Pundit Backtracks on Nottingham Forest Relegation Prediction, Dismisses ‘Fluke’ Claims Following Their Remarkable Premier League Campaign and Push for European Football Ahead of Final Day Showdown.

Jamie Carragher’s relationship with Nottingham Forest fans has long been a mix of critique and credit, with his punditry on Sky Sports often sparking heated reactions from supporters. While he has occasionally taken aim at Forest—most notably aligning with Gary Neville after last season’s controversial VAR drama in a defeat to Everton—he’s also acknowledged their impressive progress this term.

As Forest now sit just a point outside the Premier League’s top five heading into the final day of the season, Carragher has been forced to revisit a pre-season prediction that’s aged rather poorly. On the latest edition of *Monday Night Football*, host Dave Jones reminded him of his August forecast—one in which Carragher boldly claimed Forest would be relegated.

Now, with the Reds on the brink of European football, the former Liverpool defender was quick to admit he’d misjudged them. “When you look at the players they’ve got, they’ve got good players,” Carragher conceded. “I don’t think it’s a fluke. It might be hard to repeat next season, but there’s definite quality in that squad.”

Carragher’s shift in tone reflects a broader recognition of Forest’s remarkable turnaround under head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. Many critics were skeptical when Nuno took the reins, focusing on his difficult stint at Tottenham rather than the tactical discipline and steel he could bring to a side like Forest. Yet the Portuguese manager has proven to be the perfect successor to Steve Cooper, reshaping the club’s identity and guiding them into the European conversation.

Although Forest’s style under Nuno may not always be aesthetically pleasing, it has been ruthlessly effective. His pragmatic approach, coupled with a vastly improved defence and key performances from the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood, has transformed Forest into one of the Premier League’s most resilient sides.

As awards season approaches, Nuno is now firmly in the conversation for Manager of the Year, and few would argue against it. The challenge that lies ahead for Forest is sustaining this momentum—ensuring that top-half finishes and European qualification become part of a new standard at the City Ground rather than a one-off surprise.

Carragher’s change of heart may not erase past criticisms, but it stands as further proof that Forest’s ascent this season is no accident—and certainly no fluke.