There is “tension” between Nottingham Forest and its council, but they can proceed with stadium plans provided they accept a £10 million freehold deal.
That is the opinion of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who told Football Insider exclusively that if Forest chose to leave the City Ground, they will lose vital transportation and cultural linkages.
Forest are currently in talks with Nottingham City Council over the future of the City Ground and possible stadium expansion.
According to Football Insider, Forest executives are in a “civil war” over the stadium decision, with some employees opting to relocate to Toton.
Forest has been offered a £250 million land lease for 250 years (£1 million per year) or the freehold to the City Ground for £10 million.
Nottingham Forest can continue stadium ambitions with a £10 million deal.
Maguire believes fans would want to remain at the City Ground, and he highlighted that the freehold offer would allow the team to continue with their present stadium development plans.
“There is a lot of animosity between Nottingham Forest and the local government.
“For some time, both sides have engaged in gunboat diplomacy on the club’s stadium plans.
“The benefits of Forest being offered the freehold or a 250-year lease mean that the club, if it accepts the offer, will be able to plan ahead of time for stadium development.
“I imagine that this would be the preferred option of fans, compared to an out-of-town stadium which loses transport and cultural links.”
