Yahoo News Nottingham Forest sent points deduction message as FFP appeal hearing verdict due
Nottingham Forest have been told to make the most of the clarity that will come with having their points deduction situation sorted as they prepare for a huge clash.
The Reds expect to find out the outcome of their appeal hearing over their four-point deduction for breaking financial rules this week. It means Forest will know where they stand and how many points they have before they travel to already-relegated Sheffield United on Saturday.
The Profitability and Sustainability Rules breach saga has been hanging over the club since January, when they were charged. Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has been clear that the uncertainty over how many points they have has affected his players. Being able to put the matter to bed - whatever the verdict - should help the Reds ahead of their trip to Bramall Lane.
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READ MORE: Everything we know about Forest appeal as points deduction decision due
“The club are hopeful (of a successful appeal); they appealed for that reason,” Forest reporter Sarah Clapson said on NottinghamshireLive’s Garibaldi Red podcast. “Whether they do get any points back or not, though, remains to be seen.
“What we have learned from each hearing into Forest’s and Everton’s cases is that every single one is different; different conclusions are reached. For that reason, it is difficult to read anything into what has gone before.
“It is difficult to predict what will happen. I think Forest have to see it as if they do get any points back, then great, it is a huge bonus. Even if it is just one point, it could make a massive difference.
“The big thing is to have the situation sorted and have clarity. It has been hanging over the club since January and Nuno has spoken about it having an effect on the players.
“To have it all sorted and for Forest to know where they stand and what needs to be done in the remaining games is the main thing. And if the club do get any points given back, then that’s a bonus.”
Reds fan Pat Lally said: “If we get two points back, we’re three points clear. That’s a win. That's huge at this point.
“You don't want to hang your hat on getting any of those back. But if we do, huge bonus. I think we'll stay up.”
Nuno’s side sit one point above the relegation zone with three games to go after Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City. They put in a positive performance against the reigning champions, but know the key is to repeat that display in their remaining fixtures.
Lally added: “Even before Sheffield United were relegated, you knew that because it’s Forest and the history between the two, they’re going to turn up. They are really going to turn up - the fans will and there’s some ex-Forest players there.
“I think it’s going to be very, very difficult. I’m just hoping Taiwo (Awoniyi) is on the bench - last 10 minutes, equaliser or a winner, calling it now.
“It’s so bizarre because you can go from being so deflated, like after the Everton game, to Sunday and thinking, ooh, play like this and we’ll be fine. What they've got and what they've shown, they haven't shown it on a regular basis, but if they show that for the final three games, we'll be fine.”
Clapson added: “A lot of it is going to be about who deals with the pressure. Can the players cope with the pressure that comes with those kinds of games, particularly away from home?
“We know what a difference the fans make at the City Ground. It is going to be very different going to a Sheffield United team that will probably be absolutely determined to send Forest down and to Turf Moor.
“The mental side of it is going to be important and how the players cope with all of that. That is when you need your big characters.
“But there is so much positivity and confidence to take from Sunday. That’s the template and the standard. Do it again and again and again, and then Forest have a great chance of staying up.”
