Owner’s policy so sound as rivals suffer

EVER since he bought Nottingham Forest in 2017, Evangelos Marinakis (pictured) has made one particular aspect of running the club a priority.

Criticisms can always be directed at any owner, particularly as the Reds have yet to realise Marinakis’ vision of reaching the Premier League almost five years into his tenure.

But news elsewhere in the Championship this week highlights one area, at least, where the Greek businessman has got his policy spot on. A few days on, still the jokes keep coming on social media about the plight of Forest’s arch-rivals Derby County.

The Rams have now been slapped with a 21-point penalty for financial breaches and going into administration.

Then, on Wednesday, Reading were also hit with a points deduction by the English Football League - six deducted immediately, with a further six suspended, for breaching Profitability and Sustainability rules.

The Royals had recorded a loss of £18.8m in excess of the £39m permitted over a three-year period.

The fairness of the Financial Fair Play (as it used to be known as) system is an argument for another day - and Forest chairman Nicholas Randall QC has previously made his thoughts on the subject clear - but the rules are there regardless.

And since arriving at the City Ground, Marinakis has made it very clear the Reds should stick to them.

That has been a key directive during his time at the helm.

Forest, like all clubs, have felt the effects of the pandemic over the last 18 months, with a lack of matchday revenue hitting everyone hard.

But when the accounts for 2019-20 were posted earlier this year, it was again stressed the Reds must continue to abide by the restrictions imposed by sport’s governing body.

The directors’ strategic report accompanying the accounts stated Marinakis remains “committed to the long-term future of the club and its funding”, and sees operating within Profitability and Sustainability rules “to be a high priority”.

That often means tough decisions have to be made when it comes to player sales, with Forest typically selling one of their prized assets most years to help balance the books. The report added the board “has the discipline to take tough decisions regarding player sales” to ensure compliance with the financial regulations, but “notwithstanding substantial investment in the playing squad”.

It says: “The level of losses sustained by the club are within those provided for by the rules and the club will control losses in future years to ensure continuing compliance with the rules.”

Events in Derby and Reading this week show just how important such a policy can be.