Nottingham Forest move into their third season back in the Premier League looking for stability.

Boss Nuno Espirito Santo says he has seen progress in his squad since he arrived last December and, with that, should come the top flight security the club will crave.

A second consecutive brush with relegation last season came with the backdrop of the four-point deduction for breaching profit and sustainability rules and a very public row over refereeing appointments and standards.

The club has backed the changes and additional transparency offered by referees’ body the Professional Game Match Officials Limited and the Premier League for this season and Nuno has said he will try to avoid confrontation with officials.

Forest are confident they can avoid another season of struggle and that they kick off against Bournemouth with Morgan Gibbs-White and Murillo still in the building shows they have, so far, kept their best assets.

A season of mid-table mediocrity may not sound exciting or glamorous but, for those at the City Ground, it would represent real progress and show Forest can start to establish themselves in the top flight.