Soccer: Hart takes the helm at Forest

Former central defender Paul Hart has been appointed manager of Nottingham Forest following the departure of David Platt, who has taken charge of the England under-21 side.

Hart will step up from his role as Forest's Youth Academy Director to run the first-team affairs at the City Ground, where he made 87 appearances in the early 1980s, helping the club reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup.

Club chairman Eric Barnes is delighted with the appointment, he said: "Paul has spent a good part of his playing career with Forest and shared in the successes of some great teams.

"Since then he has gone on to become one of the most admired youth coaches in the game.

"I am delighted that Paul has accepted the invitation to become manager of the club. He takes over with the very best wishes of all of us and, I'm sure, of the many Forest supporters who have followed his achievements over the years."

Former England captain Platt was targeted by England after discussions between national boss Sven Goran Eriksson, FA chief executive Adam Crozier and FA technical director Howard Wilkinson, and he takes over with immediate effect.

The appointment comes after Wilkinson's decision to step down from the post two weeks ago after his side stumbled to a disappointing defeat in Greece last month.

However, Forest are likely to receive compensation from the Football Association after an agreement was reached this afternoon with the First Division club.