Kinnear delighted to be back in football

New Nottingham Forest manager Joe Kinnear is delighted to be back in football, even it means a relegation dogfight.

The former Ireland international had been a candidate for Forest boss in 1999 but concerns over his health prompted the board to appoint David Platt instead.

However, Kinnear told today’s press conference: “I’m absolutely delighted to be asked a second time and given the opportunity, irrespective of the position they’re in.

“You have to make decisions in life. Lots of managers have asked me why I’m doing it, given the position they’re in but this is a proper club, a massive club.”

Kinnear replaces Paul Hart, sacked by Forest following Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat to Coventry, the club’s 14th-successive Division One match without a victory.

And with Forest third from bottom of the first division, despite their challenge for promotion last season, Kinnear, 57, is aware he has a tough task.

He added: “I was coming into a minefield but no matter what people think or say, football is a simple game – it is about winning matches.”

Kinnear has already been impressed by the attitude of the players at training this morning and is optimistic ahead of Saturday’s home game against Walsall.

“I found tham all bright and chirpy and they scored quite a few goals in training,” he said.

“The place has been buzzing, the dressing room is on fire. We’re all aware of the situation. I said to the strikers: ‘The ball’s in your court. When Saturday comes its up to you to answer your critics’.”

Kinnear has arrived at Nottingham Forest little more than a decade after having condemned them to relegation.

Kinnear, then the Wimbledon manager, had been responsible for the Dons’ 1-0 victory which saw Forest forfeit their top-flight status at the end of the 1992-93 season, the final year of legendary City Ground manager Brian Clough’s reign.