Kinnear has no regrets over leaving Forest

JOE KINNEAR yesterday had no regrets after quitting as manager of Coca-Cola Championship strugglers Nottingham Forest.

Kinnear took over at the City Ground in February and steered them clear of relegation last season.

However, they have won just four of their 23 league games this season and are two points adrift of safety.

Kinnear recently hit out at some Forest fans claiming they have “short memories” about the job he has done at the club, saying: “We were on the way to being relegated when I came in last season. I have got the club’s debt down from £40m to £15m, but I have got to get it down to scratch. But people don’t really care. They just want to see what the results are. They do not know what stress and strain I have to work under.”

There were also reports of a planned demonstration by fans as a result of Kinnear’s comments ahead of tomorrow night’s championship clash with Leicester. Kinnear revealed he felt “it is in the best interests of the club that I resign and give my successor the chance to turn things around with half of the season left.”

Mick Harford, who recently joined Kinnear at Forest from Luton, will take temporary charge of the side against the Foxes.

Kinnear added on the club’s official website, www.nottinghamforest.co.uk: “I’ve no regrets about joining Forest, it’s the best club I’ve had the privilege to manage. I’ve had the wholehearted support of the chairman and my staff and marvellous backing from the supporters, which I will always be grateful for. Unfortunately, things have conspired against us this season.

“We have had horrendous injuries and I haven’t once been able to put out my strongest team or even a settled side.

“I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone connected with the club all the very best for the future.”