AliousBoxing Day football has always held a special place in my heart, and this year’s fixtures didn’t disappoint. The games were fiery, packed with drama, and spiced up further by refereeing controversies and VAR debates—a true Christmas cracker.
Aston Villa fans often boast of being European champions, much like Nottingham Forest supporters, who flaunt the two stars on their badge as if past glory guarantees them a seat at football’s top table. This entitlement rivals the attitudes of Manchester United fans and other historically dominant teams. Yet, despite their time spent in the lower divisions—and even the ignominy of sharing a league with a manufactured club like MK Dons—Forest now find themselves surprisingly in the mix for a Champions League spot.
Credit where it’s due: after Steve Cooper’s outstanding groundwork, Nuno Espírito Santo is doing a commendable job steering Forest’s ship. That said, not everyone is thrilled by Forest’s rise. My mate from Burnley, who lives in Nottingham, can’t stand the smugness emanating from Forest fans.
On Boxing Day, I found myself enjoying a few beers with my Forest-supporting friend, a fellow Londoner of the same age as me and, like me, a father who’s successfully passed down his club allegiance to his kids. We both share the habit of trekking up from London to watch our teams whenever tickets are available—proof of how deeply the love for football runs in both our families.
Forest and Newcastle, my team, share some parallels. Both clubs are backed by financial muscle but are battling against the so-called financial “fair play” rules that seem designed to maintain the status quo. While Forest managed to sign the “Geordie Maradona,” we ended up with a Greek goalkeeper with no mythological magic, a player we didn’t need. And let’s not forget Forest’s points deduction last season—a punishment that feels arbitrary when clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City seem to operate unchecked.
But back to football. The next stop for my team is Old Trafford, a ground I’ve visited a few times—always hopeful for a win, though it’s yet to happen. This time, I’m optimistic we can pile onto the misery of Manchester United’s season.
As I told my Forest mate, Mister Haddock, during our Boxing Day drinks: those two stars on your badge don’t mean much right now. Ryan Yates isn’t Champions League material, and nothing is guaranteed yet. Reel in the smugness, and let’s see how the rest of the season unfolds. My prediction? Newcastle will secure a top-four finish, while Forest will fight valiantly for a European spot. Here’s to a thrilling end to the season and a hopeful New Year.
Alious
