As the 2026‑27 Premier League schedule approaches, we invited fans to share their most memorable opening‑day experiences — both highs and lows. Your responses have been remarkable.
Selected fan recollections follow:
Mark: Reflecting on 17 August 1996, Forest defeated Coventry 3‑0, with Kevin Campbell scoring a hat‑trick. Although the campaign began promisingly, it yielded only six league victories and concluded with a bottom‑placed finish.
Dave: I still recall attending Forest’s match at the historic Highfield Road for my 13th birthday, accompanied by my father. The team delivered a 3‑0 victory on a sunny afternoon, marking the first of many road trips I would undertake.
Arthur: Our 1993 trip to Southend marked the season’s inaugural away fixture and coincided with our eventual relegation. With limited hotel availability, many supporters spent the night in their cars, yet the evening proved exhilarating: pubs and clubs were packed with Forest fans, prompting a heavy police presence. The match sold out completely, and Teddy Sheringham even joined the away contingent inside the stadium. It remains a standout weekend for many.
Gary: The opening day of the 2021‑22 season ended in a 2‑1 defeat at Coventry, where the winning goal arrived in the 96th minute. Initial disappointment gave way to triumph as the club later captured the Championship play‑off title, creating lasting memories.
Jack: My favorite opening‑day recollection is the 1977 away match at Everton. Pre‑season critics dismissed our prospects, yet the team defied expectations, ultimately securing the league title and later winning the European Cup twice.
Return at 10:00 BST to view the complete 2026‑27 Premier League fixture schedule for the Reds.