Evangelos Marinakis remains a central figure at Nottingham Forest, a man whose ambition and actions continue to shape the club's trajectory. After a successful 2024/25 season that saw Forest qualify for European competition for the first time in 29 years, finishing 7th in the Premier League, the question of how Marinakis will steer the club forward looms large. His tenure has been marked by significant investment, bold decisions, and a clear desire to establish Nottingham Forest as a force in English and European football.
Marinakis's impact is undeniable. Securing Morgan Gibbs-White to a new three-year contract is a statement of intent, with Marinakis calling Gibbs-White "the heart of our future" and highlighting his talent, character, and mentality as embodying the club's aspirations. This move signals Marinakis's commitment to building a team around key players and rewarding their contributions. Ryan Yates has also emphasized Marinakis's ambition after Gibbs-White decided to stay at Nottingham Forest, turning down other offers.
The 2024/25 season was a testament to Marinakis's vision, even though the team slumped to seventh place after holding a top-three position for a significant portion of the season. This finish guaranteed them a spot in either the Europa League or Europa Conference League, pending a closed-door hearing regarding Crystal Palace's eligibility. This success was built on a strong run of form, including their best winning streak in the top division since 1967. Key players like Chris Wood, who finished as the team's top scorer with 20 goals, played crucial roles.
However, challenges remain. A supercomputer has predicted a drop to 11th place for Nottingham Forest in the upcoming season, suggesting that they "underwhelmed in pre-season". This prediction highlights the need for continued improvement and strategic decisions to maintain their competitiveness in the Premier League.
Marinakis's leadership extends beyond the pitch. The recent partnership with Bally's Corporation as the front-of-shirt sponsor demonstrates his focus on strengthening global partnerships and engaging with the club's growing fanbase. Marinakis stated that he wants to "keep achieving incredible things and strengthening our global partnerships". This collaboration aims to support various initiatives and enhance the club's reach both locally and internationally.
Looking ahead, the key question revolves around how Marinakis will balance ambition with stability. Further signings, such as the potential addition of Mads Bidstrup, known for his exceptional passing ability, could bolster the squad. Nottingham Forest has already brought in players like Dan Ndoye, Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha. Continuous squad improvement will be essential to compete in both domestic and European competitions.
Ultimately, Evangelos Marinakis's character is a complex blend of ambition, investment, and a relentless pursuit of success. His leadership has already brought Nottingham Forest back to the European stage. The question now is whether he can sustain this momentum and establish the club as a consistent contender in the Premier League.
