Evangelos Marinakis consistently delivers the best for Nottingham Forest, but in the case of the Morgan Gibbs-White saga, especially, his methods have rival clubs talking.
Gibbs-White signed a new Forest contract in what was a remarkable turn of events, given that he looked almost certain to be departing for Tottenham after the London club triggered his release clause.
However, Marinakis disputed Tottenham’s approach for his star man and, after weeks of speculation, tied the midfielder down to a contract that made Gibbs-White the highest-paid player in Forest history.
In the aftermath, it was revealed that Marinakis thought Daniel Levy disrespected Forest with the pair’s relationship now significantly damaged, but Spurs aren’t the only team wary of how the Forest owner operates.
Evangelos Marinakis of Nottingham Forest
Photo by Michael Regan – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
How rival clubs feel about Evangelos Marinakis
Naturally, every owner conducts business in a way that protects their club so it was no surprise that Marinakis was so insistent on keeping Gibbs-White.
The situation was a unique one, though, given the presence of a release clause in negotiations, with a report from The Independent now revealing how onlooking clubs view Forest and Marinakis as a result.
The report said: “Tottenham thought they had activated his £60m release clause and even organised a medical, with it seeming Gibbs-White was ready to make the next steps.
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“That was before Forest retaliated, accusing Spurs of illegally approaching the midfielder, going to the player before the club, as they considered legal action.
“It was a massive spanner in the works that eventually killed the move stone-dead, one The Independent understands was indicative of how many clubs and agents view Marinakis’s Forest: hard to do business with.”
Again, this tag of being hard to do business with can be seen as Marinakis protecting the best interests of Forest, something that those behind the scenes at the City Ground very much appreciate.
Nottingham Forest staff love Evangelos Marinakis’ methods
Marinakis called Gibbs-White a Forest legend in an interview reacting to the new contract, emphasising how important the deal was for him to complete.
This passion for the club is clearly appreciated by those who work alongside him, with the report continuing to outline their feelings about the Greek businessman.
"I felt the love!" 💬
Morgan Gibbs-White explains why he extended his Nottingham Forest contract 🌳
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The report continued: “He gives quick, straight, emphatic answers, which The Independent understands people inside the club appreciate. His passion for the club is undisputable – a regular attendee at matches, he is often seen greeting his players and staff in the tunnel, like a father with his “family”.
“And with the fans, while he may not be the steadiest hand on the tiller, he gets results.”
These results are all he can be judged on by Forest fans, even if his methods can rub rival clubs the wrong way at times.