Martin O’Neill’s tenure as Nottingham Forest manager has been brought to a close after just 19 games.
Appointed on January 15.
Just 164 days.
Even by Forest’s standards that is some turnaround!
The Northern Irishman has avoided the ignominy of being the shortest-serving Reds boss in living memory, but that is scant consolation.
He has become the latest paid-up member of an unwanted club.
That of permanent Forest managers to have spent less than 20 matches at the helm.
Ron Atkinson 1999
MORE FOREST STORIES
‘Big Ron’ rocked up at the City Ground with the Reds firmly wedged in a Premier League relegation battle.
He was unable to prevent a tumble through the trapdoor and Forest have not been back in the top tier since.
Atkinson’s reign opened in shambolic style as he took to the wrong dugout in a home date with Arsenal and did not get much better.
Record: Games 17, Wins 5, Draws 2, Losses 10, Win % 29.4
Steve McClaren 2011
Had been manager of England a few years earlier, but saw that spell washed away in the Wembley rain.
‘The Wally with the Brolly’ was appointed by Forest ahead of the 2011-12 campaign – replacing Billy Davies.
McClaren never convinced on Trentside and failed to make it to Halloween before being handed a P45.
Record: Games 13, Wins 3, Draws 3, Losses 7, Win % 23.1
Alex McLeish 2012-13
Blink and you missed him!
Was presented with a late Christmas present when arriving at the City Ground on December 27, 2012.
Was gone by February 5, 2013, with the infamous transfer saga involving George Boyd’s eyesight edging him through the exits.
Record: Games 7, Wins 1, Draws 2, Losses 4, Win % 14.3
Martin O’Neill 2019
The return of a European Cup-winning hero generated much fanfare in January 2019.
Having passed up the chance to return to Forest in the past, O’Neill’s services were finally acquired as successor to Aitor Karanka.
He saw out the season, but missed out on the top six and has paid the price.
Record: Games 19, Wins 8, Draws 3, Losses 8, Win % 42.1
Other notably short spells include Steve Cotterill (37 games), Mark Warburton (37), Stuart Pearce (32), Philippe Montainer (30) and Sean O’Driscoll (26).
Back to page one with Monsieur Lamouchi!