‘I’ve studied Nottingham Forest’s planning application in detail, I’m blown away’
Nottingham Forest’s plans to expand the City Ground further show the ambition of owner Evangelos Marinakis.
That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, on the stadium plans which have been announced.
Nottingham Forest want to increase their capacity to 52,000, with the City Ground currently holding just over 30,000.
More than £15million could be generated by Nottingham Forest’s proposals, who are using the same architectural firm that oversaw Liverpool‘s expansion of Anfield.
‘Sign of intent’ from Evangelos Marinakis
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – is impressed with Nottingham Forest‘s stadium plans.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness believes it shows that Marinakis wants Nottingham Forest to compete with the Premier League’s top clubs.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Well, when I say that the Palace build was quite intricate, this one really is a very technical, big challenge. It’s very impressive.
“I went through the details of the planning application and it is very impressive and it’s perfect, really, once it’s completed. If it is completed technically, which I’m sure it will be.
“It’s going to take a period of time, I think even up to five years to get completed, but it really is a sign of intent from Marinakis and it would leave Nottingham with a crown jewel of a stadium that would be fantastic.
“That would make a difference certainly in the revenue streams for Forest and it is definitely a statement that Marinakis wants to see them not only staying in the Premier League but pushing to the top level.”
Nottingham Forest set to make huge profit
Forest could net £100m next summer if they sell Elliot Anderson, who is wanted by Man City and Man United.
Anderson will give “priority” to Man City if he departs the City Ground, whilst his value could grow if he performs well at the World Cup.
The 23-year-old midfielder joined Nottingham Forest for £35m from Newcastle in 2021, with the Toon selling due to PSR issues.