Nottingham Forest legend Stuart Pearce believes manager Chris Hughton will prove to be a “good” appointment for the club.
And he hopes one day to be back in the opposition dugout at the City Ground - when the Reds are in the top-flight.
Hughton knows what it takes to get out of the Championship, having been successful with Newcastle United and Brighton and Hove Albion.
And Pearce, who is now part of the coaching staff at West Ham United, has backed him as the right man for the job on the banks of the Trent.
“Forest and Derby and a multitude of other teams have proved how difficult it is to get promoted. It’s a tough league to get out of, there’s no doubt about that,” the former Reds defender and manager told NottinghamshireLive.
“I like Chris as a man. We’ve contacted each other many times over the years, over coaching courses and various bits and pieces with the League Managers’ Association.
“I think they’ve got a very astute manager in charge at the moment.
“Nothing would give me more pleasure than to be part of a coaching set-up, at West Ham potentially, that takes a team to the City Ground at some stage - in the Premier League.”
So, having been in that hot-seat himself, has Pearce offered the new boss any advice?
“No! That’s one thing I wouldn’t do,” he laughed.
“He’s got more experience as a manager and knows how the game works.
“Football management is a difficult job and expectation at Nottingham Forest is high. The fans know how difficult it is to get promoted out of this league.
“But the club is certainly set up to be a Premier League football club, with the history it has.
“Of course I keep a check on how they’re doing. I’ll look at their results all the time.
“I’ve got friends who are season ticket holders up that neck of the woods, and I’ll ask them how things are going.
“Chris has got a good back history of a manager wherever he’s been. He’s very rounded as well. He’s not a boom-and-bust manager. He’s quite relaxed, and he’s methodical in what he does.
“I think he’ll be good for the club. Fingers crossed.”
Never Stop Dreaming: My Euro 96 Story, by Stuart Pearce is published by Hodder & Stoughton and is now available for purchase.
