester City.

The Watford loanee set the tone for the big win over the former FA Cup holders with the opening goal before assisting the fourth. Zinckernagel had two shots on goal and made three key passes, demonstrating his effectiveness in his preferred position.

Max Lowe

When it appeared like Forest would struggle to fill the left wing-back position, Max Lowe joined on loan from Sheffield United.

Embed from Getty Images

Lowe's ability to move forward with purpose was always obvious, and after an assist in his debut game for the club and a goal in Steve Cooper's first game, it was clear Forest had a real wing-back on their hands.

The 25-year-old might have flourished even more for the Reds if it hadn't been for two big injuries, but his contribution was just as crucial as anyone else's in the group.

Lowe concluded the season with four goals, one assist, and one key pass per game in 19 starts. The defensive statistics of the wingbacks, on the other hand, were as impressive.

The Sheffield United loanee averaged 3.7 tackles per game this season. To put it in perspective, Danny Drinkwater had the most tackles per game among Championship players who played 50 percent or more of their team's games, with 2.9 tackles per game.

Lowe also made 1.6 clearances and completed 1.5 interceptions per game, demonstrating his defensive prowess.

Forest are thought to be "reasonably confident" that they will be able to sign Lowe on a permanent basis. Despite having had an injury-hit season, Steve Cooper holds the 25-year-old in high respect.

Ethan Horvath

The American goalkeeper joined on a free transfer from Club Brugge in July and soon established himself as a capable backup.

Embed from Getty Images

After a rocky game under Chris Hughton, it appeared that the gloves belonged to Brice Samba. However, after Samba’s straight red card against Stoke City, Horvath had the chance to prove himself with two games.

Against Preston North End and Bristol City, the 26-year-old made a total of five saves, three punches, and two high claims while preserving two clean sheets.

Horvath stayed in goal when Samba was cleared to play again, with the USA ‘keeper playing in vital FA Cup games against Huddersfield and Liverpool.

Since playing for Steve Cooper, the shot-stopper hasn't put a foot wrong, and he even made a cameo appearance in the play-off final. Forest supporters may rest assured that they will be sending a strong backup goalkeeper to the Premier League.

Steve Cook

It was critical to enhance aspects of the squad and add what was required to push on in the second half of the season during the January transfer window. Forest did precisely that.

From the start, Steve Cook added skill and expertise to this group. He is not just a powerful and devoted defender, but he is also confident on the ball and has a wide range of passing options from the back. With Joe Worrall and Scott McKenna, the 31-year-old developed a strong central defensive partnership that bolstered the defence.

Embed from Getty Images

Cook had 1.6 interceptions per game, 4.5 clearances per game, and 4.4 duels won per game by the end of the season. Forest's central defender won all six aerial duels he faced and produced six clearances in the play-off final, assisting his team to victory.

The centre half was brought in for more than simply his talent. With the addition of a player who captained Bournemouth in the Championship and Premier League, Steve Cooper wanted to bring more leadership to the group.

Since joining Forest in January, Cook has established himself as a leader both on and off the field. He's been dubbed "captain without the armband" by many fans.

During his tenure in Dorset, the 31-year-old started 351 league games for Bournemouth in the Premier League, Championship, and League One, and has brought that expertise to Nottingham, where he has played 20 games in the heart of the defence since January.

Keinan Davis

Keinan Davis, on loan from Aston Villa, was another January acquisition. Fans questioned what the striker would add to the team after he scored three goals in 73 games for Aston Villa, split between the Premier League and the Championship.

Pace, power and goals is the short answer. 

Embed from Getty Images

Davis had everything you need in a striker from the outset. Defenders bounce off him, he holds the ball up precisely, and he selects the appropriate pass. The 24-year-old completed eight out of nine dribbles and won eleven ground duels in his second game for Forest.

Davis had four goal involvements by his seventh game for Nottingham Forest - one more than he had in his 73 appearances for Aston Villa.

Davis scored Forest's second quickest goal in their history in just 17 seconds a few games later, before adding his second later that day to complete a brace.

In 14 starts, the Aston Villa loanee had five goals and two assists, while also creating six big chances for the Reds. 

Forest will meet with Aston Villa to discuss the potential of making Davis' January loan move permanent, according to reports. The strong, cerebral striker is regarded as a player capable of playing at the highest level.

Sam Surridge

Fans viewed Sam Surridge as a risky player. It didn't work out for the striker at Bournemouth, and it didn't work out for him at Stoke. Surridge spent time with Stoke's under-23 team after moving to the Bet365 stadium for a reported £2.2 million.

Embed from Getty Images

Surridge had to wait a long time after joining Nottingham Forest for his first start, which came against Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup. Surridge equalised with a stunning finish to begin his Forest career.

