Jim White has put his money where his mouth is and backed Nottingham Forest to win the Premier League.
The Reds sit second in the table and six points behind leaders Liverpool following the 1-1 draw between the two teams at the City Ground on Tuesday night.
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From narrowly surviving relegation to the Championship last season, Forest have been the surprise package this term – leading to ‘Manager of the Year’ shouts for Nuno Espirito Santo.
Forest are seven games unbeaten in the Premier League, and went into their clash with Liverpool having won six on the bounce.
In their last seven matches, they have shipped in just four goals – keeping an incredible four clean sheets.
It’s not until February 23 when they next face a club inside the top six, with Forest fans hopeful of continuing to pick up points to keep the pressure on Liverpool – and fellow contenders Arsenal.
And with supporters daring to dream of a first top-flight title since 1978, White has made a £100 bet with talkSPORT co-host Simon Jordan that Forest will end their 45-year wait for league glory.
Dissecting the title race, White said: “All of the talk is, ‘Can Forest do it?’ They’re in there, they’re fighting away.
“Simon Jordan doesn’t think they can do it, nor does Danny [Murphy]. We’d love them to do it.”
Former Crystal Palace owner Jordan then posed the question as to whether White truly believes they will have their hands on the coveted trophy come May.
To which White remarked: “I think they have a very good chance of winning the league.
“I’m not Mystic Meg, so I can’t tell you now, ‘Yes, they’re going to win it.’ I think they have an excellent chance of winning the league title.”
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Looking to put his money where his mouth is, Jordan turned to Murphy, where he stated: “We should make him put a wager on it.
“See how much his conviction, how deep his belief system is.
“I’ll have a bet that they won’t win the league and I’m prepared to back it up with cash.”
Pressed by White on how much money he’s prepared to gamble, Jordan replied: “Even money. I’ll bet you a certain amount of money, and whoever gets the win, [the money] goes to a particular charity.”
Interjecting – and insisting Jordan has to give White good odds – Murphy said: “You can’t have a split bet. It’s an outside bet.”
To which Jordan then quipped: “Why, are you getting involved then? Or are you keeping your hand firmly in your pocket?”
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Still keen on finding out how much money would be on the line, White, joking he hopes it’s not too much, said: “Danny’s got a house move on. And I’ve got a dodgy washing machine.
“But what are we talking about? Are we talking about double-digits? I mean £50 or something like that?”
Jordan responded with a £100 wager, leading a shocked White to say: “£100!”
It was then that White sent a jokingly light-hearted plea to everyone connected to Forest to make sure it’s them that gets their hands on the title.
He said: “Nottingham Forest, players, Mr [Evangelos] Marinakis [Forest owner] if you’re listening this morning.
“I am risking £100 against Simon Templar’s £100, I say that Nottingham Forest will win the Premier League.
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“Mr Templar, AKA Simon Jordan, is saying Liverpool presumably.”
But Jordan was quick to point out that he is backing any other side to come on top instead of Forest.
He stated: “I’m saying Nottingham Forest won’t win the Premier League.”
Though he did stress that he was hoping that Forest complete a fairy tale story by indeed pipping their rivals to the trophy.
Jordan simply said: “Indeed I would [want them to win the title]. I think it’s a great club.”
