Nottinghamshire sport has thrived in 2024 after a previous tough year, writes Sport Editor Henry Green.
This year we have seen a sharp uprise in form from both Nottingham Forest and Notts County – alongside the introduction of Forest’s Netball team.
Nottingham Forest’s women’s football club moved to the City Ground in West Bridgford and have since been unbeaten in the league.
On the rink, Nottingham remembered Panthers forward Adam Johnson one year on from his death.
Forest’s comeback year
Nottingham Forest have had a much improved year under new manager Nuno Espirito Santo after just managing to stay up by a thread last season.
After leading Forest to Premier League safety, the Portuguese manager has guided the Reds to fourth place – having beaten the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham.
The club finished just four points above the relegation places in the 2022/23 season and finished six points above the drop last season.
Improvements at the back – with a defensive duo of summer signing Milenkovic and Brazilian Murillo – now means Forest boast the third best defence in the league.
A decent year for County
Notts County have also enjoyed a fine season so far as they sit just two points outside the top three teams in League Two.
After initially struggling to find results, the Magpies’ head coach Stuart Maynard has found his feet after his first pre-season with the club.
Following the departure of former head coach Luke Williams in January, County’s form went on a sharp downturn – with fans calling for Maynard’s sacking towards the end of last season.
However, the Magpies started this season well and were unbeaten in August.
Despite a slump in recent weeks, wins against Bradford and MK Dons have pushed the side back into the play-offs.
More good news is on the way for County with the return of playmaker Jodi Jones said to be just around the corner.
Forest’s new netball side
Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest Netball was introduced – with the side led by former Vitality Rose, Chelsea Pitman.
It will be the squads inaugural season in the 2025 Netball Super League, with the likes of Jayda Pechova – an England Rose at the age of 20 – and Scotland international Iona Christian signing for the club.
Nottingham Forest Netball team will play all their home games at the city’s Motorpoint Arena. The league is expected to begin in March 2025.
Preparations for the new season began in October with the new adventure for Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis – expanding his sporting portfolio.
Forest Women’s side move to City Ground
Sticking with Forest’s successful year, the team’s women’s side relocated to the City Ground this season, where they have been unbeaten in the league.
The move signifies another significant step forward for the club as it looks to attract more fans of women’s football.
After missing out on the top spot in the Women’s National League last season, the club are now first in the league, having won nine games and drew two from their eleven games this season.
The squad has been bolstered with additions such as Amy Sims from Derby and the signing of former Blackburn midfielder Millie Chandarana as they look to get promoted to the Championship.
Remembering Adam Johnson one year on
This year, Nottingham Panthers remembered forward Adam Johnson one year on from his death.
The 29-year-old suffered a fatal neck injury in a collision with Sheffield Steelers’ Matt Petgrave on 28 October 2023.
His shirt number, 47, has been retired by the club and a plaque has been installed in Johnson’s memory outside the Motorpoint Arena.
Flowers and tributes were also laid outside the arena before Panthers game against Manchester Storm in October.
During the game the arena observed a 47 second applause to honour Johnson’s memory.
Featured Image Credit: Nottingham Panthers