2006 Nottingham Forest Home – Large

The 2005–06 season was a sobering and historically significant campaign for Nottingham Forest, one of England’s most storied clubs. Managed initially by Gary Megson and later by Frank Barlow (as caretaker), Forest endured a deeply difficult year that ended in relegation from the Championship to League One — the first time in the club’s history they fell to the third tier of English football.

Forest finished 23rd in the Championship, struggling throughout the season with inconsistency, defensive frailty, and a lack of cutting edge in attack. Despite moments of resilience, the club failed to build momentum, and a damaging run of results in the second half of the season sealed their fate. Relegation was confirmed late in the campaign, marking a painful low point for a club twice crowned champions of Europe under Brian Clough.

In domestic cup competitions, Forest were eliminated early, offering little respite from league struggles. The season became a symbol of mismanagement and identity crisis — a far cry from the club’s illustrious past, but also a moment that would later be viewed as the bottom before a slow, determined rebuild.

The 2005–06 Nottingham Forest home kit, produced by Umbro, remained faithful to tradition during turbulent times. It featured Forest’s iconic Garibaldi red base, a clean white collar, subtle white trim on the sleeves, and the Capital One sponsor across the chest. Classic and understated, the shirt reflected heritage and dignity, standing in contrast to the turmoil on the pitch. Today, it is remembered as a poignant emblem of a club enduring hardship while clinging to its identity.

2. Full Squad List (Nottingham Forest – 2005–06 Season)

Managers: Gary Megson, Frank Barlow (caretaker)

Goalkeepers:
Paul Smith, Darren Ward, Alan Julian

Defenders:
Wes Morgan, Julian Bennett, David Prutton, John Curtis, Paul Parry, Chris Coyne, Andy Dawson, Craig Westcarr (also forward)

Midfielders:
David Johnson, James Perch, Eugen Bopp, Curtis Woodhouse, Gareth Williams, Paul Smith (midfield appearances), Jean-Claude Darcheville (brief spell), Kris Commons

Forwards:
Marlon Harewood (early season), Nathan Tyson, Gary Taylor-Fletcher, Craig Westcarr, Paul Hart (youth involvement)

Note: Squad usage fluctuated heavily due to injuries, loans, and managerial changes throughout the season.