While the primary focus at the City Ground remains locked on a grueling battle for Premier League survival, a significant structural shift is quietly unfolding behind the scenes. Nottingham Forest are reportedly set to lose a cornerstone of their football operations this summer, as Head of Football Development Craig Mulholland prepares to depart the club for a high-profile return to his native Scotland.
According to reports from The Telegraph, compensation has already been agreed between the Reds and the Scottish Football Association (SFA). Mulholland is expected to conclude his tenure on the banks of the River Trent at the end of the current campaign to assume the role of Chief Football Officer at the SFA.
The Architect of Development
Mulholland joined Nottingham Forest in 2023, bringing with him a wealth of experience from a two-decade stint at Glasgow Rangers. Over the past three years, he has been instrumental in modernizing the Nigel Doughty Academy and streamlining the pathway between youth football and the senior squad.
His portfolio at Forest has been extensive, overseeing:
- Emerging Talent Recruitment: Identifying and securing high-potential prospects.
- Loan Management: Directing the development of players sent out to gain experience.
- B Team & Men’s Academy: Supervising the day-to-day operations of the youth ranks.
- Player Pathways: Managing the difficult transition of elite prospects into the first-team environment.
His departure represents more than just a vacancy; it marks the loss of a strategic thinker who helped bridge the gap during some of the most volatile periods in the club’s recent history.
A Summer of Structural Reflection
The timing of Mulholland’s exit coincides with a broader feeling of transition at Forest. Despite a historic 2024/25 campaign where the club finished 7th and secured European qualification, the 2025/26 season has been defined by instability. The club has navigated the tactical philosophies of four different head coaches, finally finding some semblance of calm under current boss Vitor Pereira.
While Pereira has recently boosted survival hopes—most notably via Morgan Gibbs-White’s stunning 15-minute hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Burnley—the club is also preparing for a massive executive overhaul. Reports suggest that Global Head of Football Edu is also likely to depart this summer, as the former Arsenal executive’s tenure has failed to yield the desired long-term stability.
The Path Ahead
As Forest looks toward a potential Europa League semi-final and the final five games of the Premier League season, the front office faces a daunting task. Replacing a figure like Mulholland requires finding someone capable of managing the intricate balance between immediate top-flight survival and long-term talent cultivation.
Regardless of whether Forest maintains their Premier League status, this summer is poised to be a foundational reset for the “Silver and Black” hierarchy. With key personnel moving on, the club must learn from a chaotic year to ensure that the platform built during their European charge isn’t lost to backroom turnover