In eight starts for Nottingham Forest, the forward finished the season with eight goals and two assists, including an emphatic hat-trick against former club Swansea City, which was his first career hat-trick.

Surridge became crucial to Nottingham Forest after Lewis Grabban and Keinan Davis were sidelined, starting seven of the Reds' remaining nine games with direct involvement in seven goals.

It's hard to imagine Forest would be in the Premier League right now if they hadn't taken a chance on Surridge.

Turning point

Many points during the season felt like a turning point for Nottingham Forest. Forest's 2-1 win over Bristol City after being down 1-0 in stoppage time felt uncharacteristic with such a turnaround.

Forest's 91st-minute equaliser against Queens Park Rangers was unlike Forest of recent times. Forest's 4-1 victory over Swansea at their own backyard was atypical. Returning from the international break and thrashing Blackpool felt quite different for Forest.

However, there was one game that might be considered the turning point, and that was Huddersfield away.

Embed from Getty Images

Forest supporters had forgotten how good it felt to win a league match. It's not just that they hadn’t won in seven games this season; this went all the way back to last season, when they had a six-game losing run. It was September, and Forest hadn't won a league game since April.

It was the first game without Chris Hughton, and Steven Reid had the task of reviving the team. Forest were switched to a back three by the first team coach, and the team that hadn't won a league game in 13 attempts  appeared ready to play football.

Forest took the lead early on thanks to a Lewis Grabban header, and instead of resting on their laurels, they went for a second and got it. 

The Reds had not only won their first game since April, but they had done it comfortably. From that point on, Steve Cooper took over as manager, and no other side in the league took more points than Nottingham Forest.

Player of the season

Brennan Johnson

This is a difficult question to answer. Every player could have been in with a shout. It came down to Scott McKenna and Brennan Johnson, though, and the 21-year-old edged it.

Embed from Getty Images

It's impossible to overlook a player who scored 19 goals and registered ten assists in all competitions while still being only 20 years old for the majority of the season.

Johnson may not have been as active in some games, but it was more due to the opposition doubling-up on him because of the threat he posed.

Johnson had an influence in numerous games and became the first Nottingham Forest player to score in both legs of a play-off semi-final since his father David Johnson in 2003, demonstrating how important he can be in big games.

In the Championship, Johnson led Nottingham Forest in goals (16), assists (10), shots on target per game (0.8), and big chances created (15). Only James Garner (2) registered more key passes per game than Brennan Johnson (1.3).

Despite just playing 66 minutes, Johnson's best performance came in Forest's 4-1 victory over Blackpool. Within 11 minutes, the forward assisted Philip Zinckernagel's goal, and by the 36th minute, he had scored a six-minute brace. The youngster's bow and arrow celebration was born here.

Embed from Getty Images

He finished the game with an 81 percent pass success rate after completing two successful dribbles and two key passes. The forward even chipped in with a clearance and interception.

Johnson then went on to get eight goal involvements (G5, A3) in 12 games.

Forest's top goalscorer was named the Championship Young Player of the Year at the end of the season and was a key player in Nottingham Forest's promotion to the Premier League.

Most improved player

Ryan Yates

Embed from Getty Images

It's no secret that Ryan Yates has sparked heated debate among Nottingham Forest supporters over the previous few years.

Yates has demonstrated the passion, heart, grit, and tenacity that every fan desires, in addition to being a local player.

Some Forest fans believed that the effort and postcode were insufficient and desired a player in that position to propel Forest further up the leagues.

It's tough to deny that the 24-year-old has improved by leaps and bounds this season, regardless of how you felt about Yates before this season. He is a Premier League midfielder now, after all.

Steve Cooper aided Yates in honing his all-round skills and improving the areas of his game that fans found frustrating.

When Forest played Bournemouth at home at the start of the season, for example, you could simply point out when Yates would spin around and find a negative pass.

Since Cooper's arrival, however, Yates has been a bulldozer, tearing through opponent midfielders and creating chances for the team to advance.

The eye test reveals how far Yates has progressed, but statistics also tell the story.

The midfielder has scored a total of six goals for Forest across the last three Championship seasons. He has eight goals this season alone. Only Lewis Grabban and Brennan Johnson have scored more goals in the Championship this season than Yates.

Last season, Yates created a total of 15 chances, whereas this season, he created 23. The 24-year-old has kept the same pass succession (79%) but completed 265 more passes this season (1,319) than last (1,054).  

This season, Yates has completed more tackles than last. During the previous season, the midfielder averaged 1.6 tackles per game, but this year he averaged 1.9 tackles per game.

Yates' clearances increased from 64 to 80 this season, and his interceptions increased from 37 to 50.

Ryan Yates has gone from scapegoat to hero this season, and he deserves all the praise for his tremendous improvement. He was a League One loanee not long ago and is now a Premier League player for his hometown club, Nottingham Forest.