Mark Crossley makes Premier League claim involving Nottingham Forest ahead of Huddersfield clash

Mark Crossley has admitted that he believes that the Premier League needs Nottingham Forest as much as the club needs a return to the top-flight.

The Reds have not featured at this level since 1999 and thus will be determined to finally secure a return to this particular division this weekend.

Set to face Huddersfield Town in the Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium, Forest know that they could potentially achieve promotion if they perform at their very best in this particular fixture.

Under the guidance of manager Steve Cooper, the Reds have experienced an incredible transformation in fortunes.

Since opting to hand over the reins to the Welshman in September, Forest have won 26 games in all competitions which is a remarkable feat when you consider that they only accumulated one point from their opening seven league fixtures.

Forest managed to set up their showdown with Huddersfield by securing a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Sheffield United at the City Ground earlier this month.

Ahead of Sunday’s clash, Crossley has revealed that he is hoping to see Forest prevail in this game.

Speaking to Sky Sports about the club’s absence from the top-flight, the former Reds goalkeeper said: “It’s just amazing that it has been so many years.

“Because every year as supporters, as ex-players, it’s a club closest to all of our hearts and it’s been away far too long, far, far too long.

“I can’t believe actually how long it is with the history that the club’s got.

“Not only does Forest need the Premier League but I think the Premier League needs Nottingham Forest as well so fingers crossed Sunday is going to be the day that the club gets back to where it belongs.”

The Verdict

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