Aitor Karanka says excitement is the overriding feeling after it was confirmed he’d agreed to become the new manager of Birmingham City.
The former Nottingham Forest boss has agreed a three-year contract at St Andrew’s, his first job since leaving the City Ground last January.
Karanka spent a year on Trentside before his exit following an FA Cup defeat at Chelsea, and will now face his old club in the Championship next season.
"I'm delighted to be joining a club with the history and fan base that Birmingham City has,” Karanka told the Blues’ website.
"I share the excitement and determination of everyone here to start working together on all the challenges that lie ahead.
"I want to thank the Board for their willingness and the strong interest they showed in making me the Head Coach of this project."
A former Real Madrid player and assistant coach, Karanka is the latest former Forest chief to take over at Birmingham, following in the footsteps of Steve Cotterill and Alex McLeish - and the 46-year-old has been a long-term target, according to the club.
"I would like to give Aitor a very warm welcome to Birmingham City Football Club,” said Blues chief executive Dong Ren.
"We have followed his career for a number of years and throughout that time he has always been of prime consideration for the head hoach position.
"So we are delighted that Aitor has now joined us and we look forward to working with him for the coming season ahead and future."
