Nottingham Forest chief Craig Mulholland set to join Scottish FA

Nottingham Forest are set to continue their backroom overhaul with Craig Mulholland set to join the Scottish Football Association (SFA) this summer.

According to The Athletic, the 48-year-old will become the SFA’s chief football officer, overseeing the performance of Scotland’s national teams.

Mulholland joined Forest in 2023 as head of football development and talent management. He has made a significant impact across the academy, B team, and the club’s wider player development strategy.

Having worked with Ross Wilson at Rangers, the pair collaborated again at City Ground to help modernise Forest’s youth system.

Their partnership played a key role in upgrading Forest’s academy into one of the most forward-thinking setups in England. Mulholland is only the latest in a long list of executive staff who have left the club.

His partner in crime, Wilson, left earlier in the season to join Newcastle United, while sporting director Edu is expected to leave the club after failing to replicate the success he enjoyed at Arsenal. 

Edu’s appointment was initially seen as a massive statement by Forest, considering he helped transform Arsenal into perennial title contenders with Mikel Arteta in charge.

While that partnership yielded just one major trophy, Edu’s move to Forest generated plenty of excitement, especially with the club qualifying for Europe for the first time in three decades.

However, it hasn’t worked out as either party expected. 

Disagreements over recruitment contributed to the departure of head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, setting off a chain of managerial changes that disrupted momentum both on and off the pitch. 

Forest are now in a heated relegation battle, although the Tricky Trees look to have finally caught a second wind under Vitor Pereira, their fourth manager of the season.

Despite the turbulence behind the scenes, Mulholland is a highly respected figure at City Ground.

Under his leadership, Forest have invested heavily in infrastructure, including upgrades to the Nigel Doughty Academy and first-team facilities. 

He helped to shape a long-term vision that has seen the club set up new training pitches, improve medical areas, and expand learning spaces.