Former Republic of Ireland boss Martin O’Neill has been appointed as the new manager of Nottingham Forest.
His first task will be to take charge of Saturday's home game against Bristol City. There's mention of Roy Keane in the statement from the club announcing O'Neill's appointment.
The former Manchester United skipper was said to be keen to form part of O'Neill's backroom staff. Keane played at Forest from 1999-1993 and made 114 appearances for the club scoring 33 goals.
The Derry man enjoyed a hugely successful playing career at the club which included 371 appearances and 62 goals during a 10-year-spell at The City Ground.
During that time he helped The Reds to win a First Division title, two European Cups and two League Cups.
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was said to be hugely impressed by O'Neill's energy and passion for the job.
The club have pursued O’Neill for the best part of 20 years. They first tried to appoint him as Brian Clough’s successor in 1993.
Most recently the club tried to lure O’Neill away from the Republic of Ireland, but he turned down the chance for any kind of meaningful talks in 2014.
🏠 #WelcomeHomeMartin #NFFC pic.twitter.com/xlRUY2gLMd
— Nottingham Forest FC (@NFFC) January 15, 2019
The length of Martin O'Neill's contract has yet to be revealed
Speaking last month, O’Neill said he would approach his next job with huge enthusiasm despite his unceremonious exit from the Republic of Ireland after a brutal UEFA Nations League campaign that saw them relegated and O’Neill slump to the lowest win ratio of any modern Ireland manager.
“I know I’m a good manager and I will always back myself, in whatever job I take next.
“There’s a perception now that I’m not only too old, but that I’m on the outside looking in. There’s an age element to it, but people also believe you’ve closed your mind to things.
“It couldn’t be farther from the truth. I’ve still got things to do in this game. I feel young, hungry.”
