Chris Hughton was a key factor in Manchester United’s decision to sanction James Garner’s loan move to Nottingham Forest.
Despite interest from elsewhere, the midfielder joined the Reds in the January transfer window and will spend the rest of the season at the City Ground.
Garner was on loan at Watford in the first half of the campaign, but struggled for regular game time following a managerial change.
He has quickly made a positive impression at Forest, however, putting in standout displays in his first two appearances.
And United academy performance manager Les Parry says the chance for the 19-year-old to work under Hughton was a big part of their thinking.
“James has done well getting to Forest,” Parry told the club’s official website. “The manager, Chris Hughton, was really keen on him.
“What happened at Watford is the bane of our lives: a manager change. It is one thing that can kill loans because the new manager comes in and, the first thing he wants to do, is look at the longer term with the players there, which is understandable.
“Although James did really well in the first part of his loan, he only played about 40 minutes in six games under the new manager, so we looked around, trying to find a Championship club for him.
“Forest came up and were keen so we were able to negotiate the swap.
“It is a fantastic move for him and they've managed to lift themselves a little bit towards safety as well, which is good as they can maybe relax a little bit.
“He got Man of the Match in a few quarters on his debut, against Coventry, so he's started well. He's a good player and he will do well.
“Chris Hughton was one of the attractions for us, to be quite honest with you, with us selecting Forest.
“I think all of our coaches, and myself, have great respect for Chris. He has a great reputation for the way he treats players, which is important for us.
“On top of that, with him really fancying James as a player, and the fact he's going to treat him well, educate him well, was massive in making the decision.”
