Nottingham Forest’s search for a new boss continues with Nigel Clough deciding on Monday that he didn’t wish to return to the City Ground.
The Burton boss felt staying with the Brewers was ‘the right thing to do’ so Clough turned down the chance to replace Philippe Montanier.
Having approached Burton for permission to speak to Clough last week many would have anticipated the 50 year old following in the footsteps of his father and becoming the boss at Forest.
But Clough turned down the offer deciding to stay with Burton in a bid to keep them in the Championship after completing the job – started by Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink – of securing promotion from League 1 last season when he returned to the Pirelli Stadium.
Burton chairman Ben Robinson told his clubs Official Website.
‘We are delighted that Nigel Clough has decided to continue the excellent job he has done at the club since re-joining us in December 2015. At that time we did agree that if Nottingham Forest made an approach for him, due to his long association with the club, that we would allow both parties to talk. When an approach was made we gave Nigel the opportunity to talk to Nottingham Forest but now we are happy to report that he will be staying at the Pirelli Stadium.’
Adding.
‘Nigel and his backroom team have been fully focused on the job of keeping Burton Albion in the Championship. I have always said that that job was as difficult as a featherweight taking on a super heavyweight but I know Nigel, his backroom team and the players will give everything to keep Burton Albion in the Championship.’
There’s been an inevitability that Clough would one day become the Forest boss but – with this the closest he’s come – it isn’t going to happen on this occasion. The uncertainty at the City Ground has seemingly put off Clough like it has others with a stay at Burton preferred to this chance with the Reds.
Clough said.
‘Having started this historic season in the Championship it is only right that we should stay and continue the job of trying to achieve the miracle of keeping Burton Albion in the Championship. Staying is the right thing to do.’
After missing out on a new boss Forest also missed out on a reported loan deal for West Ham defender Reece Oxford according to the Daily Mail.
Forest were expected to complete a deal to bring the 18 year old to the City Ground today but it’s now claimed Championship rivals Reading have shown an interest in Oxford with him set to join the Royals instead.
