Nottingham Forest chairman Nicholas Randall QC has pleaded with supporters to make the “vital” gesture of donating the value of their season tickets back to the club.
Forest have now set out the options for season-card holders to claim refunds with the final five City Ground matches played behind closed doors.
One of those options would see fans put the value of their refund back into the club, with donations going to Forest’s academy.
Randall is urging supporters to make that choice amid the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the club’s finances. Forest could pay out more than £1million if every fan asked for a pro-rata refund.
In an open letter to fans, Randall wrote: “We will be offering a pro-rata refund to those season card holders who want this. However, if you are in the position to consider one of our alternative options, I urge you to please do so.
“The economic impact on the club of any refund is substantial. The sum in issue is in excess of £1million.
“I will be open and direct with you and say that it is vital for the club that as much of these funds as possible are retained.
“We still live under the regime of FFP which means that the levels of investment an owner can make are in proportion to the income generated by the club and, as you know, we do not have the advantage of significant parachute payments.
“As you are also aware we are striving to achieve promotion in the next few weeks but it is crucial that we maintain the club’s upwards trajectory even if we fall short this season. We need to keep our momentum and to maintain our club on its upward path.
“It goes without saying that every time a supporter selects an alternative option to a refund the position of the club is strengthened. Every amount retained will continue to be invested in your club.”
However, Randall said that those who take up the option of donating back to the club will be rewarded should promotion be achieved.
He said: “I can assure you that if the club is promoted this season, the landscape will obviously be very different and we will be in a position to provide yet further benefits to all supporters who have taken up these alternative options as a gesture of our appreciation for your support.”
