Aitor Karanka leaves Nottingham Forest

Aitor Karanka has left Nottingham Forest after just one year into his tenure.

The former Middlesbrough manager was hired in January 2018 and has departed the club as they currently sit seventh in the Championship.

A club statement from Forest confirmed his departure. It read:

“Aitor Karanka has asked to be released from his contract as manager of Nottingham Forest Football Club.

“The club have agreed to this request and the terms of departure have been agreed. Both parties wish each other every success for the future.”

The 45-year-old Spaniard oversaw a summer of heavy spending, including a club-record £13.2 million fee for Benfica midfielder Joao Carvalho.

Rumours surfaced in December about the former Real Madrid manager’s future when Forest slipped out of the playoff places following a five game winless run.

Karanka’s last game in charge was the 2-0 away defeat to Chelsea in the FA Cup.

Simon Ireland will take charge of the first-team until a new manager has been appointed.