In an effort to describe Nottingham Forest’s last managerial appointment, you could do worse than borrow a few lines from Hobbes’ Leviathan. It was an arrangement so poorly conceived you would have been excused for assuming Mike Ashley was consulted. As a result, it is crucial for the Forest board to correct their mistake and find an adequate manager to replace Steve McClaren. While there are quality managers available, whether they are out of work or a buyout away, the Forest coffers narrow the list of suitable applicants. A quick run-down of some of the favourites to land the vacancy at the City Ground proves an interesting read.

If Forest had their way, surely Martin O’Neill would be their first choice. However, he is unlikely to be interested in the Forest job, and even if he were his wage demands would not be within the club’s budget. Forest is a club with a fabulous tradition, but surely O’Neill has his sights set higher.

Kevin MacDonald and Mark Robins have also seen their names pop up in the rumour mill. The former’s lack of first team management experience surely counts against him, although that may be balanced by the fact he worked under O’Neill at Aston Villa. MacDonald is well respected within the game, and may be a decent match for Forest. Robins does have Championship coaching experience, but his inability to co-exist with his previous club’s board may be a telling factor.

Leading the list of candidates according to the odds-makers is Steve Cotterill. The current Portsmouth manager is no stranger to working with limited funds and did an admirable job at Forest’s neighbours, Notts County. He certainly isn’t the most glamorous choice, nor one to appease the concerned Forest fan base. On the bright side, surely this Steve would fair better than the last.

Finally, two names that are more intriguing than plausible are Nigel Clough and Roy Keane. Clough has had a great start to the season at Derby County but it’s unlikely he would leave a flourishing club for Forest. In Keane’s case, he is certainly available. Though, given the Irishman’s managerial track record and the need for stability at Forest, his appointment would be somewhat surprising.

Regardless of whom the board selects, the new manager must be better suited to the club than McClaren. It will be hard for Forest to find a worse match, but for the sake of club they must do significantly better this time around. If they do not, hopefully Tony Cascarino won’t provide us with whatever metaphor he deems appropriate.

Photo courtesy of dalli58.