Two men with Nottingham Forest connections were sacked as managers of their respective clubs over the Bank Holiday weekend with former boss Steve McClaren finally parting company with Derby County after a week of speculation and Nigel Clough leaving Sheffield United after they came up short in the League One play-offs.
The play-off games also finalised the Reds’ opponents for next season with Middlesbrough remaining in the division and Preston North End coming up in fine style after beating Swindon Town 4-0 at Wembley.
Middlesbrough have been made second favourites by most bookmakers to bounce back from their disappointment and win the Championship next time around. Relegated Hull City are the early favourites with Nottingham Forest available at as short as 16/1 to be the title winners.
Forest will warm up for the 2015/16 campaign with a pre-season trip to Sweden which begins on 6 July. They will play matches while there although not against European Cup final opponents Malmo despite being based in the city.