Forest want Ireland boss O'Neill to take over at City Ground until end of season

By David Kent for MailOnline

Published: 16:36 EDT, 27 March 2014 | Updated: 20:29 EDT, 27 March 2014

Nottingham Forest have approached Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill, asking him to take over as emergency boss until the end of the season.

The 62-year-old took over as Ireland boss last November but is seen as the man to take over from the departed Billy Davies and steer the club into the Championship play-offs.

Forest hope to discuss terms with O'Neill - who won two European Cups with the club - on Friday.

Ambitious: Martin O'Neill is wanted by Nottingham Forest to take over until the end of the season

Stalwart: O'Neill won two European Cups for Nottingham Forest during 10 years at the club

Favourite: O'Neill would be a popular appointment at the City Ground

Former Forest captain Stuart Pearce, meanwhile, turned down the chance to return to the club as manager on Thursday.

Pearce, 51, a player there for 12 years, told talkSPORT: ‘I’ve had a chat with (Forest owner and chairman Fawaz Al Hasawi) but at this moment in time, for personal reasons, I’ve decided not to take it any further.’

Asked if he was tempted by the offer, Pearce added: 'There was an emotional pull because I had 12 great years at that club.'

Forest owner Al-Hasawi had claimed he was ‘close’ to appointing a new manager - who has an association with the club.

Ruthless: Nottingham Forest owner Fawaz Al Hasawi was in the stands for their match against Charlton

And club ambassador John McGovern revealed Gianfranco Zola, Glenn Hoddle and Malky Mackay are also under consideration, as well as others.

Talking about the search for a new manager, Al-Hasawi said: ‘I can promise Nottingham Forest fans will be very happy with the signing.

‘He’s a good manager. He has a good record and everybody likes him.

‘We have been speaking with the new manager.'

He later tweeted: 'Hopefully by the end of next week we will have a new manager in place. I am working closely with John McGovern on a daily basis.

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No thanks: Stuart Pearce (left) and Neil Warnock turned down the chance to take over at Nottingham Forest

'We don’t want to rush into a decision. We have to get the right man and we are prepared to wait to achieve that.

'In the meantime we must all stay behind (caretaker manager) Gary Brazil. There are important games ahead and the play-offs are still within reach.'

‘I don’t want to say, but, yes, he has a (Forest) connection.’ McGovern added: ‘There are a number of names, which have included Hoddle, Zola, and Mackay.

‘Nigel Clough, Stuart Pearce, Roy Keane, Martin O’Neill, get a mention.’

Gone: Billy Davies was sacked after his side lost 5-0 to local rivals Derby last weekend