O’neill falls to player power as Forest swiftly appoint Lamouchi

Manager’s ‘old school’ approach led to revolt New man named 18 minutes after sacking

Martin O’neill was sacked as Nottingham Forest manager after a player revolt left the club with no option but to act.

Forest moved swiftly to appoint a replacement by naming Sabri Lamouchi, a former Rennes manager, as his successor 18 minutes later on their official website.

O’neill’s brief return to the City Ground lasted just five months. Forest took drastic action over a growing mutiny in the squad, which hit crisis point over the past 48 hours.

It is understood many senior players expressed major doubts over O’neill’s methods and training regime and Forest decided to end his tenure in pre-season, rather than risk damaging morale further. O’neill took training yesterday morning before getting the news.

Sources claimed O’neill’s perceived “old school” approach left players confused and underwhelmed. One alleged that training was flat with no clear pattern, and little focus on the opposition.

Roy Keane, O’neill’s assistant, had left the club last Sunday, which was seen as a significant blow to the manager’s authority.

Forest were aware of issues toward the end of last season, but opted to keep O’neill, as there was reluctance to bow to player power. But the situation deteriorated to such an extent they dismissed the former Republic of Ireland manager. It now remains to be seen whether O’neill, who turned 67 in March, will return to management.

Lamouchi, 47, left Rennes last December. The former France midfielder was due to arrive in the East Midlands last night and watch a friendly against Alfreton Town today.

A club statement said: “Nottingham Forest are delighted to announce that Sabri Lamouchi has been appointed as the club’s new head coach. The Frenchman will be assisted at Forest by six new members of staff, who will support the first team.”

O’neill’s departure has polarised opinion among supporters. The club has now appointed 13 managers in just eight years.

The Northern Irishman is one of the club’s famed “miracle men” from his time as a player, winning two European Cups under Brian Clough. His return as manager in January was expected to deliver a play-off charge, but results tailed off towards the end of the campaign as Forest finished ninth, eight points adrift of rivals Derby County in the final play-off spot.

Lamouchi brings plenty of experience to the role, having led Ivory Coast to the 2014 World Cup as the top-ranked African side, and to the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals. He also won the Qatar Cup and reached the Asian Champions League semi-finals during his time at El Jaish SC.

Lamouchi played for Monaco, Parma, Inter Milan and Marseille, as well as making 12 appearances for France.