Adyduck
May 10 2004, 11:09 AM
DOUGHTY: I WISH I HAD SIGNED JOE YEARS AGO
12:00 - 10 May 2004
Forest chairman Nigel Doughty wishes he had made Joe Kinnear Reds manager when he had the chance five years ago.
And the Forest chairman revealed today he has given Kinnear a "big budget" to improve his squad for next season.
Doughty said: "Joe has worked wonders with a similar squad to the one he inherited and my biggest regret is that I didn't appoint him five years ago."
Kinnear was interviewed to take over from Ron Atkinson after Forest had been relegated from the Premieship in 1999 - but was not offered the job because of health fears following a heart attack.
After seeing his side win 2-0 at promoted West Brom, the chairman said: "When I appointed him, we were looking for a natural leader, and he has also allowed everyone to be relaxed, particularly in the dressing room.
"Last year, we managed to get to the play-offs and the second half of this season has been successful but, while it was nice to win at West Brom, I think we have lost the season - and that hurts.
"In his career, Joe has won more manager of the month awards than anyone except Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson and you have to put him into the highest category. It is great to have him on board."
Forest finished the campaign in 14th place in Division One, with 60 points - 31 of which have been earned in the 17 games since he took over from Paul Hart in February.
Kinnear is already looking to boost his options for next season, although his plans are not going to include Des Walker, who will not be offered a new playing contract.
Kinnear wants to discuss the former England defender joining the coaching staff - although Walker has been linked to a move across the Trent to help Notts County out of Division Three.
Doughty said he would back his manager with money in the transfer market, if he can manage to attract players to the club.
He said: "We have sat down together and he has got a big budget for the summer.
"I have said to him that if he wanted to bring in a £5m player, then I would back him but the problem is attracting them to play in the Nationwide League.
"We also have the guidelines of what people are doing here at the moment. We cannot pay one player x amount and then sign another on eight times that and Joe certainly appreciates that."
12:00 - 10 May 2004
Forest chairman Nigel Doughty wishes he had made Joe Kinnear Reds manager when he had the chance five years ago.
And the Forest chairman revealed today he has given Kinnear a "big budget" to improve his squad for next season.
Doughty said: "Joe has worked wonders with a similar squad to the one he inherited and my biggest regret is that I didn't appoint him five years ago."
Kinnear was interviewed to take over from Ron Atkinson after Forest had been relegated from the Premieship in 1999 - but was not offered the job because of health fears following a heart attack.
After seeing his side win 2-0 at promoted West Brom, the chairman said: "When I appointed him, we were looking for a natural leader, and he has also allowed everyone to be relaxed, particularly in the dressing room.
"Last year, we managed to get to the play-offs and the second half of this season has been successful but, while it was nice to win at West Brom, I think we have lost the season - and that hurts.
"In his career, Joe has won more manager of the month awards than anyone except Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson and you have to put him into the highest category. It is great to have him on board."
Forest finished the campaign in 14th place in Division One, with 60 points - 31 of which have been earned in the 17 games since he took over from Paul Hart in February.
Kinnear is already looking to boost his options for next season, although his plans are not going to include Des Walker, who will not be offered a new playing contract.
Kinnear wants to discuss the former England defender joining the coaching staff - although Walker has been linked to a move across the Trent to help Notts County out of Division Three.
Doughty said he would back his manager with money in the transfer market, if he can manage to attract players to the club.
He said: "We have sat down together and he has got a big budget for the summer.
"I have said to him that if he wanted to bring in a £5m player, then I would back him but the problem is attracting them to play in the Nationwide League.
"We also have the guidelines of what people are doing here at the moment. We cannot pay one player x amount and then sign another on eight times that and Joe certainly appreciates that."