Stuart Pearce has been sacked as manager of Nottingham Forest, following a dismal run of just three wins from their last 23 matches.
The City Ground legend, who captained the side during a 12-year spell as a player and remains one of the club’s favourite sons, was installed as manager during the summer. This was a hugely popular appointment as far as the supporters were concerned, as they began to dream about the former England international fullback leading them to the Premier League.
And there was certainly promise in the early stages of the campaign, as the Reds were undefeated in their first 11 Championship fixtures, although they only won five of these outings. Their form has dipped remarkably in recent times, though, despite a memorable 2-1 win at Derby County last month. And the 1-0 home loss to Millwall leaves them just seven points above the relegation zone.
Pearce was summoned to a meeting with chairman Fawaz Al-Hasawi on Sunday afternoon, after which the club confirmed the 52-year-old had been dismissed and offered an alternative role. This decision hardly comes as a surprise, and it is understood the club had been considering a change of manager since their FA Cup third round exit at the hands of League One Rochdale in early January.
A statement on Forest’s official website read: “After long discussions between owner and chairman Fawaz Al Hasawi and manager Stuart Pearce, the club has decided that Stuart will be relieved of his role as manager with immediate effect. Mr Al Hasawi has offered Stuart an alternative role at the club, which he is currently considering. The club will be making no further comment at this time.”
