Warburton reveals how Nottingham Forest takeover will impact summer signings
By Danny Wright
Mark Warburton has admitted that Nottingham Forest fans should not get too carried away by the impending takeover of the club.
Telegraph journalist John Percy has previously reported on his personal Twitter account that Evangelos Marinakis is “getting closer” to owning the East Midlands outfit following a meeting with the English Football League.
However Warburton has downplayed the chance that Forest will be splurging a lot of money on transfers over the summer as Financial Fair Play regulations will limit what the club can do.
Marinakis has made a success of his ownership at Olympiakos over the last seven years, winning six Superleague Greece titles.
That sort of success cannot be expected at the City Ground any time soon though, as Warburton admits that it could take a while to build a squad to excite the fans.
“We know where we are and the processes are taking place – and have to take place – for such a situation,” said the former Rangers boss to BBC Nottingham, as quoted on the BBC Sport website.
“Supporters naturally get excited at this time of year with a new season ahead and who are we going to buy, but FFP are in place of for a variety for reasons and we have to adhere to them.”
Warburton, 54, also said that he is “very impressed” by what he has heard about Marinakis, who will be buying the club from the controversial Fawaz Al Hasawi, who has owned the East Midlands outfit since 2012.
Nottingham Forest managed to stay in the Championship by the skin of their teeth following a final day of high drama which saw three teams battle for survival.
A 3-0 win against Ipswich saw the Reds stay up on goal difference much to the detriment of former Premier League champions Blackburn, who will play in League One next season.
Football Insider Verdict
Forest can really make a big mark on the Championship next season if they go about their transfer dealings correctly. The key for Warburton will be to sign players for small fees who could earn big wages, because those are the types of players that could really elevate his squad to a higher level without having a massive impact on his spending. One or two good seasons could see those players moved on for big fees which will further help out with FFP and, of course, a bid to return to the Premier League after a long spell outside of it.
In other Nottingham Forest news, the Reds’ link to signing the Turkish Messi has intensified.
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