Nuno’s FFP mentality should be echoed by Forest fans, despite looming verdict.

In a recent press conference, Forest boss Nuno Espírito Santo stated that he has urged focus amongst his squad, despite news of charges relating to a breach of Profitability & Sustainability Regulations by the club. And while natural to worry, Forest fans should share the sentiment, and use it constructively to back their side.

What is the context behind this?

Well, to keep it short, Forest have been charged – not punished – for a breach of Profit & Sustainability Rules (PSR’s), and because of this *could* face a penalty in the form of a points deduction or financial penalty, or both. The club is expected to have had their defence heard, with an official verdict made in late April, with sanctions applying soon after if they are found guilty.

Everton were also charged, and will argue their case after the outcome of their appeal of a previous 10-point deduction made earlier this season.

Nick De Marco KC, a sports lawyer who was worked for the likes of Harry Toffolo in a fairly recent betting case, Newcastle United’s new ownership, and various other sports cases, will lead Forest’s defence.

How will the PSR Breach charge affect Forest players?

At this stage, it’s hard to say. Forest’s last game was over a week ago against Blackpool in the FA Cup 3rd round, which saw a disappointing draw – and despite this, Nuno is not only keen to improve on that performance, but also “shut out the noise” surrounding the club and its potential breach. 

Previously, Everton were docked 10 points, even with this they found themselves above bottom-place Burnley, but still in the relegation zone. Everton would find phenomenal form during the tough period, and climb out of the relegation zone, with the deduction somewhat a hurdle for which Dyche’s men had no trouble overcoming – the deduction was fuel for the Everton “fire” form. The timing of the deduction for Everton is of course different though, with any penalty given not expected until April – just a few games before season-end. But, regardless, Dyche’s side showed fight & resilience – teams feared playing them. A superb mentality.

As for Forest, the challenge is different – while the club faced difficulties last season staying in the league, this was not down to sanctions of any sort, but this season it could be the latter – even without the penalty, the pressure of the potential for one is enough/bound to cause some distress. Nuno Espírito Santo is only five games into his Forest career, but already finds himself with a huge task – and even with this, remains calm, resolute & raring to keep momentum from a successful festive period.

Forest should certainly take inspiration from Everton’s mentality, however, I have no doubt Nuno can produce that organically; his start at the club proves that.

What has Nuno said?

In a recent press conference, Nuno Espírito Santo was asked questions regarding the Premier League charges, to which he responded:

“We are all concerned in the club [Forest]. But me as a coach, it’s nothing I have to think about or deal with. My job is clear, it is to prepare the team and that’s what we’re focused on.

“Today we will train and we know the players know the situation, but I’ll tell them the same as I’m telling you, let’s forget about this and focus on our job. Our job is tomorrow’s [as of the conference] game against Blackpool.”

How can fans take inspiration from Nuno’s words, and be positive despite the situation?

Firstly, remember that no official decision has been made – while the Premier League indeed are strict on rules under the helm of CEO Richard Masters, nothing is set in stone, and any club charged is innocent until proven guilty. Forest will have the adequate opportunity to defend themselves, and have selected one of the most successful Sports lawyers in the business: Mr Nick De Marco KC.

While any form of punishment, particularly involving points deductions, is incredibly worrying, with the way that Forest are going in regard to form, perhaps Forest fans can be more hopeful. Not only are Forest scoring more goals (9 in 4 [PL&FA]), but also achieving more points per game. In the Premier League under Nuno, Forest are averaging 2 points per game, and while it is indeed early days, the performances have been encouraging, and results yielded as a result. AFCON will of course effect results to a degree, but some shrewd January recruitment/team analysis should hopefully allow Nuno to maintain form with some different personnel for the time being. 

Similarly to Nuno & the players, the situation is out of the hands of the fans – agreed, its an uncomfortable situation, and naturally fans worry, but all the fans can do – such as the players/staff etc – is focus on the next fixture, and get behind one another. A huge run in awaits, but if Forest continue to “plough on” and pick up points, they will hopefully not feel too harshly any penalty that could come in April. But again, they are potentials, and those at the club can only focus on what they do know: the need for points on the board, and focus, just like before. In that aspect, nothing has changed.

Survival isn’t guaranteed ever in the Premier League, but Forest have defied the odds before – all the team can do is “roll up their sleeves” and get on with it; a tough campaign awaits, but there is reasons for optimism/hope.

*Article provided by Jamie Martin (Head Nottingham Forest Correspondent).

*Main image @NFFC Head Coach Nuno Espirito Santo is focussing on his team.