John Terry has been named as a potential replacement for Chris Hughton should the Nottingham Forest board lose patience with the current man at the helm.
Promotion specialist Hughton is under real pressure at Forest. His side entered today's Championship home game with Cardiff City bottom of the table.
They have just one point from five games so far this season and a section of supporters are already calling for a change.
A report in today's Sun on Sunday suggests that former England and Chelsea skipper Terry is watching the situation at the City Ground closely.
He is out of work since leaving his last role as Aston Villa assistant manager in the summer.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MAY 24: John Terry, Assistant Head Coach of Aston Villa looks on from the stand during the FA Youth Cup Final between Aston Villa U18 and Liverpool U18 at Villa Park on May 24, 2021 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Were Terry to land the manager's role at Forest it would mark a return to the City Ground.
He played six games there during a short loan spell in 2000 before returning to Chelsea and becoming a club legend.
After retiring he played a key role in assisting Dean Smith as Villa were promoted to the Premier League and then consolidated themselves back in the top flight.
Speaking to Sky Sports about his situation earlier this week, Terry said: "I'm always waiting, but the idea was to step away and spend the year with family and see what comes up.
( Image:
Sunday Mercury)
"You know what it's like, we're a month into the season. I'm sure jobs will come up and I'm there and waiting and doing what I need to do in the background, but if not, I'm enjoying my time with the family.
"I love Villa as a football club but I think everyone knew when I went in there I wanted to be a number one and that's very much at the forefront as I speak."
Former Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder is also said to be intrigued as to the possibility of landing the job at Forest, should the opportunity arise.
Former Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder
Wilder has been out of football since last March when he left the Blades. He too has been speaking this week of a desire to return to the game.
Forest are on an 11-game winless run in the league ahead of the visit of Mick McCarthy's side this lunchtime.
Nottingham Forest manager Chris Hughton
Hughton has maintained in recent weeks that he does not feel under pressure but defeat today would almost certainly push him one step closer to the exit door.
The 62-year-old was appointed in October 2020 but has won just 14 of his 51 games in charge so far. Kick-off today is 2.30pm.
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