Ola Aina and the Nottingham Forest dressing room are relaxed about the outcome of the case which will determine which European competition they feature in this coming season, as they await the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport, expected on Monday.
Forest qualified for the Conference League last term, having been in with a shot of the Champions League up until the last day, but they'll benefit if FA Cup and Community Shield winners Crystal Palace are found to have breached multi-club ownership rules, with an outcome following last week's hearing expected imminently.
Defender Aina, who missed the pre-season friendlies with Birmingham City and Fiorentina, returned on Saturday and played an hour as Forest played out another goalless draw, this time against Saudi Pro League outfit Al Qadsiah, in their final outing before the Premier League campaign begins.
He says that the squad have parked the ongoing European talk, something they themselves have no control over, and will look forward to playing in a continental competition one way or another in the new season.
"Not really," Aina admitted. "I actually forgot about Monday being the verdict to be honest. I didn't even know what was going on. I don't think the players are too fussed about it really - even if we go to the Europa Conference League it is still Europe at the end of the day. We will just wait for the decision and see what happens.
"You're always going to get that same determination from us going into this season. We're a hard working team and that counts for a lot of things during the season. We're definitely going to work hard, for each other and the club and hopefully we can build on what we did last season.
"Last season was very exciting. We created history all season, got some fantastic results playing some good football at times. We did very well in the league up to a certain point. It was really exciting and hopefully we can build on that."
Aina, who himself signed a new contract with the club last month with there being only a single year remaining on his previous deal, is also pleased that teammate and captain Morgan Gibbs-White has decided to remain at the City Ground, in the face of interest from elsewhere.
"I'm sure the club and my team-mates are buzzing that he's stayed," he added. "I can only speak for myself and say I'm very happy that he's stayed. He's a fantastic player and gets the team ticking when we need him to. It was fantastic to keep him at the club."
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Nottingham Forest pre-season supplement
It promises to be an exciting season ahead for Nottingham Forest.
The 2024/25 campaign proved to be a special one for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. But it could get even better for the Reds this time around.
European football will be coming to the City Ground for the first time in three decades. It will be a whole new continental adventure for Forest, and they will be eager to give it a good go.
It all means there is a lot to look forward to this coming season. With that in mind, we have produced our Nottingham Forest 2025/26 Kick-Off special, our brilliant guide to the new season.
Our reporter Sarah Clapson will waltz you through what to expect from the Reds this coming season, turn the spotlight on Nuno, run the rule over one of Forest’s key men and take a look at the club’s transfer business. Our club-by-club guide will give you the lowdown on Forest’s Premier League rivals, while you will also be able to test your knowledge with our Premier League quiz.
We will also take a look at the summer’s biggest signings in the division, check out each ground and study the managers - new and old. With a full fixture list, Nottingham Forest 2025/26 Kick-Off will get you in perfect match shape in time for the Reds’ opening day curtain-raiser at home to Brentford on August 17.
Priced £3.50, pre-order your copy now from our online store and get it delivered direct to your door.