Latest Nottingham Forest news as Nuno Espirito Santo’s Reds fight for Premier League survival.
The worry surrounding any potential point deduction has hung over Nottingham Forest for over two months.
The Reds were charged with violating the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules on January 15. Since then, with no clarification on the matter, fans and analysts have had to fill the hole with rumors and speculation about what might happen.
This week, a step forward was achieved as the club began its defence against the charge leveled against them before an independent commission. It’s an important point in Forest’s season.
The outcome, as well as any potential fines, could significantly impact the Reds’ chances of survival. However, Nuno Espirito Santo’s team is also capable of ensuring that their fate is not only determined by hearings and appeals.
Nuno has made it plain that his players must concentrate on the task at hand. “Our focus has to be on training, on the games, on preparation and our tasks,” he was quoted as saying.
Forest has struggled to put together a consistent run of form in 2024. They have one league victory since the turn of the year and four points from seven games, thanks to a draw at Bournemouth and a win over West Ham United.
The next several weeks are critical, not only for how things play out off the pitch, but also for what happens on it. The Reds have some big games coming up, including some potentially crucial ones on the road.
Their away performance is still an area for improvement. Travel sickness was a big Achilles’ heel last season, and while Forest have improved this year, they have only won two games away from the City Ground.
One of Nuno’s problems is to change the statistics. There is a chance there, and the Reds should seize it. They have been competitive in matches, but they have not always come away with anything to show for their efforts.
Sunday’s trip to Brighton & Hove Albion is followed by a crucial match against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road. Taking on Tottenham Hotspur in London at the start of April will be difficult, but Forest will then play away games against Everton, Sheffield United, and Burnley to finish the season.
Of course, turning the City Ground into a fortification is necessary. But gaining points on their journey will be critical for Nuno’s players. It can assist extend the distance between themselves and the lowest three, preparing them for any punishment that may come.
What happens when players violate financial regulations is beyond their control. Improve their fortunes on the road, however, and they will be just as important in maintaining their top-flight position as any argument against their PSR charge.
