Nottingham Forest go up against Premier League rivals Aston Villa in the Europa League semi finals this evening. And the class of 2025 are using the club’s glorious past as fuel for the fire.
Every time Ola Aina sees John McGovern at training, he delivers the same cheeky reminder. The Forest full back can’t help himself.
“He’s a Champions League winner,” Aina jokes. “As much as it’s a joke, it reminds us the club has a rich history and we are working hard to add our own history.”
McGovern, of course, was one of Brian Clough’s Miracle Men. European Cup winner. Twice. The club ambassador is a regular observer at the Nigel Doughty Academy, and he’s living proof of what’s possible for Vitor Pereira’s men.
Aina isn’t laughing when he says this next bit.
“With the players we have, the staff, team and everyone around the club, it’s not a far fetched dream to have. We are working towards those types of objectives.”
‘NOBODY CAN TAKE THAT AWAY’
Forest are eight unbeaten in all competitions heading into tonight’s first leg at the City Ground (8pm kick off). They’ve found their groove under Pereira, the club’s fourth head coach of the season, believe it or not.
Aina reckons the Portuguese has made all the difference.
“He’s brought his ideas in and I felt like they resonated with a lot of the players,” the full back said. “It was easy for us to buy into what he wants.
“He had a clear vision of the goals that he wants as well. Everyone has bought into it and it’s working. Long may it continue.”
A win over Villa would put Forest within touching distance of a European final. A trophy? That would be something else entirely.
“To win a trophy would be fantastic, amazing,” Aina admitted. “To say you’ve contributed to something like that is something nobody can take away. Hopefully this is another stepping stone and we can get it done.”
‘A MASSIVE NIGHT FOR THE CLUB’
This evening’s clash is a proper all Premier League affair. Villa stand in Forest’s way. The winner faces either Athletic Bilbao or Lyon in the final.
“It’s definitely a special game,” said Aina. “It’s a massive night for the club and the majority of the players in the dressing room. Everyone is relishing being a part of this occasion.”
McGovern will be watching, no doubt. And if Aina sees him afterwards? You can guarantee the same joke will come out again.
Only this time, it might not be a joke at all.
