Current Nottingham Forest news as Nuno Espirito Santo, the Reds’ manager, responds to the hike in season ticket prices at City Ground
Despite their displeasure with the price hikes for season tickets, Nottingham Forest supporters have been urged to support the squad by head coach Nuno Espirito Santo.
The Portuguese wants the Reds to remain united in their battle to stay in the Premier League. In front of their matchup with relegation rivals Everton on Sunday, they are only one point above the bottom three.
The lead-up to the match at Goodison Park has been somewhat overshadowed by this week’s announcement of season card prices for the 2024/25 season. With prices rising by an average of 24 percent, supporters have expressed frustration, particularly regarding the club’s messaging on the decision.
When asked about understanding fans’ frustrations, Nuno responded, “I understand why they are frustrated, but I am not privy to the reasons behind the club’s decision. I ask them to please continue supporting us.”
He continued, “I cannot judge the club’s decisions when I am not fully informed about the reasons behind them. What I do know is how crucial our fans are. I’ve always emphasized the special relationship we have with them.”
Nuno stressed the importance of maintaining this relationship and emphasized the need for fan support both at home and away matches.
Forest’s season card announcement notably omitted any mention of the threat of relegation, indicating that prices would remain the same regardless of the club’s league status, whether in the top-flight or the Championship.
Following the season card announcement, the club revealed plans to introduce sections of safe standing at the City Ground. However, this move was criticized by some as a “deflection strategy” amid the backlash Forest were facing over the pricing decision.
Additionally, late-night social media posts from the official Reds’ account stirred further controversy among fans. Forest highlighted breaking their season card renewal record in “just seven hours,” with renewals reportedly up 50 percent compared to the same period last year. They also noted, “Now over 11,000 fans signed up to our Official Season Card Waiting List since launch. An incredible demonstration of the huge demand to follow Forest. Thank you.”
The timing of those posts, whether intentional or not, could be perceived as divisive among supporters. The club faced criticism for appearing “tone-deaf,” with many responses urging them to “read the room.”
This announcement coincided with Forest’s uncertain Premier League fate and just before a crucial match. Nuno acknowledged that the timing was less than ideal.
“That’s never good,” he declared. We play for the fans, so the relationship between the club and the supporters is paramount in football.
Sometimes I just shut up when I don’t know something; sometimes it’s best to be quiet. However, I am aware of how valuable and meaningful the fans are to the lads. They may rely on their noise and support while they are on the field.We need them, therefore let’s strive to maintain things this way. Till the end, we will need them. The battle will be fierce all the way to the finish.
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