Nottingham Forest stats say, a name that reverberates with a rich history of English football, stands as proof of moments of sheer brilliance and resilient resurgence. The club boasts a history few can rival, etched indelibly with the managerial genius of Brian Clough and Peter Taylor. It was under their stewardship in the late 1970s and early 1980s that Forest achieved the seemingly impossible back-to-back European Cup triumphs in 1979 and 1980, a feat that places them in an elite cadre of continental champions. Beyond their European exploits, the Reds have also lifted the First Division title, multiple FA Cups, and an impressive four League Cups. The City Ground, their venerable home since 1898, has witnessed generations of passionate support, embodying the club's deep roots within its community.
Nottingham Forest Top Scorers of all time
Rank
Player
Goals
Appearances
Years Active
1
Grenville Morris
217
460
1898–1913
2
Nigel Clough
131
403
1984–1993, 1996
3
Wally Ardron
124
182
1949–1955
4
Johnny Dent
122
199
1929–1936
5
Ian Storey-Moore
118
236
1962–1972
6
Enoch West
100
185
1905–1910
7
Garry Birtles
96
211
1976–1980, 1982–1987
8
Ian Bowyer
96
564
1973–1981, 1982–1987
9
John Robertson
95
514
1970–1983, 1985–1986
10
Tommy Wilson
89
217
1951–1960
Nottingham Forest Top Scorers of all time
10. Tommy Wilson
Tommy Wilson lit up the 1950s with dazzling wing play and a keen eye for goal. Nottingham Forest stats reflect scoring 89 goals in 217 games. He was one of Nottingham Forest top scorers and a fan favourite for his flair and creativity. Though often overshadowed by later legends, his contribution to Forest's legacy remains deeply cherished by the faithful.
9. John Robertson
One of Nottingham Forest scorers, the beating heart of Forest’s left flank, John Robertson, was pure magic. With a wand of a left foot and ice-cold nerves, he was Clough’s maestro. Following Nottingham Forest stats, his 95 goals and countless assists helped Forest conquer Europe twice. He is a genius in boots.
8. Ian Bowyer
One of Nottingham Forest scorers, Mr. Reliable, Ian Bowyer, was the quiet engine behind Forest’s success in the '70s and '80s. With 96 goals across a mammoth 564 games, he combined tactical intelligence with tireless work rate. A two-time European Cup winner, Bowyer remains one of the club’s most underrated yet vital figures.
7. Garry Birtles
A local boy turned European champion, Garry Birtles, embodied Forest’s golden era under Brian Clough. Known for his pace, composure, and sharp finishing, he played a pivotal role in Forest’s back-to-back European Cup triumphs. His 96 goals remain a testament to his consistency and class in big moments.
6. Enoch West
A powerful and controversial figure of the early 1900s, Enoch West was known for his aggressive forward play and knack for finding the net. His 100 goals in just 185 appearances made him a lethal finisher. Despite a turbulent end to his career, his impact at Forest remains unforgettable.
5. Ian Storey-Moore
Ian Storey-Moore was a thrilling presence on the pitch, dazzling fans with his pace and flair. Scoring 118goals in 236 appearances, he made defenders look foolish and crowds erupt. A natural showman with lethal intent, he remains one of the most entertaining forwards to wear the Garibaldi red.
4. Johnny Dent
Johnny Dent lit up the 1910s with his sharp instincts and deadly eye for goal. One of Nottingham Forest all time top scorers in 199 games, he found the net 122 times, often creating space out of nothing. Nottingham Forest stats tell that his ability to unlock defences with clever footwork made him a pioneer in Forest’s attacking history.
3. Wally Ardron
One of Nottingham Forest top goal scorers, Wally Ardron, became a post-war talisman for Forest, netting 124 goals in just 189 appearances. A powerful centre-forward, he thrived on physical duels and clinical headers. Nottingham Forest stats say his goalscoring touch helped lift spirits during tough times, securing him a lasting place in the club’s folklore.
2. Nigel Clough
Nigel Clough, son of the legendary Brian Clough, carved out his storied career in red. With 131 goals in 403 appearances, he blended finesse, vision, and lethal finishing. Revered for his footballing intelligence and loyalty, Nigel was the heartbeat of Forest through an era of highs and lows.
1. Grenville Morris
Nottingham Forest player stats say Grenville Morris was a scoring machine at the dawn of Forest’s history and Nottingham Forest all-time top scorers. Bagging 217 goals in 460 games between 1898 and 1913, his instinctive finishing and cool composure made him a nightmare for defenders. Even more than a century later, his legacy as Forest’s greatest scorer remains untouched.
Nottingham Forest Stats Competition-Wise
Nottingham Forest's performance in major competitions over various eras highlights their goal-scoring prowess and defensive resilience. Nottingham Forest stats show a journey through English football is one marked by stark contrasts, periods of unparalleled glory juxtaposed with stretches of challenging recalibration. The late 1970s, under the charismatic Brian Clough, represented the absolute zenith. That 1977-78 First Division title, achieved with an astonishingly parsimonious defence that conceded just 24 goals, laid the foundation for an unprecedented European assault. The subsequent back-to-back European Cup triumphs in 1979 and 1980 weren't just about snatching victory; they were built on an almost impenetrable backline that stifled Europe's elite, allowing a mere handful of goals across those monumental campaigns.
Competition
Season(s)
Goals Scored
Goals Conceded
First Div / PL
1977–1999
231 (69+60+72+30)
151 (24+26+41+60)
Second Div / Champ
1906–2022
167 (94+73)
83 (43+40)
Third Div / L1
1950–2008
174 (110+64)
80 (41+39)
FA Cup
1897–1991
-
-
League Cup
1977–1990
--
European Cup
1978–1980
23 (13+10)
6 (3+3)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nottingham Forest's all-time top scorer?
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Grenville Morris leads the charts with 217 goals in 460 appearances between 1898 and 1913.
What is Nottingham Forest’s greatest European achievement?
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Forest won back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980 under Brian Clough.
Which manager led Nottingham Forest to their most successful era?
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Brian Clough, alongside Peter Taylor, orchestrated Forest's golden era in the late '70s and early '80s.
How many League Cups has Nottingham Forest won?
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The club has lifted the League Cup four times in 1978, 1979, 1989, and 1990.
When did Nottingham Forest last win promotion to the Premier League?
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They secured promotion via the Championship play-offs in the 2021-22 season.
What was Forest’s best Premier League finish?
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In the 1994-95 season, Forest finished 3rd, scoring an impressive 72 goals.