After the politics comes the football. It has been a fascinating summer off the pitch for Forest, whose place in the Europa League was confirmed due to Crystal Palace being punished for breaching multi-club ownership rules.
There has also been intrigue in the transfer market, with Forest taking their time to add names for their European adventure.
The signings of Ipswich Town winger Omari Hutchinson and Manchester City midfielder James McAtee were confirmed on Saturday night – but too late to be involved against Brentford as they were introduced to fans on the pitch before the match.
So winger Ndoye, signed from Bologna for £36m as a direct replacement for the departed Anthony Elanga, was Forest’s only new signing to start.
While he enjoyed a debut goal, perhaps the club’s best bit of summer business was tying Gibbs-White down to a new three-year contract after interest from Tottenham and Manchester City.
He captained Forest on Sunday and showed why the club were so keen to keep him as the England midfielder ran the show.
Gibbs-White, along with Anderson, controlled the midfield and sprung attack after attack with Brentford never allowed to settle.
It was little surprise to see the ex-Wolves man produce the best moment of individual quality in the 41st minute too – an expertly lofted and curling ball that Ndoye rose high to meet and head past Kelleher.
Gibbs-White also went close to a goal himself with a spectacular overhead effort.
Crucially for Forest, this game showed they possess an attacking threat – something they lacked in pre-season, with just one goal across their seven friendlies.
After pushing for a Champions League place last season before finishing a point short in seventh place, Forest have again shown their quality and intent.