Nottingham Forest Legends Rankings
Forest Legends
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
-
Viv Anderson (1974–1984)
A locally born full-back who emerged from Forest's youth system and became a major figure in the club's most successful era. Anderson won the First Division title and two European Cups with Forest, while his England debut in 1978 became a landmark moment in English football history.
Viv Anderson during Ajax against Nottingham Forest in the 1980 European Cup Image: Koen Suyk / Anefo, Nationaal Archief / CC0, via Wikimedia Commons -
Garry Birtles (1976–1980, 1982–1987)
A hard-working and prolific forward who rose rapidly from non-league football to become a European Cup winner with Forest. Birtles played in both European Cup-winning campaigns and scored twice in the 1979 League Cup final victory over Southampton.
-
Kenny Burns (1977–1981)
Signed as a forward before becoming a formidable central defender under Brian Clough, Burns was central to Forest's extraordinary rise. He helped win the league title and two European Cups and was named the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year in 1978.
Kenny Burns in the 1980 European Cup against Ajax. Image: Koen Suyk / Anefo, Nationaal Archief / CC0, via Wikimedia Commons -
John Robertson (1970–1983, 1985–1986)
A brilliant left winger regarded as one of the outstanding players of Forest's golden era. Robertson supplied the cross for Trevor Francis to win the 1979 European Cup final and then scored the winning goal himself against Hamburg in the 1980 final.
Forest legend John Robertson, pictured in 1980. Image: Hans van Dijk / Anefo, Nationaal Archief / CC0, via Wikimedia Commons -
Trevor Francis (1979–1981)
Britain's first million-pound footballer became immortal in Forest history within months of arriving at the City Ground. Francis scored the winning goal against Malmö in the 1979 European Cup final and also contributed to the successful defence of the trophy the following season.
Trevor Francis in Amsterdam before Nottingham Forest's European Cup semi-final against Ajax in 1980 Image: Hans van Dijk / Anefo, Nationaal Archief / CC0, via Wikimedia Commons -
Nigel Clough (1984–1993, 1996–1997)
An intelligent forward and attacking midfielder who became one of Forest's leading players during the later Brian Clough years. He was a consistent goalscorer, won major domestic honours with the club and later returned for a second spell.
Nigel Clough, pictured in 2009. Image: Chris Barnes / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons -
Stan Collymore (1993–1995)
An explosive striker whose pace, strength and spectacular finishing made him one of the outstanding players of Forest's mid-1990s revival. Collymore helped fire the club back into the Premier League and then to third place in the top flight.
Stan Collymore pictured in July 2008. Image: Nicksarebi / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons -
John McGovern (1974–1982)
Brian Clough's trusted midfield leader and captain during the greatest period in Forest history. McGovern lifted the First Division championship and captained the club to consecutive European Cup victories in 1979 and 1980.
John McGovern, former Nottingham Forest captain, pictured in 2007. Image: Christophe95 / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons -
Stuart Pearce (1985–1997)
An inspirational left-back, captain and free-kick specialist whose commitment made him one of the most popular Forest players of his generation. Pearce spent twelve years at the City Ground and led the side through some of its most memorable cup campaigns.
Stuart Pearce, former Forest player and manager. Image: Austin Osuide / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons -
Peter Shilton (1977–1982)
One of England's greatest goalkeepers, Shilton was a commanding presence behind Forest's championship-winning defence. During his five years at the City Ground he won the league title and consecutive European Cups.
Peter Shilton, former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper. Image: Joebloggsy at English Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons -
Bob McKinlay (1951–1969)
A remarkably durable centre-half whose long service made him one of the defining figures of post-war Forest. McKinlay holds the club record for league appearances and was part of the team that won the FA Cup in 1959.
Bob McKinlay, former Nottingham Forest defender. Image: Flimda / CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons -
Des Walker (1984–1992, 2002–2005)
An exceptionally quick and accomplished central defender who became a cornerstone of Forest's defence and an England international. Walker won major domestic honours during his first spell and returned to the City Ground late in his career.
Des Walker pictured in 2003. Image: Holdenbuckley / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Overall ranking based on 21 fan submissions.
