Evangelos Marinakis has turned scepticism into belief at Nottingham Forest, with promotion hero Jack Colback admitting to GOAL that he was initially among the doubters. The enigmatic Greek owner has set his sights on leading the Reds towards major silverware and Champions League qualification, ambitions that now look more attainable as his long-term plans begin to take shape.

When Marinakis completed his takeover of Nottingham Forest back in May 2017, he took control of a club then competing in the Championship. At that time, he outlined a five-year plan aimed at restoring Forest to their traditional status among the elite—a return to the heights once achieved under the legendary Brian Clough.

When Marinakis arrived on the banks of the Trent, top-flight football had been absent from Nottingham since 1999, and the club had not ventured into European competition since 1996. Under his ownership, both of those long-standing droughts have now ended.

Forest’s promotion to the Premier League was secured in 2022, just within the initial five-year target. Under Steve Cooper’s guidance, the club celebrated play-off final triumph at Wembley, earning their way back to the top division. Since then, four different managers have taken charge during a turbulent 2025-26 season, reflecting the high expectations and intensity surrounding the club’s pursuit of success.

Forest also reached the semi-finals of the Europa League, marking their first competitive European campaign in three decades. That run came after impressive journeys to the last four in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, signifying the club’s growing presence in major tournaments.

However, Marinakis’ ambitions stretch far beyond merely surviving in the Premier League. Despite some seasons spent battling relegation, he has promised further investment in the transfer market, determined to push Forest towards their loftiest goals.

When asked whether Marinakis can truly deliver silverware and Champions League football, Jack Colback—part of the 2022 promotion-winning squad—shared his perspective with GOAL while speaking on behalf of Bally Bet. “I remember him talking about that when we’d just been promoted,” Colback said. “As players, you’re thinking, ‘I’m not sure about that, it feels a bit early.’ But he’s backed it up—nearly reached the Champions League last season and got to the Europa League semi-finals this year.”

Colback added, “I think they’ll recruit smartly again. You can’t stand still in the Premier League now—it’s always moving. The ambition can definitely be Europe and beyond, winning trophies. It’s what the club deserves; it’s a fantastic club.”

Marinakis has come to embody Nottingham’s famous ‘Rebel City’ spirit, reminiscent of the legend of Robin Hood. Since Forest’s return to the Premier League, life at the City Ground has rarely been dull, with the owner’s bold personality and hands-on approach making him a central figure in the club’s resurgence.

Supporters and players alike have embraced Marinakis’ vision. Former Forest striker and Wales international Rob Earnshaw previously told GOAL about the owner’s passionate involvement, which he believes always serves the club’s best interests. “When Mr Marinakis comes onto the pitch and greets players in the tunnel, I see nothing wrong with that,” Earnshaw explained. “In Greece, owners are very involved—they go into the dressing room, onto the pitch, it’s part of their culture. It gives them a better sense of what’s happening inside the club.”

Earnshaw continued, “I think Mr Marinakis has done a fantastic job. He’s ruthless, determined, and very direct, but over the last five or six years, he’s brought this club back to where it belongs—playing in the Premier League, competing in Europe, and now aiming for the Champions League. Those are the moments every Forest fan dreams of.”

“I enjoy seeing him so involved,” he added. “He deserves a lot of credit because he hasn’t just invested money; he’s invested himself fully in making the club successful. It’s been an incredible journey. Forest wouldn’t be Forest without big personalities and a bit of drama. Football thrives on personality, and I love that. Owners shouldn’t just sit silently in the stands; they should show their passion and be part of the club’s heartbeat.”

As the 2026-27 season approaches, Nottingham Forest are once again active in the transfer market, looking to strengthen the squad for head coach Vitor Pereira. The objective is clear: assemble a team capable of challenging for top-seven finishes and embarking on more memorable cup runs.

With familiar faces like Jack Colback returning to the fold, there’s hope that new heroes will emerge along the banks of the Trent. Nottingham Forest’s front-of-shirt partner Bally Bet has also been celebrating grassroots football, recognising long-serving local players through the Bally Bet All-Stars Vets project. Club legend Mark Crossley led the initiative, assembling a team of grassroots icons to face a side of Forest legends at the City Ground on May 28, giving everyday footballers a taste of Premier League treatment.