Forest Looking For High Profile Manager

Nottingham Forest are searching for their ninth manager in eight years after the surprise sacking of Steve Cotterill. The departure came only two days after the wealthy new owners, the Al-Hasawi family, took control of the club, and draws parallel’s with Sean Dyche's harsh axing by Watford’s new owners last week. The Al-Hasawi family are believed to be keen to appoint a high profile name as they prepare to make an instant impact at the East Midlands club.

Cotterill replaced Steve McClaren at the struggling club last October, penning a three-and-a-half-year contract. The 47-year-old managed to save them from the dreaded drop, with a 19th placed finish, with the former Portsmouth boss credited for doing a respectable job in tough conditions, and in many eyes deserved to the chance to lead a promotion challenge this season. However, the Kuwait owners have stated that he doesn't fit in with their long-term vision and they will now begin the search for his replacement.

The new manager will have money to spend as the Al-Hasawi family set their sights on promotion to the Premier League. On Thursday Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson emerged as the early favourite in the Next Nottingham Forest Manager Odds but has since been replaced at the top of the pile by Glenn Hoddle. Other names in the mix at this stage include Mick McCarthy, Roy Keane and Ferguson, while Harry Redknapp has ruled out a moved to the City Ground.

Forest's new owners have also cancelled their pre-season tour to America in order to focus on a new appointment. Forest's 2012/13 Championship campaign gets underway on August 18th at home to Bristol City. Forest are the odds-on 5/6 favourites with Paddy Power to grab the win, while Bristol can be backed at 3/1. Paddy Power also have Forest available at a shortened 12/1 to win the league and 9/2 to earn promotion to the top flight.