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Nottingham Forest confirm Davies sacking

Billy Davies has been relieved of his duties twice in three years by Nottingham Forest © PA Photos

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Nottingham Forest have confirmed the sacking of manager Billy Davies following their record-equalling 5-0 defeat to fierce rivals Derby on Saturday.

Davies had been in charge for 13 months at the City Ground and had guided the club into contention for automatic promotion following a 13-match unbeaten streak earlier in the season.

However, since losing out to Sheffield United in the FA Cup in February, Forest have won only three points from a possible 21 and now sit outside the play-off places in the Championship.

It is the second time in three years that Davies has been relieved of his duties by Forest; he was dismissed in 2011 following successive play-off failures at the club.

A statement on the club's official website read: "Nottingham Forest Football Club have confirmed the termination of manager Billy Davies' employment.

The club thank Mr Davies for his efforts during his second spell as manager since his re-appointment in February 2013 and wish him well for the future. Nottingham Forest will make a further announcement in due course."

In October, owner Fawaz Al Hasawi declared he was "looking forward with great excitement" to working with Davies and restoring success to the club.

Neil Warnock had been widely tipped to replace Davies in the wake of his sacking, but Sky Sports reported on Monday evening that talks between Forest chairman Fawaz Al Hasawi and the former QPR, Crystal Palace and Leeds manager had broken down.

Academy manager Gary Brazil has been placed in charge until a permanent manager is appointed.

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