Everton’s former manager Keith Wyness has claimed that Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis will seek to maintain the team at the City Ground.
Speaking on the latest episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old, who was CEO of Goodison Park from 2004 to 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs, suggested the city council should show more “respect” to the club given the revenue it generates for the area.
On Wednesday (15 May), Football Insider revealed that Nottingham Forest chiefs are deeply divided on whether to stay or leave the City Ground.
Forest had begun laying the framework for expansion plans to increase capacity to nearly 40,000, but was involved in a dispute with the city about leasing charges.
According to The Athletic (9 May), the Midlands club is exploring building a new 50,000-capacity stadium on the outskirts of Nottingham.
Wyness believes Nottingham Forest deserve more ‘respect’ following the City Ground row.
However, Wyness stated that Marinakis will recognize the significance of the City Ground to the club’s supporters.
He stated on Football Insider’s Insider Track podcast: “I’m sure Marinakis would want to stay at the City Ground.
“There are plans in place to increase it to 40,000 or 50,000.
“There is a river on one side of the ground, but there will be methods for Forest to do it.
“The fans have made their opinions apparent by chanting against a relocation away from the City Ground.
“Marinakis recognizes that the site is essential to the club’s identity.
“It’s a historic site with a short walk into the city; it’s ideal.
“He had to provide a choice. City governments can make mistakes from time to time, and the situation is now very evident.
“You must present another clear option to help everyone understand what is at stake.
“If we were in a franchise situation, like in the NBA or NFL, Nottingham would pay to have the club, not the other way around.”
“The city needs to be realistic about what they expect. People are unaware of the influence the Premier League has on local economies, and they must respect this.
“If we were in a franchise situation, like in the NBA or NFL, Nottingham would pay to have the club, not the other way around.”
“The city needs to be realistic about what they expect. People are unaware of the influence the Premier League has on local economies, and they must respect this.
