Nottingham Forest legend Frank Clark has been let go from his position as club ambassador.
The European Cup winner, who has also served the Reds as manager and chairman over the years, says he was told budget cuts were behind the decision.
Clark had attended every game this season prior to the international break as part of the role, but will no longer be at matches when Steve Cooper’s side return to action against Blackpool on Saturday.
The 78-year-old says he was originally made redundant when football stopped due to the pandemic in March 2020, but adds he was assured that his job would be there when games returned.
Clark says he is “very, very disappointed” that has turned out not to be the case in the long-term.
“I was made redundant almost two years ago when the lockdown came,” he told NottinghamshireLive.
“That was fair enough because the job had ceased to exist really - there wasn’t any hospitality at games, and there was nothing to do with sponsors or that kind of thing.
“I was assured at the time that when everything was back to normal, I’d get the ambassador job back.
“I’ve been to every game they’ve played this season, home and away.
“A week or so ago, I was called to a meeting with Dane Murphy, the new chief executive. He said cuts had to be made in the budget and I was no longer required.
“I’m obviously very disappointed, but I’ll just have to accept it and get on with it.
“Finance was the reason I was given, and I have to accept that.
“I understand all clubs have to work to a budget, but I just find it very, very disappointing.
“The decision has been made. I’m very, very disappointed. But I have to accept it and move on.”
A Forest spokesperson said: “Frank Clark is much loved by all in the Forest family thanks to his sterling service as a player, manager and chairman. Like all football clubs, unfortunately we have to continually make difficult decisions concerning our operations. Frank is always welcome at the club and we hope to see him again soon.”
