O’Neill’s back as Forest boss
... AND KEANE MAY RETURN AS No 2
MARTIN o’Neill is set to become Nottingham Forest’s new manager in an emotional return to the City Ground for the 66-year-old.
Forest have gone for a romantic choice to succeed aitor Karanka, 40 seasons after o’Neill helped win the club’s first European Cup under Brian Clough. o’Neill has been out of work since leaving the Republic of Ireland job in November, and is seen by Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis as the inspirational figure to reinvigorate a promotion push.
It is not certain if Roy Keane will join as assistant, although it is a possibility after the pair worked together with Ireland for five years.
o’Neill would like a reunion and talks lks have been held. d. Keane played at t Forest between 1990 and 1993.
It will be o’Neill’s first job in club management since he was s sacked by sunderland rin March 2013, 13, with the side one point above the Premier remier League relegation zone.
Marinakis was persuaded to give o’Neill the job after he greatly impressed during the interview process with his enthusiasm for the position. he takes over with Forest ninth in the Championship table, four points off the play-off places.
Forest wanted to replace Karanka swiftly and the 2-0 loss by Reading hastened the process. talks were conducted with o’Neill in London and Birmingham over the weekend and an agreement was reached yesterday. the contract is believed to be for 18 months. slavisa Jokanovic was sounded out, with Carlos Carvalhal another candidate, but Marinakis instead selected o’Neill, with his bond to the club a compelling factor. o’Neill spent a decade at the City Ground, winning two European Cups, the First Division title and two League Cups. as a manager, o’Neill earned promotion to the Premier League with Leicester, winning two League Cups, and claimed seven trophies in charge of Celtic. he also led aston Villa to consistent top-six finishes.
o’Neill took Ireland to the knockout stages of Euro 2016 but was heavily criticised for the team’s style of play, before departing two months ago.
Forest believe o’Neill’s hands were tied by the players at his disposal.
he takes over a talented squad and Marinakis is ready to commit more funds in his bid to reach the top flight after a £25million summer spend.
steve Guppy, who was on o’Neill’s staff with the Republic, is also likely to join.