Keith Wyness, former Everton CEO, has praised Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, stating he has outshined other Premier League owners since taking charge.
In a recent episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness, who led Everton from 2004 to 2009 and now advises top football clubs, expressed high regard for Marinakis’s tenure at Nottingham Forest.
Since Nottingham Forest’s return to the Premier League via the playoffs in 2022, Marinakis has been instrumental in the club’s aggressive spending and ambitious plans. Under his leadership, the club has undertaken significant projects, including the expansion of the City Ground.
The BBC reported on July 8 that Nottingham City Council has agreed in principle to sell land to the club, facilitating the expansion of the stadium’s capacity from 29,000 to 40,000 by rebuilding two stands.
Despite a challenging season where Nottingham Forest finished 17th after a four-point deduction due to a breach of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, Wyness believes Marinakis’s ownership is exemplary. He contrasted Marinakis with other Premier League owners, particularly private equity players, highlighting the Greek billionaire’s passion and commitment to the club.
Wyness noted that Marinakis’s emotional investment and proactive approach resonate well with fans.
“He’s shown his passion and his temperament,” Wyness said. “He’s a character and he’s got the resources. He’s looking after the club and doing his best for it. There’s nothing much more you can ask – he’s really committed to it.”
Marinakis’s dedication and heartfelt approach have garnered significant support among Nottingham Forest fans. Wyness concluded that Marinakis stands out compared to many other Premier League owners, providing the kind of leadership that supporters appreciate.
