Fans loud and clear in backing for Nuno after draw

NUNO Espirito Santo strode across the Selhurst Park pitch and made his way over to the Nottingham Forest fans at full-time following his team's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.

- By SARAH CLAPSON

He applauded and gave a thumbs up. Morgan Gibbs-White urged the away end to chant even louder as, in a clear demonstration of support, they roared the Portuguese's name.

It was a touching moment, what with everything going on. But it didn't have the feel of a goodbye.

And amid all the talk about feuds and futures in the balance, the Reds demonstrated why it would be folly to risk disrupting what is being built at the City Ground. Once again, Forest showed the platform and foundations are there. Why rip it all up?

Forest were not perfect in the capital, but they were full of character and potential.

Here's a look at some of the main talking points:

Nuno's position

If there was any doubt about Nuno's standing among Reds fans and players after a few days of speculation about his job, the response in south London spoke volumes.

His name was sung loudly by the travelling contingent and his team showed they are still on board as they staged a fightback to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign.

Rumours of Nuno's job being under threat had first emerged on Friday morning. The man himself fanned the flames in a remarkable press conference a few hours later in which he suggested there was “no smoke without fire”.

The 51-year-old also admitted to a breakdown in relations with owner Evangelos Marinakis, although it has been alleged global head of football Edu is the actual source of his grievance. Since then, various names have been linked with the role.

A few days ago, it was difficult to see how Nuno could remain in post having questioned the club's transfer business and spoken out against Marinakis. But come match day, there appeared to be the hint of an olive branch.