Nottingham Forest sack Lamouchi, appoint Chris Hughton

Nottingham Forest have sacked Sabri Lamouchi as manager and immediately appointed Chris Hughton as his successor.

Lamouchi becomes the sixth manager to be jettisoned by Forest in under six years, starting with Dougie Freedman and making their way through Philippe Montanier, Mark Warburton, Aitor Karanka and Martin O’Neill.

The departure of Lamouchi seemed inevitable after four defeats in four matches to start the new season, compounded the frustrations of owner Evangelos Marinakis at missing out on the Championship play-offs on the final day of the 2019-20 season.

“Nottingham Forest can confirm that the contract of head coach Sabri Lamouchi has been terminated with immediate effect,” read a brief club statement.

Lamouchi’s reign lasted 55 games, the most of any Forest manager going back to Freedman (57), winning 20 matches and losing 19.

The reaction to the news of his dismissal was short-lived, as the announcement of Hughton’s appointment followed within one hour.

“Nottingham Forest are delighted to announce the appointment of Chris Hughton as the club’s new manager. Hughton joins the club with a wealth of managerial experience, leading both Newcastle United and Brighton to promotion from the Championship and going on to establish both teams in the Premier League,” a statement read.

“The former Republic of Ireland international also boasted an impressive playing career, winning two FA Cups and the UEFA Cup during his time at Tottenham Hotspur.

Hughton is back in work having been dismissed by Brighton in May 2019, despite keeping the club in the Premier League for two seasons.

Prior experience with Norwich City, Birmingham City and Newcastle United make this Hughton’s fifth job in the Championship.