Nottingham Forest, a club steeped in rich history and tradition, is in the midst of an exciting phase under the leadership of Evangelos Marinakis. With lofty ambitions and a clear vision for the future, the club is striving to make its mark in the Premier League while also continuing to progress on the European stage. However, one crucial aspect that underpins the team’s ability to succeed is ensuring that the players are fit and healthy, able to perform at their peak level throughout the grueling football season. This is where the medical and support staff come into play.
Injuries are an unfortunate and inevitable part of the game, and for a club like Forest, where consistency and performance on the pitch are paramount, the medical team plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the squad remains in top condition. Injuries can derail any season, potentially affecting the club’s league position, cup runs, and overall ambitions. To avoid these setbacks and to maximize the potential of every player, the medical department at Forest is both extensive and highly specialized, working tirelessly to ensure the best care, recovery, and injury prevention strategies for every player. This enables Forest to build on its existing success and work towards even greater accomplishments.
Head of Medical: Dr. Prithish Shyam Narayan
At the heart of Nottingham Forest’s medical department is Dr. Prithish Shyam Narayan, who was appointed as the Head of Medical in August 2024. Dr. Narayan’s appointment marked a significant milestone in the club’s commitment to player welfare. Prior to this role, he had served as a club doctor at Forest for a year, offering valuable insight into the club’s medical needs and further establishing the foundation of his expertise.
Dr. Narayan’s background is one of impressive versatility and depth. Before joining Forest, he was the club doctor for both Coventry City and Leicester City, two clubs with a rich footballing heritage. His previous experience also includes working as the Chief Medical Officer at the NFL’s UK performance centre, which speaks volumes about his expertise in sports medicine across different football codes. This diverse background allows Dr. Narayan to bring a wealth of knowledge to the medical team at Forest, guiding the department with both vision and practical know-how.
Dr. Narayan’s role is not just about responding to injuries but involves a proactive approach to managing the health and fitness of the players. From injury prevention to rehabilitation, he ensures that each player receives the right medical attention at every stage of their recovery. Moreover, as head of the medical department, Dr. Narayan’s leadership is pivotal in maintaining a seamless operation that supports both the first team and the academy. His role is crucial as Nottingham Forest aims to not only compete in the Premier League but to establish itself as a club that consistently challenges for European spots, domestic trophies, and beyond.
The Physiotherapy Team: Experts in Rehabilitation and Recovery
In addition to Dr. Narayan, one of the cornerstones of the medical department is the team of physiotherapists who work diligently to ensure players recover quickly from injuries, improve their physical condition, and enhance their overall performance. Leading the physiotherapy team is Jon Alty, who took on the role of Head Physiotherapist in November 2023. Alty brings with him a wealth of experience, having worked with the England cricket team and the Football Association (FA). His extensive background in high-performance sports environments has made him a valuable asset to Forest’s medical setup.
Alty oversees a highly skilled team of physiotherapists who specialize in different aspects of injury prevention, rehabilitation, and recovery. Among the team are Mark Devonshire, Dimitris Kaplanis, Ellie Hargreaves, and Filipe Valente. Each member of the team brings a unique set of skills to Forest, helping to ensure that players receive the best possible care.
Dimitris Kaplanis, for instance, joined Forest after previously working at Olympiacos, another club owned by Evangelos Marinakis. His experience in Greece and at the international level has brought valuable insight into Forest’s physiotherapy program, allowing the club to implement best practices from across Europe.
Filipe Valente adds an international dimension to the team, having worked for Estoril in Portugal for a decade. Valente’s time with Estoril placed him at the forefront of managing injuries for players in high-demand environments, and his experience with top-level football helps him bring an extra layer of expertise to Forest’s physiotherapy team.
Additionally, Liam Brown and Rory Staunton, two physios focused on the Professional Development Phase (PDP), play a crucial role in ensuring that the young players from the Forest Academy are given the right treatment and care as they look to make the leap to the first team. Their expertise in working with the club’s emerging talents ensures that these young players are nurtured with the right level of medical attention as they develop into top-flight footballers.
The physiotherapy team works in close coordination with the coaching staff to assess player fitness levels, monitor rehabilitation progress, and prevent potential injuries. This holistic approach is designed to keep the squad in the best shape possible, allowing the players to focus on what matters most—winning football matches and continuing Forest’s upward trajectory in the Premier League.
Nutritionists: Fueling Performance Both On and Off the Field
While much of the focus is often on the physios and doctors, the nutritionists at Nottingham Forest play a key role in maintaining player performance and overall health. A well-balanced diet is crucial for athletes, and the nutrition team ensures that players are properly fueled for both matchdays and training sessions.
The nutritionists at Forest are Amy Gore and Daniel Lima, both of whom bring extensive expertise in the field of sports nutrition. Daniel Lima brings a wealth of international experience, having worked with Casa Pia in Portugal, a club also owned by Evangelos Marinakis. Lima’s background in Portuguese football ensures that he is well-versed in managing athletes’ diets in high-performance environments.
Gore and Lima’s work extends beyond simply preparing meals for the players. They analyze the nutritional needs of each player individually, taking into account their playing position, fitness level, and any special dietary requirements. By monitoring players’ diets, they ensure that each individual is eating in a way that supports optimal performance, recovery, and health.
Additionally, the nutrition team is involved in educating players on the importance of nutrition and healthy eating habits. With such a demanding season ahead, maintaining the correct diet is essential not only for match performance but also for recovery and injury prevention. A properly balanced diet can help players build strength, stamina, and resilience, while also ensuring they stay injury-free throughout the campaign.
An Integrated Approach: Supporting Forest’s Long-Term Goals
The medical department at Nottingham Forest is not just about reacting to injuries but also about taking a proactive, holistic approach to player health. The comprehensive care offered by the medical, physiotherapy, and nutrition teams allows Forest to maintain its focus on long-term success. Their work is an essential part of the club’s ability to compete at the highest levels of English football and beyond.
As the club continues to evolve under the ownership of Evangelos Marinakis, the continued success of the medical department will play a key role in ensuring that Forest’s players are fit, healthy, and ready to perform at their best. With the squad regularly competing in the Premier League and aspiring to achieve European glory, a team of highly skilled medical professionals is necessary to help the club reach its goals.
This collaborative effort between the medical, physiotherapy, and nutrition teams ensures that every player—whether a seasoned first-team star or an emerging academy talent—receives the care and attention needed to thrive. The medical department’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the health and well-being of the squad reflects the club’s ambition to rise through the ranks of English football, chasing greater success both domestically and in Europe.
As Nottingham Forest continues to build for the future, it is clear that the medical department will play an integral role in the club’s journey. The dedication and expertise of these professionals provide a strong foundation for Forest’s on-field performance, helping to drive the team’s success and secure a bright future in the Premier League. With the right medical care and management, Forest’s players can remain at their best, tackling every challenge that comes their way in pursuit of the club’s goals.