Nottingham Forest told to build 45,000-seat stadium after U-turn

Nottingham Forest have long faced uncertainty about where they will be playing football in the future, with both a new stadium and a City Ground revamp considered.

Reports last year (2024) suggested owner Evangelos Marinakis was considering moving Forest to a new build outside the city centre, in Toton.

But the club have since resolved a dispute over the freehold at their current City Ground home, which has been their stadium since 1898.

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has responded to a new development in Forest’s quest to expand.

Nottingham Forest have made stadium U-turn, says Wyness

According to The Athletic (17 February), Forest are “inching towards” starting their stadium rebuild with the Peter Taylor Stand – with work expected to start in summer 2026.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted he hopes the final capacity of the City Ground will end up at 40-45,000.

The ex-Everton CEO claimed it is “one of football’s great venues”.

He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “I don’t think they’re even looking at a new stadium any more.

“They’ll be looking at the City Ground plans now, drawing up the planning permission and putting things in place.

“I really hope it happens, I hope Forest can get a showpiece stadium to be proud of.

“Anything over 40-45,000 would be great for them.

“It’s a great stadium in terms of location, close to the city centre and right next to the train stations.

“It’s one of football’s great venues and I hope they can get started soon.”

Nottingham Forest to sell stars before accepting Murillo offer

Football Insider revealed earlier this month (11 February) that Nottingham Forest will sell other stars before parting with defender Murillo.