Has Nottingham Forest ever played in the Premier League?
Yes.The Tricky Trees were inaugural members of the Premier League when it replaced the old First Division as the highest tier of English football in 1992. However, the 1992/93 season was to be their last under ‘Ol’ Big Head’ Brian Clough and, following the sale of Teddy Sheringham – who, ironically would become the leading goalscorer – Forest finished bottom of the table with just 40 points.
However, after just one season in what was now the First Division, the Reds were promoted back to the Premier League under new manager Frank Clark in 1993/94. Remarkably, they finished third in the Premier League in 1994/95, albeit 11 points behind second-placed Manchester United, thereby qualifying for the UEFA Cup. Despite selling Stan Collymore, Forest were unbeaten after twelve games of the 1995/96 season and eventually finished ninth, with 58 points.
By contrast, a dismal start to the 1996/97 season saw the departure of Frank Clark, who was replaced, temporarily, by Stuart Pearce and, permanently, by Dave Bassett. Nevertheless, Forest finished bottom of the table, again, with just 34 points. Once again, though, they were promoted from the First Division at the first time of asking. However, the return to the Premier League was short-lived and, after a series of embarrassing defeats, including an 8-1 loss to Manchester United, Forest finished bottom, yet again, with a dismal 30 points.