Nottingham Forest Appoints Former Spurs Medical Chief Amid Injury Crisis
Nottingham Forest have taken decisive action to address a severe injury crisis that has marred their 2025-26 Premier League campaign, appointing Geoff Scott as their new director of performance. Scott, who previously served as Tottenham Hotspur's head of medicine and sports science for two decades, joins the club in a move aimed at overhauling their medical department and stabilizing a squad ravaged by fitness issues.
Background of the Appointment
Geoff Scott's arrival comes at a critical juncture for Nottingham Forest, who are embroiled in a tense relegation battle. The club has struggled with an alarming number of injuries this season, with 19 players sidelined at various points—one of the worst records in the Premier League. Only Tottenham, Chelsea, and Arsenal have reported more injuries, but those clubs benefit from deeper squads, making Forest's situation particularly precarious.
Scott's appointment follows the departure of Dr. Prithish Narayan, the existing head of medical, who is understood to be returning to work for the NHS. This change signals a comprehensive restructuring of Forest's medical team, as the club seeks to mitigate the impact of injuries that have exacerbated their on-field struggles.
Scott's History with Tottenham and Postecoglou
Scott spent 20 years at Tottenham before leaving two years ago amid a reported clash with then-manager Ange Postecoglou. Postecoglou, who briefly managed Nottingham Forest for eight matches this season, was at the center of a major backroom restructure at Spurs that led to Scott's exit. It was widely reported that Scott and Postecoglou disagreed over player workload and recovery management, though Tottenham declined to comment on the matter at the time.
Scott's departure from Tottenham coincided with the appointment of Adam Brett from Brighton as Spurs' director of performance services. Interestingly, Tottenham has faced its own injury woes in recent seasons, with the squad devastated by 41 injuries last season alone, resulting in 1,553 days lost—the second-highest total in the Premier League after Brighton.
Forest's Current Situation and Managerial Changes
Nottingham Forest's season has been marked by turbulence, with Vítor Pereira recently appointed as the club's fourth manager of the campaign. Pereira's side currently sits just two points above the relegation zone ahead of a crucial trip to Brighton this Sunday. The injury crisis has undoubtedly hindered Forest's ability to secure vital points, making Scott's role in revitalizing the medical department all the more urgent.
The club's struggles are not isolated, as Premier League teams across the board have grappled with injury issues. However, Forest's limited squad depth has magnified the problem, putting them at a significant disadvantage in their fight for survival.
Implications for the Future
With Geoff Scott at the helm of the medical department, Nottingham Forest hopes to implement a more robust system for player fitness and recovery. His extensive experience at Tottenham, despite the contentious exit, could prove invaluable in addressing the root causes of the injury epidemic. As the season progresses, Forest will rely on Scott's expertise to keep key players fit and competitive, potentially turning the tide in their relegation battle.
This appointment underscores the growing importance of sports science and medical management in modern football, where injury prevention is as crucial as tactical prowess. For Nottingham Forest, it represents a proactive step toward securing their Premier League status and building a more resilient squad for the future.
