The appointment of Sabri Lamouchi at Nottingham Forest came as a huge surprise to Reds fans in the summer, as the club prepared for another season in the Sky Bet Championship.

The Reds endured a bitterly disappointing end to the season in the 2018/19 campaign, missing out on a place in the play-offs after a poor run of results under the watchful eye of Martin O'Neill.

And despite already preparing for the new season by signing Sammy Ameobi from Bolton Wanderers, just four days later, O'Neill was relieved of his duties by the East Midlands club.

There was more to follow on Trentside, though. Just 20 minutes after announcing that they had sacked O'Neill, they announced his replacement - former Ivory Coast and Rennes manager Lamouchi.

It was obviously a massive surprise for Forest fans when they heard the news about O'Neill's sacking and Lamouchi's appointment, but getting rid of the Irishman was somewhat inevitable given that he had lost the backing of the supporters.

Lamouchi arrived at the City Ground having managed the Ivory Coast national side, Qatari side El Jaish, and French side Rennes.

His most impressive spell as a manager came with Rennes, who he helped qualify for the Europa League before being sacked after a poor run of results.

Naturally, Forest did have their doubts over Lamouchi becoming their new manager, having seen unproven managers in Philippe Montanier fail on Trentside before.

But those doubters have been made silent, after what has been a magnificent managerial reign thus far.

Since losing to West Bromwich Albion on the opening day of the season, Forest are yet to lose in the league with Lamouchi at the helm, and the Reds sit level on points with the Baggies at the top of the table after 11 games.

The Frenchman has already picked up one Manager of the Month award, after guiding his side to three wins from three league games in September.

The likes of Tiago Silva, Albert Adomah, Samba Sow and Brice Samba have all been hugely impressive since being brought to the City Ground by Lamouchi, but the likes of Ben Watson and Matty Cash have all been transformed under his management.

He has got his side playing magnificent, high-tempo football, but they also possess a resilient edge which has seen them win games late on against Swansea City and Stoke.

The team spirit is there for all to see, and if they maintain this impressive run of form, Forest will undoubtedly be fighting for promotion come the end of the season.