Roy Keane leaves Nottingham Forest: Assistant manager agrees exit to focus on returning to management

Former Manchester United captain has not held a management position since leaving Ipswich Town nearly nine years ago

Roy Keane has left his role as Nottingham Forest assistant manager after just five months in order to resurrect his managerial career.

The Championship club announced on Sunday that the former Manchester United captain has agreed an exit from his position under manager Martin O’Neill, who he followed to The City Ground after they were both relieved from their duties with the Republic of Ireland national team.

Keane played for Forest between 1990 and 1993 before leaving for United, but the Irishman returned earlier this year after the sacking of former manager Aitor Karanka.

In a club statement, Nottingham Forest said: “Nottingham Forest can confirm that assistant manager Roy Keane has left the club.

“Roy would like to express his gratitude to the club’s owner, board of directors, the staff, the players and in particular manager Martin O’Neill for the opportunity to return to The City Ground.

“The former Red would also like to place on record his appreciation to the supporters who have welcomed him back so warmly since his appointment in January.

“Everyone at the club would like to wish Roy the very best in the next stage of his career.”

His decision ends a six-year relationship with O’Neill that stretches back to November 2013 when he agreed to join O’Neill’s Ireland backroom staff.

"Working with Martin over the last few years has been a magnificent experience, one of my greatest in football both as a player and a coach and one I want to personally thank him for,” Keane said.

Roy Keane has left Nottingham Forest with immediate effect (PA)

The 47-year-old has not held a senior management position since 2011 when he left Ipswich Town, having held assistant roles within the Irish set-up as well as at Aston Villa and Forest. However, he has made it known that he would like to get back into management and is now on the lookout for an opportunity to return to a top job.