Nottingham Forest look set to remain at the City Ground after reaching an agreement with Nottingham City Council.
The Reds’ future at their home for the last 125 years had been uncertain amid a dispute with the council - who own the land - over rent and a new lease. A standoff between the two parties led to the club considering plans to relocate.
However, it has now been announced an agreement in principle has been reached following negotiations between Forest and their landlord. It means the club should be able press ahead with plans to redevelop the stadium.
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A statement from councillor Neghat Khan, leader of Nottingham City Council, on X said: "I am proud to announce that talks with Nottingham Forest have resulted in principle terms being agreed for the club to buy the land on which the City Ground sits.
"I promised decisive action to secure the future of the world-famous City Ground, which has been home to Nottingham Forest for over 125 years, and that is what we have delivered. Football is staying home, here in Nottingham, and the mist will keep rolling in off the Trent for years to come.
"The terms of the deal will be presented to the council's executive coard for a decision on July 16. If agreed, subject to legal contracts and due diligence, this will be a historic day for the club, for the fans and for our city. This is the result everyone hoped for, and I thank Councillor Mellen and Councillor Battlemuch for their work on this important issue for so many people here in the city.
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"It will allow the club to move forward with its ambitious plans to expand the stadium while also securing a significant capital receipt for the council. The council and club have agreed that measures will be put into the sale contract which will protect the council's position in the highly unlikely event that the club should choose to relocate from the City Ground in the future.
"We understand that this has been an uncertain time for supporters, but property transactions like this can often be long and complex. We are legally bound to seek best value for our taxpayers, and we feel that the deal now on the table satisfies that requirement and works for Forest, entrusting the future of this important asset to the club.
"The council is incredibly proud of our sporting heritage here in Nottingham and the great work the clubs do in engaging with our communities. They are woven into the fabric of our city, and we wish them every success on and off the pitch. As for Forest, we hope this deal helps them realise their ambitions and, following on from Thursday's (general) election result, many more victories for the team in red."
The agreement brings an end to the saga surrounding the future of the Reds’ home. Forest’s previous lease on the City Ground had 33 years left to run and talks about a new one covering the next 250 years had hit a stalemate. The council were said to want to increase the rent to £1 million from £250,000.
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As a result, Reds owner Evangelos Marinakis and chairman Tom Cartledge both spoke earlier this year about the possibility of building a new ground elsewhere. A site in Toton, several miles from Nottingham city centre, had been identified as a potential option.
Fans made their feelings on the proposal clear. In addition to voicing their opinions on social media, chants of “stand up for the City Ground” and “Toton's a s***hole, I want to stay here” rang out during the team’s final home game of last season.
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has been unwavering in his view that remaining at the City Ground would be best. He said in March that he hoped a solution could be found for the Reds to stay put, then reiterated his stance a couple of months later.
"I hope it doesn't, it will never be the same, it will never be the same,” the Portuguese previously said of the possibility of relocating. “The City Ground is so special. If they ask me, please don't, please don't City Council, let us be here.”
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