Billy Davies insists he had “no reservations at all” about becoming manager of Nottingham Forest, despite having been in charge at their arch-rivals Derby County.
Davies has been reflecting on his two spells in charge of the Reds on our Garibaldi Red podcast as he looks to make a return to management.
The Scot took charge at the City Ground for the first time in January 2009 and transformed the fortunes of the club, leading them to the Championship play-offs semi-finals in successive seasons, in 2009/10 and 2010/11 before being sacked by then owner Nigel Doughty.
Davies then returned to Forest in February 2013 - with the club then under the ownership of Fawaz Al-Hasawi - but was unable to replicate his previous successes and was sacked after just over one year in the wake of a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Derby.
He has been out of work since then, but, speaking to Garibaldi Red as he targets a return to the dugout, he was asked about his controversial move from Derby to Forest and if he had any reservations about crossing the Brian Clough Way divide.
“No, no, no, I don't think so. I think Forest is a great club,” he said. “I had my time at Derby County. I done what I done at Derby County. This was an opportunity.
“I looked at this football club. I think it was in the bottom three at the time, or bottom five I can’t remember. I just felt it was a great challenge. I knew by joining Forest what would come and obviously 12-14 miles away from Derby, the biggest rival.
“So I knew that the waters would not be smooth. I knew that there would be a lot of nonsense taking place once I joined Forest but I have to say I had no reservations at all.
“It was a great challenge. Nigel (Doughty) made it clear he wanted me to get this team out of this division, being the Championship, and it was a great challenge and I thoroughly enjoyed my time.”
You can watch the full podcast with Billy Davies here from 6pm today
What are your memories of Davies' reigns at the City Ground? Tell us HERE
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