Nottingham Forest owner Mr Marinakis and Steve Cooper write to fans after historic promotion win.
From Mr. Marinakis
Dear fans,
‘For me, from the very beginning of this journey, I didn’t see my involvement with our great team as an investment. It was passion for football, a passion for this club and for all the people of Nottingham to see their team back where it belongs. This club belongs to the Premier League.
‘We will give Steve and his team all the ammunition he needs in order to be competitive next season and will try not only to maintain our position in the Premier League, but to perform well because the sky is the limit.
‘In my life, whatever I have been involved with, I have always wanted to be at the top. It might seem difficult today, but it will be easier as time goes by.
‘Everybody here lives with memories from the past (with this history), but sometimes we don’t see the future because we always talk about the past. Now, we need to draw a line and write a new history for this club. Brian Clough did a lot for this club and had big achievements. 40 years later, Steve Cooper has done something similar, even more difficult. We respect our history, but now is the time to write a new history even brighter.
‘I would like to thank Steve Cooper and his team; I would like to thank the players and the Management team. I want to also congratulate my son Miltiadis, who from the beginning of the season has been involved with the team and kept the balances well and has overseen a magnificent turnaround.
Finally, I would like to thank our supporters for their magnificent support.
Be all safe and healthy!
Mr. Marinakis
From Steve Cooper
Dear Forest fan,
‘It has been a week since two truly wonderful days in the life of our club and after all that has happened, and the emotions we have been through, I wanted to speak directly to every one of you supporters to offer – above all – my heartfelt thanks.
‘What we have achieved this season has only been made possible by the unity of Forest. The ownership led by Mr Marinakis has supported us all the way. The staff at the City Ground led by Dane Murphy, and those at the Nigel Doughty Academy, have gone above and beyond. My coaching staff have shown the best of their expertise and dedication. Our players have been simply outstanding. All of it has been driven by you – our supporters – who have shown everyone at Forest, and the wider world, why this is one of the great football clubs of England, and Europe.
‘You made the City Ground a place like no other. You drove us on with packed away ends everywhere we went. Then at Wembley, it was the same again – an irresistible force that pushed the players to give the very best of themselves. Monday’s celebrations in the city were every bit as passionate. The pictures from the Old Market Square will have told those who do not know, just what devotion and loyalty Forest inspires.
‘We owe it to the great support and history of this club to push on further. When I wrote to you in September, before that game against Millwall, I told you that the work started immediately. It is no different this time. As you can imagine, we had to prepare for the possibility of being in the Premier League next season long before it became a reality and that process is already well-established. We are working towards getting our club and our first team squad ready for the challenge that lies ahead.
‘Over the course of the season I have enjoyed meeting so many of you. I have been struck by the kindness and warmth of Forest fans, not only in person but in the many letters and emails I have received. I can assure you I read them all and, although I am not the world’s most prolific writer, I try to reply to them all.
‘I cannot mention everyone who has been in touch but there is one letter that I received this year that I could not get out of my mind, and which I feel gets to the essence of our club. The correspondent began by explaining that they would not be offering their name because they had no need of a reply, or any wish to share a reply further afield. Rather they wanted to tell me their own Forest story. It was a deeply personal story of losing a beloved family member this season and how amid the sadness, they had found some joy in the way the team had performed.
‘It was generous, open and inspiring. Whoever you are, I want you to know I read your letter to the players the day before the Peterborough game to remind us all of what we play for. Thank you.
‘I wish you all a good break this summer and please know that everyone at Forest is working hard every day to improve our club. See you in the Premier League. ‘
Best wishes,
Steve
