Survival will allow Forest to breathe out after turbulent season

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo insisted he had “already moved on” after the club’s failed appeal against their points deduction.

Forest were docked four points in March for breaching the Premier League’s financial rules and an appeal board upheld an independent commission’s decision on Tuesday.

Nuno’s side are three points above the Premier League relegation zone with two games remaining and will try to secure their safety at the City Ground against Chelsea tomorrow.

When asked for his reaction, Nuno said: “Disappointed. We were all disappointed. We had the hope and the belief, because we conquered those points on the pitch, that they can give us back.

“But the decision is over, so there’s no point in continuing to speak on this issue. We just have to focus on our job. We have already moved on.”

Forest took a big step towards survival by beating Sheffield United at Bramall Lane last week and they will stay up with victory tomorrow, if Luton fail to win at West Ham.

Nuno said he had held talks with his players after the appeal board’s announcement. “Yes, to speak to the players is normal,” he said. “It’s simple. This is what we have, this is what we have to face and let’s focus on ourselves because it’s in our hands.”

Nuno said the evening kick-off against Chelsea would give his players the chance to finish the season on a high and repay their fans for their support. He said: “It’s our last game at home. It’s important for our main

Nuno Espirito Santo’s Forest end their home fixtures against Chelsea

goal and for our fans, too, that we finish in a nice way.”

It has been a turbulent season for Forest, who were charged with improper conduct by the Football Association earlier this month after the club criticised VAR Stuart Attwell on social media following their defeat at Everton on 21 April.

Forest were denied three penalties during the match, while Nuno and defender Neco Williams were also charged by the FA over their comments about the officiating.

“It’s been hard,” Nuno added. “But since day one we have embraced the challenge. There were a lot of things we were not expecting, but we’ve dealt with them in the right way, always with the same attitude, that working together we can overcome all the obstacles.”