Lewis Grabban has cemented his status as a cult hero at Nottingham Forest, and while his playing days are behind him, he remains closely involved with the club, now working alongside Warren Joyce with the B-Team.
Grabban played a crucial role in Forest’s promotion to the Premier League during the 2021/22 season, netting vital goals before an injury sidelined him for the final stretch.
In total, the former striker scored an impressive 56 goals and registered 10 assists in 149 appearances at the City Ground. A natural leader, he was widely regarded as the team’s captain and a key figure in the dressing room during his time with the club.
Now part of Forest’s academy coaching setup, Grabban frequently attends first-team games. On Saturday, he was at Old Trafford to witness Forest’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Manchester United, their first win at the iconic stadium in 30 years.
Grabban’s cheeky dig at United
Following the historic win, Grabban couldn’t resist a lighthearted jab at Manchester United. He posted a photo of the Old Trafford scoreboard on Instagram, accompanied by a wink emoji – a subtle but cheeky nod towards one of the biggest names in world football.
Since leaving Forest after their promotion, Grabban had a brief stint in Saudi Arabia before returning to the club in a coaching role. Now firmly embedded in the academy setup, he was among many associated with Forest who savoured Saturday’s victory.
This result is emblematic of a new wave of optimism at Forest. For the first time since their Premier League return three seasons ago, the team seems to have genuine belief.
Under Nuno Espirito Santo’s guidance, Forest approach every game with a clear strategy, and their recent performances have showcased their ability to compete against the league’s best.
Victories over Liverpool in September and now Manchester United demonstrate that Forest are no longer simply fighting to survive—they are intent on making their mark. Sitting fifth after 15 games, there’s still a long way to go, but the mood around the club is buoyant.
Grabban won’t have been the only one celebrating a memorable night at Old Trafford. For Forest fans, it was a moment to savour and one that will live long in their memories. It’s another sign of how far the club has come as they continue to grow in confidence and ambition.
