Martin O’Neill sacked: Nottingham Forest part company with manager and appoint successor in 18 minutes

Sabri Lamouchi will replace O'Neill after spells with Rennes and the Ivory Coast 

Jack Rathborn
Friday 28 June 2019 14:24 BST
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Nottingham Forest have sacked the Irishman
Nottingham Forest have sacked the Irishman (Getty)

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Nottingham Forest have sacked Martin O’Neill as manager after five months in charge and announced Sabri Lamouchi as his replacement.

O’Neill guided the club to ninth last year and previously made 371 appearances for the club as a player, winning two European Cups.

The club’s decision follows former assistant Roy Keane leaving the club.

A club statement read: “Nottingham Forest can confirm that manager Martin O’Neill has left the club.

“The club would like to thank Martin for all his efforts during his time at The City Ground and wish him well for the future.”

Forest have acted after reported discontent in the dressing room concerning O’Neill’s training methods.

The decision was taken in pre-season to prevent the issues escalating and damaging their ambitions for next season with a separate statement 18 minutes later to announce Lamouchi as the new manager.

Sabri Lamouchi is the new Forest manager
Sabri Lamouchi is the new Forest manager (Getty)

It read: “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.”

The move follows Keane’s exit from the club, five days ago, with the former Manchester United captain eager to resurrect his own managerial career.

Roy Keane has left Nottingham Forest with immediate effect
Roy Keane has left Nottingham Forest with immediate effect (PA)

“Nottingham Forest can confirm that assistant manager Roy Keane has left the club,” read a statement at the time. “Roy would like to express his gratitude to the club’s owner, board of directors, the staff, the players and in particular manager Martin O’Neill for the opportunity to return to The City Ground.

“The former Red would also like to place on record his appreciation to the supporters who have welcomed him back so warmly since his appointment in January.

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