What’s in a name? as boss takes a new title

AS well as a change in personnel, there has also been a change in job title at Nottingham Forest.

Where Sabri Lamouchi was referred to as head coach, successor Chris Hughton was officially unveiled as Reds manager.

The newcomer though, insists there is little difference between the two.

“I think what we’ll always see is there are two roles – manager or head coach,” said Hughton, diplomatically, when asked if being manager afforded him greater control.

”It very much depends where you are, as to your roles and responsibilities.

“At so many clubs, the role of manager and of head coach is the same role.

“It’s a decision when you walk into a club, about the relationships you have at the club.

“I can tell you, if

I was down as head coach, as opposed to manager, my responsibilities would be no different.

“The part that I play and the relationships that I have with the people who employ me would be no different.”

Lamouchi had more of an influence over transfer business this summer than in previous windows, with many of the 13 additions being his picks.

Hughton will not get as long to have his say, given the deadline for any more domestic signings is Friday.

He anticipates making some tweaks to his squad but first wants the chance to assess where further strengthening – and trimming – is needed.

“There are a lot of new players here and I think you’ve got to give the club credit for that,” he said.

“There will be numerous managers perhaps complaining that they don’t have enough players or saying they need more players.

“I have until the end of the window to look at the areas I would perhaps like to strengthen and where the squad needs trimming – as well as determining players who need to be playing more regularly.

“A lot of decisions need to be made in a short period of time.

“The good news is that come the end of the window, you can concentrate on the group you’ve got. I think that will settle the players as well.

“What I have been told is that come the end of the window, they want me as happy as I can be with the squad of players I’ve got. “There can be no criticism about bringing players in, because over a period of time the club have provided support to do that.” Hughton makes no bones about his target being promotion.

Forest came desperately close to the top six last term, only to fall short at the final hurdle in the race for the top six.

A poor start to this campaign off the back of that cost Lamouchi his job.

But Hughton says he accepts pressure and expectation are part and parcel of taking up post at the City Ground.

“It’s the challenge that comes with it and the challenge that comes with it is the exciting part of the job,” he said.

“What myself and my staff will do is work the very hardest we can to get the right results for this football club. That goes without saying.

“As regards the challenge, pressure and expectations, that comes with the job.

“If it comes with the job, it means there’s that bit more pressure – and it means you’re at a club where our supporters expect that.

“That’s the challenge.”

There can be no criticism about bringing players in, because the club have provided support to do that Chris Hughton