• Championship

Pearce named Nottingham Forest manager

Stuart Pearce returns to Forest, where he was a player for 12 years and caretaker boss for one © PA Photos

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Stuart Pearce has been appointed as the new manager of Nottingham Forest.

Pearce, who cannot take charge of the Championship club until July 1 due to other commitments, will replace Billy Davies who was sacked by owner and chairman Fawaz Al Hasawi last month.

Caretaker manager Gary Brazil will remain in temporary control for the rest of the season, with Forest two points outside the play-off spots with seven games to play.

Career timeline: Stuart Pearce

• Player

  1978-1983: Wealdstone

  1983-1985: Coventry City

  1985-1997: Nottingham Forest

  1999-2001: West Ham

  2001-2002: Manchester City

  1987-1999: England

• Coach

  2001-2005: Manchester City

• Manager

  1996-1997: Nottingham Forest (caretaker)

  2005-2007: Manchester City

  2007-2013: England Under-21

  2008-2012: England (assistant)

  2012: England (caretaker)

  2012: Great Britain Olympic

Former City Ground favourite Pearce, whose last role was with England's Under-21 side, initially turned down the job following talks last week, citing family reasons.

The 51-year-old Pearce spent 12 years with Forest as a player and admitted that he still had a lot of affection for the club.

"Forest have always been well supported whatever league they've been in, there's a rich history there," he said. "It's a great club and one that's very close to my heart."

When asked about his apparent change of heart, Pearce added: "I wouldn't call it a U-turn. At the time it was suggested I had so much on of a personal nature - commitments with the World Cup etc - and it wasn't the right time.

"When they came back and asked me if I would take it from the summer I jumped at the chance. Everything seems right.

"I want the whole club to be as one, right down to every employee. They have to take an interest in this club."

Al Hasawi added: "I am really happy to have Stuart as boss. He is a very good manager, he has a good CV and I wish him all the best with us. I am really happy as chairman and owner and for the fans because they like him.

"We are looking forward to him starting in the summer. I was waiting to pick the right manager and Stuart is the right manager."

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