Nottingham Forest have made former Middlesborough boss Aitor Karanka their new manager, on a two-year deal.
The Championship side have been without a manager since New Year’s Eve, following the sacking of sacking Mark Warburton.
Forest recently beat Cupholders Arsenal 4-2 in the FA Cup, and are looking for Championship experience in their next manager.
Karanka has previously managed Middlesborough, helping them to avoid relegation in his first season. As they were in 16th when he took over. Then the 44 year-old followed it up by steering the North East side to promotion to the Premier League in his second season in charge.
However, his first season in the Premier League did not go to plan. Sitting in the bottom three and with the worst goal difference in the league, he was sacked in March. Unsurprisingly, Middlesborough were relegated that year.
Karanka was once ‘The Special One’s’ number Two
The Spaniard has also been assistant to Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid. He helped the side to a successful three years winning the La Liga title and Copa Del Rey Cup.
On the up
Since Mark Warburton was sacked, Forest have improved their performances under caretaker manager Gary Brazil.
A hard-fought point at Leeds United was followed by a unbelievable display in the FA Cup. A deserved 4-2 victory over Premier League giants Arsenal has lifted spirits at the City ground.
Caretaker Brazil is likely to stay at the club in a first team role. The 55 year-old has taken the reins on three occasions, and won seven games overall.
Karanka takes charge of a side on the rise and full of confidence, with his first game at home against Aston Villa. Forest sit 14th in the Championship, nine points from the play-offs.
Substantial transfer funds are likely to be made available for Karanka. Which could steer Forest up the table, and into the play-off fight at the end of the season.