McClaren leaves Nottingham Forest for free after row over signings



Steve McClaren’s return to English football ended when he resigned as boss of Nottingham Forest on Sunday night.



The former England coach stood down from his post after a late three-goal burst saw Birmingham City win 3-1 at the City Ground to force his hand.



After just 111 days in charge and without a home League victory to his name, McClaren, 50, decided that the financial restraints placed on him meant he would not be able to succeed in the job.



Owner Nigel Doughty will also step down as club chairman.

The bell tolls: Steve McClaren after the final whistle at the City Ground after watching Nottingham Forest lose to Birmingham - their sixth loss in 10 Championship matches

111 DAYS AS BOSS

Appointed June 13, 2011.

Quit after 111 days.

Forest 21st in table

Record: P 10 W 2 D 2 L 6

McClaren said: ‘I resigned. They don’t share the ambition that I came for.’



And a club statement added: ‘Steve McClaren has resigned as manager. He has left the club without compensation — nor will he be seeking any.



‘The club can confirm that the search for a new manager will begin immediately.’

The departed: McClaren (left) has resigned while Nigel Doughty will leave at the end of the season



Matters came to a head in the wake of a five-goal defeat by Burnley last Tuesday, when McClaren decided to force the issue.



Fearful that the situation would not improve unless drastic action was taken, McClaren asked owner Doughty for the cash to bring in four players on loan.



Among them were Wolves’ Michael Kightly and Leicester City’s Lloyd Dyer but Forest’s boss was unable to complete either signing.



With the fans in open revolt against Forest’s board before and after the defeat by their Midlands rivals, McClaren decided that it was time to cut his losses.

Showing the strain: McClaren fumes during his last game in charge at Forest

McClaren had returned from spells in Holland with FC Twente and Germany with Wolfsburg hoping to resurrect his coaching career.



The day of drama began with a few hundred fans demanding Doughty’s resignation.



There was a brief lull in the negativity when Ishmael Miller’s close-range header from Lewis McGugan’s corner 11 minutes before the break put Forest ahead.



But Chris Burke’s third goal inside a week 15 minutes from time and two quick strikes from Chris Wood sealed the win for Birmingham.

Painful viewing: McClaren lasted just 111 days in the Forest hotseat

Angry demonstrations renewed after the final whistle.



Two hours later, Doughty emerged to claim his manager was staying, but after the chairman had left the City Ground he was contacted by McClaren, who informed him of his decision to leave.



Forest’s statement added: ‘Mr Doughty will step down as chairman at the end of the season. The search for a new chairman will commence immediately.’

