Tony McArdle said he and his staff “will get more involved” in the Nottingham Forest lease negotiations to better grasp the issue.
The lead commissioner appointed by Nottingham City Council says his team may engage in negotiations with Nottingham Forest following allegations that the club may have to leave the City Ground. It was recently announced that talks to extend the club’s lease have stopped as the city council, the owner of the land on which the historic stadium resides, strives to secure “best value for taxpayers.”
The stalling talks have generated doubt about Nottingham Forest’s City Ground reconstruction, and the team may possibly leave the stadium, despite supporters denouncing the move as “unthinkable”. Nottingham City Council’s lead commissioner has now stated that he and his two other commissioners are prepared to step in if necessary.
Tony McArdle replied, “We haven’t gotten into the specifics of that one yet. It is a negotiation between two parties who hold opposing perspectives. That is a common practice in municipal administration around the world. I’m not sure where that one ends up.
“We shall become more involved with it in order to gain a deeper understanding. We’re very cognizant of the perceived risk on both sides.
Nottingham City Council claims talks with Forest regarding their future at the stadium have explored possibilities such as renewing the present lease, negotiating a new one, or selling the freehold on a permanent basis. A 2019 deal did not proceed because the council argued it did not meet its duty to achieve the best value for taxpayers, and the authority has now hired specialized agents to advise on the matter.
Mr McArdle, who was appointed on February 22 for a two-year term, says he does not intend to employ all of the powers that commissioners now have. These powers include the ability to hire and fire council officers, as well as propose budget adjustments.
Instead, Mr McArdle says he and his colleagues will only intervene when the council believes it would be beneficial. The commissioner added on the Nottingham Forest situation: “It appears to me that the authority is engaged, and it is doing so in a very sensible, constructive manner with the taxpayers’ interests at heart. The club has proposed an alternative solution, and negotiations are underway.
“We’d be pleased to assist with that. I understand the pressures on both sides, but we are not currently involved in that subject. If we feel compelled to be, or if someone else believes we should be, I’m sure they’ll let us know.”
A spokesperson for Nottingham City Council stated, “The council remains committed to further negotiations to find the best way forward and has offered to continue dialogue. We understand Forest’s need for a swift resolution and their ambition for expansion which will bring benefit to the area, and will work with them on a solution which meets their aims and our statutory responsibilities.”
Since then, designs have been submitted for new hospitality pods to fill two corners of the ground, which, if allowed, will boost the stadium’s capacity in the short term.
Meanwhile, the team awaits their punishment for violating the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability criteria. Forest appeared before a three-person independent commission on March 7 and 8 to begin their defense against the charge.
The Reds, led by Nuno Espirito Santo, are in danger of relegation from the Premier League. Forest are in 17th place, three points ahead of Luton Town, who occupy the final relegation slot.
The Hatters have a game in hand against Bournemouth on Wednesday night, March 13, before a crucial six-pointer versus Forest at Kenilworth Road on Saturday, March 16.
