Nottingham Forest are proving many doubters wrong this season, and Gary Lineker is among those eating their words.
Under the guidance of Nuno Espirito Santo, the Reds are defying expectations and pushing for European football in what has been a remarkable second campaign for the manager.
After 15 Premier League games, Forest sit impressively in fifth place, a position few would have predicted at the start of the season.
Broadcaster Sam Matterface initially tipped them for relegation but quickly reversed his stance early in the campaign. Now, Lineker has openly admitted his error in forecasting a doomed season for Forest.
Gary Lineker Explains His Relegation Prediction
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker revealed the reasoning behind his pre-season prediction, admitting it was less analytical and more tongue-in-cheek.
“Fifth in the table, Nottingham Forest. I mean, Nuno Espirito Santo has done an extraordinary job, really; I mean, nobody could have… I picked them to go down only because I didn’t want to put Leicester in.
“I suddenly just thought and there obviously a rival so it’s a little bit of a joke, but how foolish of me. What an idiot.”
While Lineker might have intended his prediction as a light-hearted jab, Forest’s performance has shown the folly of underestimating them.
With key signings like Elliot Anderson—poached from Newcastle in a deal that reflected both savvy management and Newcastle’s PSR challenges—Forest have built a squad capable of competing at the top end of the table.
Owning Up to His Mistake
Lineker has not shied away from owning up to his error, previously apologising to Forest fans for his misguided pre-season call. Last month, he praised the club’s impressive turnaround under Nuno’s leadership.
“They deserve a lot of praise and what a job Nuno has done since he’s been there.
“It’s refreshing to see a club like Forest flying like that, hopefully, I say through clenched teeth, they continue to do well.
“I can’t believe I tipped them to go down. What an idiot! Apologies to all Nottingham Forest fans, I’m a fool!”
Lineker’s self-deprecating admission underscores just how far Forest have come this season, solidifying their place among the league’s most surprising stories.
