Martin O'Neill appointed as Nottingham Forest manager

London (AFP) – Nottingham Forest on Tuesday named former player and ex-Ireland boss Martin O’Neill as the new manager at the Championship club.

The 66-year-old, who won two European Cups at the City Ground in his playing days, replaces Aitor Karanka after the Spaniard’s departure last week.

O’Neill becomes the club’s 11th full-time boss since 2011 and his first game in charge is likely to be at home against fellow Championship play-off hopefuls Bristol City on Saturday.

O’Neill has also managed Leicester, Aston Villa and Celtic in a long coaching career.

He took Ireland to the round of 16 at Euro 2016 in France.

“Martin is finally realising a life-long dream in managing his beloved Nottingham Forest,” said a statement on the club’s website.

“With his commitment to the club, knowledge of the game and passion to succeed, O’Neill will be aiming to take the club back into the top flight of English football and make the miracle happen again.”