Nottingham Forest continues to progress forward despite the setback of their unsuccessful appeal against a four-point deduction, manager Nuno Espirito Santo stated.
Forest’s appeal regarding the breach of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability Rules (PSR) was unsuccessful this week, as an independent three-person board upheld the initial ruling.
Consequently, the team maintains their position in 17th place, holding a three-point margin above the relegation zone with two games left to play.
“We were all disappointed. We had the hope and the belief they [the independent appeal board] could give us points back. But the decision is over,” said Nuno.
“We spoke about it with the players, about how this is the reality, this is what we have, this is what we have to face. Let’s focus on ourselves, because it [safety] is in our hands.
“Since the beginning, when there was the possibility of a points deduction, we have always faced it the same way – what we have to focus on is ourselves and on our job. It’s in our hands. We have already moved on.”
“In March, an independent commission determined that Nottingham Forest’s losses over a span of three years until 2022-23 exceeded the £61m threshold by £34.5m.
Forest became the second top-flight team to face penalties for breaching PSR regulations, following Everton’s 10-point deduction in November, later reduced to six on appeal.
Nuno previously described the bottom-of-the-table situation as chaotic while awaiting the appeal verdict, expressing concerns about its impact on the league’s integrity.
Defender Ola Aina sees the resolution of Forest’s January charge as providing much-needed clarity for the squad in their battle against relegation.
Their upcoming match against Chelsea on Saturday presents an opportunity for survival, particularly if Luton fails to secure a victory against West Ham.
“The energy around the club was like it has been forgotten about anyway, especially among the players. We didn’t really talk or think about it – we were just thinking about getting points as we normally would,” Aina told BBC East Midlands Today.
“It feels good that it’s in our hands. We can take control of that. I don’t think [it is nervy], I think the boys enjoy the task. I really enjoy going out there and having to get something. That’s the joy of football.
“It would be fantastic [to secure Premier League survival] and I do think we’ll do it. It will be fantastic to have that bit of relief, whether that’s this week or next week.”