Nottingham Forest boss Chris Hughton has been relieved of his duties as first team manager with the search for his replacement now underway, the East Midlands club have announced this morning. 

Forest were beaten 2-0 by Middlesbrough at the City Ground last night, leaving them bottom of the Championship with just a point from their first seven games.

Pressure has been building on Hughton over the past few weeks but he told BBC Nottingham Sport after the game last night that unless he is told differently his "responsibility is to try and pick a team and get something at Huddersfield".

However, the East Midlands club's ownership have since pulled the trigger.

Reports emerged overnight suggesting his position was under threat and this morning Forest confirmed that Hughton had been relieved of his duties.

Steven Reid has taken temporary charge of the first team as interim head coach and the search for a new boss has begun, with the club promising to "update supporters in due course"

In a statement, the club placed on record "its' appreciation for Chris’s efforts".

The statement continued: "Chris joined the club in a difficult period for everyone in football and around the world and we thank him for the way he has conducted himself during his tenure"

"The club would like to wish Chris all the best in his future career."

When Hughton replaced Sabri Lamouchi last October it was hoped that he could be the man to help Forest push on and challenge for promotion but that's not been the case, with the Reds finishing 17th last term and starting this season with just one point from seven games.

The Verdict

It appears as though Hughton's Forest tenure has come to an end, which despite his comments after last night's game the decision is no huge surprise and is something that's looked likely for a little while now.

There's no doubting the 62-year-old's qualities as a coach, which he has proven in the Championship before, but things just haven't clicked at the City Ground.

He's won just 14 of his 53 games in charge of the Reds, which is simply not good enough given the players currently available to him.

A fresh start with a new manager seems to be just what Forest need right now and it is going to be very interesting to see who they look to bring in as his replacement.