FAWAZ Al Hasawi's latest £4million purchase as Forest owner has perhaps given the biggest sign of commitment to the club yet, according to fans and former players.
The Kuwaiti businessman will be less than an hour from the City Ground after snapping-up his new 12-bedroom home at Dunstall Hall, Staffordshire.
Fans think the move shows he is invested in the club and hope he will be putting forward similar sums to strengthen Stuart Pearce's squad ahead of next season.
Season ticket-holder Paul Richardson said he was happy to see Fawaz move more locally.
"It's a good sign he's moving closer to the area," he said. "Some fans may have been concerned about him living far away and I think this will actually help with the running of the club."
Grade Two listed Dunstall Hall has gardens and around 85.7 acres of lake and parkland.
The hall dates back to the 18th Century and has had a complete refurbishment in the last two decades.
The Forest owner bought the mansion, which also has seven receptions, a former stable block comprising a three bedroomed cottage and a cricket pitch, through London agents Strutt and Parker.
Yet Forest are yet to make a big-money signing this season, having brought in Matty Fryatt and Danny Fox on free transfers with Lars Veldwijk joining for an undisclosed fee.
Mr Richardson said fans who think Fawaz should spend similar sums on players after buying his lavish house should keep expectations realistic.
"It costs more than transfer fees to run a football club," he said. "There's rumours we're in a lot of debt and Fawaz is subsidising that and he's bought at least 40 players since he joined so I don't think we have any cause to grumble."
But Former reds striker Gary Birtles said he hoped the same commitment will be shown in player purchases.
"Every Forest fan, including me, wants to see investment in the squad," he said. "The fans will be thinking 'great', but they'll be thinking he if he's spending that much on a house there should be funds for Stuart too. But if money isn't made available they might ask why."
Mr Birtles said he felt by moving so close to the county, Fawaz has given an indication that he is here to stay.
"It's great to see that commitment. If he's buying a property of that value then it's obviously a good sign. It sends out a positive message out that he's here for the long haul."
A Forest source said the club was not involved in the house-hunting but said Mr Al Hasawi will consider it home.
"He's obviously very fond of the area," he said. "He sees it as his new home in the country and I'm sure the fans will see it as a positive step.
"Fawaz connects with the people of Nottingham through the medium of football and has been looking for somewhere permanent around these parts.
"He has property all over the world but he wanted somewhere nearby where he and his family can call home."
