Nottingham Forest owner and chairman Fawaz Al Hasawi and manager Philippe Montanier have released a joint statement following the closure of the transfer window.
It comes after fans felt largely frustrated about Nottingham Forest’s transfer activity in the window that has just passed.
The statement, released on the Nottingham Forest website, revealed that the funds from the Oliver Burke transfer were made available to Montanier.
However it was Montanier’s decision not to spend the money and that all transfers were agreed by both with the exception of the Oliver Burke sale.
Video: Fan views on Nottingham Forest’s transfer dealings in the summer
Fawaz Al Hasawi’s full statement said: “Now the transfer window has closed for the summer, I feel it is only right that I explain the club’s position in relation to our recent activity.
“I believe we have recruited well this summer, bringing in 11 new players, which has been evident in both our entertaining style of play and current league position.
“I do however appreciate the fans’ frustration with the sale of Oliver Burke and can promise it was not an easy decision to make.
“I made this decision for the best interests of the club’s long-term future and in order to strengthen our squad further in the transfer windows to come.
“As promised, the funds from Oliver’s sale were made available to Philippe Montanier and I gave him assurances that I would back him financially with any targets he wishes.
“Philippe and Pedro Pereira were satisfied with the squad they had assembled and are working exceptionally hard to bring the right players into the club.
“I have total respect and trust in their recruitment policy.
“I have a good relationship with them both and will continue to back them throughout the January transfer window and beyond.
“Under Philippe’s management we have made a very good start to the season, he takes full credit for that, and I am confident that together we can enjoy success.”
Manager Philippe Montanier wants the fans to stay behind the club despite ill feelings towards the transfer dealings.
His full statement said: “Firstly I would like to thank the chairman for his backing over the summer transfer window and his assurances for the future.
“My staff and I have worked hard to identify the right players to bring into the club and I can confirm that I approved the signing of the 11 players recruited over the summer.
“This was after making the recommendation to the owner and chairman Fawaz Al Hasawi and the board for the players we have signed.
“I can also confirm that after discussions and mutual agreements with the players sold, I approved the de-registration of these players during the 2016 summer transfer window, excluding the transfer of Oliver Burke.
“The chairman made the funds from the sale of Oliver Burke available to me and for that I am grateful.
“It was my decision not to spend this money as I have full confidence in our squad that they can push on to the next level.
“At no stage did the chairman reject any potential transfers I suggested.
“We have made a good start to the season, particularly at The City Ground, and I ask that we all remain positive and continue to support the team.
“Now is the time for us to move forward together.”
