The Nottingham Post understands that Nigel Clough is interested in returning to Nottingham Forest as their next manager. Clough is currently in charge of Burton Albion, who seem likely to be playing their football in the same league as Forest next season.
A clause in Clough’s Burton contract reveals that he would be allowed to move on without any compensation. With Clough Jnr keen to follow in the footsteps of Clough Snr and rekindle his association with a club he holds in the deepest of affection.
Clough, who recently celebrated his 50th birthday, would surely find the opportunity too good to turn down if it became a reality. Although he is likely to guide the Brewers into the Championship for the first time in their history, Nottingham Forest is clearly ‘his club’.
Forest owner Fawaz Al Hasawi revealed that he is exploring the possibility of appointing a foreign head coach after dismissing Dougie Freedman from his post recently. Coach Paul Williams is in charge for the remainder of the season.
Most of Clough’s achievements in the dugout have come in the lower leagues. He guided Burton through the non-league circuit and into the Conference after a series of promotions. Derby County then came calling and in difficult circumstances he significantly reduced the wage budget. With Sheffield United he guided them to play-off appearances and also the latter stages of domestic cup competitions.
Club legend John Robertson however believes Al Hasawi should look no further than his right-hand man and former team-mate Martin O’Neill for the vacancy. The former Aston Villa manager will be in France this summer taking charge of the Republic of Ireland national team at Euro 2016, but it remains to be seen if he will be committed to staying on afterwards or move back into club football.
Nottingham Forest is certainly an attractive job to many out there and plenty will undoubtedly put their name forward to take on the position. However the owner is clearly someone who wants a specific candidate and it remains to be seen if that person can be located. It would appear Clough would love to return and not many expected Stuart Pearce to return before he was handed the job too.
