Manager Martin O’Neill has spoken about his relationship with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.
And he says the Greek businessman “knows that it takes time to reach our goal”.
The Reds boss oversaw a ninth-placed finish in the Championship in the season just gone, having taken charge at the City Ground in January.
He has made it clear promotion is the aim next term, while Marinakis recently reiterated his desire to “take this club to where it deserves to be”.
“I have met him several times, yes, especially in London when he comes in,” O’Neill said of the owner, in a translated interview with Greek website Sport 24.
“We have communication, of course.
“Here in Nottingham we have his associates, who always tell us when Mr Marinakis is happy or otherwise.
“He is a completely successful entrepreneur and knows that it takes time to reach our goal. Everything you want to succeed in life needs a lot of effort.
“Sometimes we have spoken through Skype.
“What I can say with certainty is that he wants to drive Forest to where the club belongs. He has the ambition.
“The fans who have been disappointed all these years have perceived how much things have changed and support the new effort that has been going for two years (since Marinakis’ takeover).”
O’Neill says he has a good relationship with the rest of Marinakis’ countrymen at the club, with the likes of CEO Ioannis Vrentzos and director of football Kyriakos Dourekas holding key roles.
Asked how he would describe his relationship with the Greeks who work at Forest, O’Neill said: “They are very good. They are working hard.
“In January they tried to get some players to fill the gaps we had with injuries.
“We work together and try to carry out their work.
“But for me it is very important to get Nottingham Forest into the Premier League.”
