There are a number of sleeping giants in the Sky Bet Championship, and Nottingham Forest are just one of those teams who will feel that they belong in the Premier League after having so much history of success. 

Forest have had a season to forget so far with off field debacles including a collapsed takeover, the sacking of Philippe Montanier and much more which has resulted in them currently sitting in 18th place in the league table, just six points away from the bottom three.

First team coach Gary Brazil has come in and steadied the ship with some positive results and good signings, but the Reds have now lost their last three games on the bounce after what was an impressive start by the former Academy manager.

Any hope of returning to the Premier League was gone along time ago for Forest supporters, but if structured correctly then there is no doubts that they could one day challenge for promotion.

Nottingham Forest are a massive club and are well known across the footballing world thanks to the triumphs of Brian Clough in the 1970's, but what don't we know about them?

Football League World writer Harry Webster takes a look at TWO things you probably never knew about Nottingham Forest...

 

They were the first team to spend £1 million on a player

Many people complain about how much money is being spent in football these days, but it was Nottingham Forest who were the first to break the £1 million barrier.

In February 1979, Brian Clough bought Trevor Francis in a £1 million deal from Birmingham City and it proved a worthwhile bit of business when he scored the winner in the European Cup final against Malmo to earn the Reds their first European Cup.

Ever since Nottingham Forest spent £1 million on a player, the fees have increased into ridiculous amounts of money, but it was the Reds who started it all.

They were founded as a Football and Bandy club

In 1865, Nottingham Forest Football and Bandy club was formed not long after their rivals Notts County formed.

The club was formed by a number of shinty players (Scottish gaelic football) with bandy labelled as a team winter sport and is considered as a form of hockey.

Forest were regarded as a sports club and not just the football club as they are known today in their earlier days with them also having a baseball club.

Nottingham Forest fans... Did you know this information about your club? Is there anything else that we never knew about the club? Let us know what you think in the comments below!