Nottingham Forest are plotting to keep manager Sabri Lamouchi around for the long term, according to John Percy of The Telegraph, as he reports that the two parties are in discussion over a new deal.
Sabri Lamouchi in Talks Over New Deal at Nottingham Forest
Back to the Big Time?
Sabri Lamouchi took over from Martin O’Neill last June and has led Forest to fifth place in what has been played of the season so far. There have been inconsistencies, but it’s by far Forest’s most successful campaign in recent years.
They finished ninth in 2018/19, eight points shy of the play-offs. However, 2017/18 saw them in the bottom half in 17th, while in the season before that, they only survived on goal difference, finishing just above Blackburn Rovers.
The improvement has been gradual under each manager since then, but Lamouchi’s tenure has taken them to well within reach of going up. The automatic spots (if the season resumes) may be slightly out of reach now owing to a 10-point gap between themselves and West Bromwich Albion, but a play-off berth will be an excellent reward for the club this season.
The Deal
Regardless of this season’s finishing date, Lamouchi will remain in charge at Forest. Percy’s report also says that it is understood that Lamouchi and his staff have accepted pay cuts – rather than deferrals – to assist the club throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.
A 12-month extension to the deal was set to be triggered if Lamouchi could get Forest promoted to the Premier League.
The Frenchman has won two Manager of the Month awards on his way to leading the club to fifth at this stage. Getting Forest back into the top-flight for the first time since 1999, especially is his debut season in English football, would be a remarkable achievement.
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