Nottingham Forest’s summer is buzzing with change, ambition, and plenty of talking points both on and off the pitch. Just as the club unveiled Oliver Glasner as their new manager, the Forest B Team kicked off their pre-season with a spirited but ultimately tough test against Walsall’s first team. The past week has been a whirlwind of introductions, pre-season action, and transfer speculation, setting the tone for what could be a defining season for the Reds.
On July 17, 2026, Nottingham Forest officially presented Oliver Glasner as their new manager in a press conference that was as much about vision as it was about football. The 51-year-old Austrian, fresh off a successful stint at Crystal Palace, where he delivered both the FA Cup and Conference League, didn’t shy away from outlining big ambitions. According to the NY Times, Glasner was candid about his decision-making process, revealing that he’d been courted by several clubs but ultimately chose Forest after a pivotal dinner with owner Evangelos Marinakis in Athens. “Forest’s vision and my research convinced me,” Glasner stated, adding, “Evangelos Marinakis is even more ambitious than myself. Our shared drive will challenge each other.”
That dinner in Athens seems to have been more than just a formality. Glasner described it as the moment he realized Forest’s project aligned perfectly with his own footballing philosophy and hunger for success. The pair have committed to a three-year contract, signaling a desire for stability and consistency—qualities that have been in short supply at the City Ground. Glasner was quick to acknowledge Forest’s recent coaching carousel, noting, “The average managerial tenure here is now below one year. Change happens.” But there’s a sense that both manager and owner are determined to buck that trend.
Glasner’s tactical approach is already a topic of conversation among fans and pundits alike. He made it clear that while he’s not wedded to a back three, his mentality and certain non-negotiables will remain steadfast. “I’m not tied to a back three,” he explained, “but the mentality and the non-negotiables will not shift.” That blend of flexibility and firmness could prove crucial as Forest look to build on last season’s achievements and solidify their place in European competition.
Transfer activity is heating up as well, with Glasner hinting at new signings before the squad heads to Portugal for their training camp next week. Xaver Schlager, the Austrian midfielder, is set to arrive on a free transfer, adding steel and experience to the midfield. Meanwhile, negotiations continue for Tottenham’s Swedish international, Lucas Bergvall, as Forest look to inject further quality and youth into their ranks. These moves underline Glasner’s commitment to finding the “right ingredients” for success—a phrase he used repeatedly during his unveiling.
“We expect one or two new ingredients before next week’s Portugal camp,” Glasner said, suggesting that the club’s recruitment drive is far from over. The prospect of Schlager’s arrival has already generated excitement among supporters, while the pursuit of Bergvall points to a long-term strategy of blending youth with proven talent. Glasner’s reputation for developing players and adapting to new challenges bodes well for both the first team and the club’s wider structure.
While the senior side gears up for a new era under Glasner, Nottingham Forest’s B Team got their pre-season underway with a hard-fought encounter against Walsall’s first team on July 18. The young Reds showed plenty of promise in their first outing of the 2026/27 campaign, despite ultimately falling to defeat. The match, played against the experienced Sadlers, was anything but a walkover for the visitors.
Early on, both teams enjoyed spells of possession, but it was 18-year-old winger Zyan Blake who really caught the eye for Forest. Blake’s consistent threats down the left flank kept Walsall’s defenders honest, and he quickly established himself as the main danger man for the Reds. The first real chance for Forest came from Matthew Orr, whose shot forced the Walsall goalkeeper into a smart save within the opening half-hour. Donell McNeilly was quick to pounce on the rebound, only to see his effort blocked by a swarm of recovering defenders.
Despite Forest’s bright start, it was Walsall who broke the deadlock 26 minutes in, capitalizing on a brief lapse in concentration. The young Reds, however, refused to let their heads drop. After the interval, a trialist—whose identity remains under wraps—calmly slotted home from just inside the box to bring Forest level. That equalizer injected fresh energy into the contest, but Walsall soon regained the lead with a well-taken header from a corner in the 53rd minute.
Forest’s resilience shone through once again in the 72nd minute. Blaine McClure produced a moment of magic, whipping a stunning 18-yard effort against the inside of the post before watching it ripple the back of the net. The joy, though, was short-lived. Just two minutes later, Walsall struck back to retake the lead, and four minutes after that, they doubled their advantage with a close-range finish. The young Reds battled bravely in the closing stages but couldn’t claw their way back, eventually succumbing to defeat in their first pre-season test.
Despite the result, there were plenty of positives for Forest’s coaching staff to take away. The performance of Zyan Blake, in particular, will have given the club’s hierarchy food for thought as they look to integrate more academy talent into the first-team setup. The B Team’s next challenge comes in Portugal, where they’ll face Rio Ave’s first team—a valuable opportunity to gain experience against seasoned professionals and continue their development under the club’s new direction.
Back at the City Ground, the sense of renewal is palpable. Glasner’s arrival, coupled with the club’s proactive approach in the transfer market and the promising signs from the B Team, has injected fresh optimism into the Forest faithful. The commitment to a three-year project, the pursuit of stability, and the focus on blending youth with experience all point to a club determined to write a new chapter in its storied history.
As pre-season preparations intensify and transfer negotiations rumble on, all eyes will be on Nottingham Forest to see if they can turn ambition into achievement. The groundwork is being laid, the ingredients are coming together, and with Glasner at the helm, the Reds look set for an intriguing campaign ahead. Next stop: Portugal—where both the senior and B Team squads will look to sharpen their skills and build the chemistry needed for the battles to come.