Nottingham Forest appoint new boss

 

Nottingham Forest have appointed Philippe Montanier as head coach on a two-year contract.

Montanier, 51, left his job as boss of French side Rennes in January having previously had stints at Real Sociedad, Boulogne and Valenciennes.

A former goalkeeper, the Frenchman's playing career included spells with Toulouse, Nantes and St Etienne.

Forest sacked Dougie Freedman in March and ended last season with Paul Williams as temporary manager.

The East Midlands club finished 16th in the Championship table and Williams left soon afterwards.

Montanier had been linked with the coach's job at Lens, but has instead taken the opportunity to manage in England.

He took over at Real Sociedad in 2011 and guided them to a fourth-placed finish and a spot in the Champions League in 2013.

However, his contract was not renewed and he then spent three years at Rennes, who reached the Coupe de France final in 2014.

Jb