Michael Dugher, a former MP and betting industry trade representative, has been announced as the latest Board of Directors member of Nottingham Forest. 

No additional information has been provided on what Dugher’s responsibilities will entail, but an assumption could be made that he will aid the football club with advisory support around government affairs.

He first won a seat in 2010, becoming a Labour MP for seven years until he stepped down in 2017. His political career saw him take on the role of Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport in 2015, only to be removed from the position in Jeremy Corbyn’s first Labour cabinet reshuffle the following year. 

Among his most notable professional activities within the gambling sector is his role as CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) between 2017 and 2024, having coordinated the trade association’s strategy throughout the course of the Gambling Act Review.

Born in South Yorkshire – a county neighbouring Nottinghamshire – and graduating from the University of Nottingham, Dugher’s biography is closely linked to the local football team. 

“As a massive Forest fan, to be asked to join the Board of the greatest football club on planet earth is a huge honour and a privilege,” Dugher remarked.

“Thanks to the superb support and ongoing commitment of our owners, these are exciting times for Nottingham Forest – back where we belong competing amongst the elite of English football.

“I know how important the club is to the local community as well as to fans living across the country and indeed throughout the world. I hope I can use some of my experience to help the owners and the Board continue to build the club from strength to strength.”

Forest Chairman, Nicholas Randall KC, added: ”We are delighted to welcome Michael to our Board of Directors. He is an outstanding candidate as well as fan of the Club.  

“His expertise in public affairs and his local knowledge and experience complements perfectly the existing skills on our Board. He joins us at a very exciting time both on and off the field and we look forward to working with him.”

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