Nottingham Forest’s return to the Premier League and their subsequent rise as a competitive force in English football is a story of ambition, investment, and unwavering determination, with Evangelos Marinakis, the Greek businessman and club owner, playing the pivotal role in driving the club forward. While Steve Cooper’s managerial brilliance has been instrumental in the team’s success, and Dane Murphy’s strategic planning behind the scenes was crucial in bringing together the squad, it is Marinakis who stands at the top of this success story. His vision for the club, combined with his financial backing, has transformed Forest from a club struggling in the Championship to one challenging at the highest levels of English football.
When Marinakis first took control of Nottingham Forest, the club had not played in the Premier League for over two decades. For a club with such a rich history and tradition, that absence from the top flight was a bitter pill to swallow. But Marinakis made a promise: he would return the club to the Premier League. Many doubted this would happen in such a short time, especially given the club’s struggles in recent years. Yet, under Marinakis’s stewardship, Forest not only achieved promotion to the Premier League but have since gone on to establish themselves as a competitive side, with aspirations of European football and success on the continent.
The 2021-2022 season was a breakthrough for Forest, with the club securing promotion to the Premier League after an absence of 23 years. The decision to appoint Steve Cooper was a turning point, as the former Swansea City manager galvanized the team and implemented a tactical approach that helped Forest rise up the Championship table. Marinakis, recognizing the importance of securing promotion, backed Cooper with significant investments in the squad, including a series of key signings. While the club’s promotion was hard-fought, it was clear that Marinakis was not content with just achieving top-flight status — his vision for Forest was much more ambitious. His aim was to not only return Forest to the Premier League but to make them a club that could consistently compete at the highest levels.
Marinakis’s belief in the project was further demonstrated during the January transfer window when he pushed for reinforcements to ensure the club remained competitive. While the mid-season signings were crucial to Forest’s survival in the Premier League, Marinakis made it clear that his ambitions extended far beyond simply staying in the league. The owner’s desire to elevate Forest to a position where they could regularly challenge for European places and compete with the top clubs was evident. With a focus on long-term growth, Marinakis sought players who could make an immediate impact while also providing a foundation for future success. This proactive approach in the transfer market reflected the owner’s commitment to the club’s sustained development.
Marinakis’s influence was also on full display during Forest’s thrilling 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Premier League. The win was crucial for Forest as they continued their push for a place in European competition, and it served as a testament to the progress the club had made under Cooper and Marinakis. As the final whistle blew, Marinakis, sitting in his usual spot in the Peter Taylor Stand, was visibly elated. His celebration was not just a reflection of the victory but also a symbol of how far Forest had come under his ownership. Marinakis’s passionate reaction to the win, shared by the club on social media, quickly became a viral moment, with fans expressing their admiration for the owner. The video showed him celebrating with club officials and fans, his joy contagious as he embraced the achievement with the same intensity as the supporters around him.
Forest fans were quick to express their gratitude for Marinakis and his contribution to the club’s rise. Social media was flooded with messages of appreciation for the owner, who has delivered on every promise he made since taking control. One fan noted, “What these men have done for this football club can never ever be appreciated enough by any of us, yes it got off to a slow start, but my word has it paid off.” Another fan expressed their admiration by simply saying, “Our king,” while a third fan remarked, “Got to love Don Marinakis.” These messages reflect the deep connection between the club’s supporters and their owner, who has shown not only financial commitment but also genuine emotional investment in the team’s success. Marinakis is not just a businessman or a distant figurehead; he is a true supporter of Nottingham Forest, and that connection has endeared him to fans.
Looking to the future, Marinakis’s ambition for the club shows no signs of slowing down. With Champions League football now a real possibility, the challenge will be to ensure that Forest have the depth and quality to compete at the highest level of European competition. If the team manages to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League, they will earn a spot in the prestigious tournament, marking a major milestone in the club’s history. However, qualifying for the Champions League will only be the beginning of a new challenge. Forest will need to bolster their squad significantly to compete with the elite clubs of Europe. Marinakis, having proven his willingness to invest, will undoubtedly back the team with significant funds in the summer transfer window to ensure they are prepared for the demands of European football.
This commitment to backing the team is what has made Marinakis such a revered figure among Forest supporters. His track record of delivering on promises is clear — whether it was bringing Premier League football back to the City Ground, making key signings in the transfer market, or providing the financial resources necessary to help the club succeed. For Forest, Marinakis’s stewardship has not just been about financial investment; it has been about laying the groundwork for sustained success, with a clear vision for the club’s future. His focus on the long term ensures that Forest are not just content to survive in the Premier League but are aiming to challenge for silverware and establish themselves as a fixture in European competition.
The potential for silverware is no longer a distant dream. Under Marinakis’s ownership, Forest have become a club with aspirations of greatness. Their rise, fueled by a combination of smart management, strategic investment, and passionate ownership, has been impressive. And with the future looking bright, there is genuine belief among fans that success — both domestically and in Europe — is on the horizon.
In conclusion, Evangelos Marinakis has played an indispensable role in Nottingham Forest’s remarkable rise. His commitment to bringing the club back to the Premier League, his strategic investments in the squad, and his emotional connection to the team have transformed Forest into one of the most exciting clubs in English football. As the club pushes for European football, and potentially the Champions League, Marinakis’s support will continue to be vital. Fans can be assured that, with Marinakis at the helm, Forest’s future is full of promise, and the dream of competing for silverware is closer than ever. The next chapter in Forest’s story is unfolding, and with Marinakis’s ambition and vision driving the club forward, the sky is the limit.