Nottingham Forest is one of the most famous football clubs in England, with a proud history that includes two European Cup triumphs and numerous domestic honours. But like all great clubs, Forest has its fair share of rivals, with some matches taking on added significance due to the intensity of the rivalry.

In this article, we will take a closer look at Nottingham Forest’s biggest rivals, exploring the history of these rivalries and what they mean to the club and its supporters.

Derby County

The rivalry between Nottingham Forest and Derby County is among the most intense and long-standing in English football. The two clubs are located just a few miles apart and have been competing against each other since the late 19th century.

Jon Candy, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The first competitive meeting between the two sides was in 1892, and since then, they have faced each other over 100 times, with both clubs enjoying periods of success in the fixture.

Read: How Nottingham Forest dominated Europe 

However, it was the 1970s and early 80s that saw the rivalry between the two sides reach a fever pitch. During this period, both clubs were at the height of their powers, with Forest winning back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980 and Derby County challenging for the league title.

Matches between the two sides during this period were fiercely contested, with both sets of supporters desperate for bragging rights over their bitter rivals.

Despite the intensity of the rivalry, there is mutual respect between the two clubs, with many former players and managers having played for both sides.

Leicester City

The rivalry between Nottingham Forest and Leicester City’s another intense local derby. While the two clubs have not faced each other as frequently as Forest and Derby, matches between the two sides are always hotly contested.

The rivalry between the two clubs dates back to the 1940s when they were both challenging for the Second Division title. Since then, the two clubs have had contrasting fortunes, with Forest enjoying periods of success in the top flight while Leicester has often struggled in the lower leagues.

However, the rivalry between the two sides has remained strong, with supporters eager to get one over on their local rivals.

Notts County

While Nottingham Forest’s rivalry with Notts County may not be as intense as its rivalries with Derby and Leicester, it is still an important fixture for both supporters.

Notts County is located just a few miles from the City Ground, and matches between the two sides are often referred to as the “Nottingham Derby.” While the two clubs have not faced each other as frequently as Forest and Derby, the matches are still fiercely contested.

The rivalry between the two clubs dates back to the late 19th century, with both sides challenging for local and national honours. While Notts County has not enjoyed the same level of success as Forest in recent years, matches between the two sides remain important to both sets of supporters.

Wrapping up 

Nottingham Forest has a long and proud history, and its rivalries with Derby County, Leicester City, and Notts County are an important part of that history. Matches between the two sides are often fiercely contested, with both sets of supporters desperate for bragging rights over their bitter rivals.

While the intensity of these rivalries may have lessened in recent years, they remain an important fixture for both Forest and its supporters, and they will continue to be a key part of the club’s history for years to come.