adminSimon Jordan believes Evangelos Marinakis has every right to make the decisions he feels are necessary at Nottingham Forest, describing him as “the best thing that’s happened to the club in 25 years.”
The former Crystal Palace owner was speaking about Forest’s decision to appoint Vitor Pereira as Sean Dyche’s replacement, as well as the criticism aimed at Marinakis, who has now sacked three managers in one season. The upheaval comes just months after Forest were pushing for a potential Champions League spot, yet they now find themselves hovering just one place and three points above the relegation zone.
With Nuno Espirito Santo, Ange Postecoglou and Dyche all gone, Marinakis is hoping Pereira can replicate the impact he had at Wolves last season, when he guided them to safety. Jordan acknowledged Pereira’s previous success in steadying Wolves, though he noted their struggles the following season. Still, he stressed that Forest’s focus is purely short-term survival.
According to Jordan, Marinakis is determined to avoid relegation at all costs. Dropping into the Championship is simply not acceptable to him, and he will do whatever is required to prevent that outcome. If he believes Pereira — the same manager who famously connected with Wolves fans by sharing a drink at a local pub — is the man to steer Forest clear of danger, then that is the path he will take. Longer-term plans, Jordan suggested, can wait until the summer once safety is secured.
Jordan also emphasised that Marinakis personally funds the club’s ambitions and therefore has earned the authority to make such calls. He pointed out that the owner will ultimately bear the financial and reputational consequences of his decisions.
While acknowledging recent missteps, Jordan argued that Marinakis should not be judged solely on short-term struggles. He credited the Greek businessman with revitalising a club that had spent over two decades in decline, leading them back to the Premier League and stabilising them there. In his view, it is unfair to dismiss that progress because of a difficult spell.
Jordan criticised what he sees as a culture of instant gratification, particularly among critics who overlook long-term achievements in favour of immediate results. He also questioned why the media should attempt to create division between Marinakis and supporters who continue to back him, recognising that although mistakes may have been made, he remains the most transformative figure the club has had in a generation.
admin
