Davies named Forest boss and is 'raring to go'

BILLY Davies was today appointed Nottingham Forest manager and said he is "raring to go" and targeting a place in the Premiership.

The Scot has agreed a three-and -a-half year contract at the City Ground and will be joined by David Kelly, who will be his new assistant manager.

Davies says he is ready for the challenge of helping the Reds pull clear of trouble in the Championship, after a year out of the game.

And he says his ultimate goal is to steer the club into the top flight.

"I've enjoyed my time out the game and spent time with my family but I can't tell you how much I am raring to go," said Davies, who steered Preston into the play-offs and took Derby County into the top flight.

"The long-term aim is to reach the Premier League but obviously in the short-term it is to keep Forest in the division.

"It's not cut and dried and it's going to take a massive effort to stay up."

Davies says he is proud to follow in the footsteps of Brian Clough.

"If it was good enough for Brian Clough then it's good enough for Billy Davies," he said.

"I would hope my record in the past speaks for itself. I've never been so fired up to succeed at any time in my managerial career.

"There is massive potential at Forest and nothing would give me greater pleasure than eventually leaving the club in a better condition than I found it.

"I am very proud of the condition I left my former clubs Preston and Derby in. They were in a much better state than when I came in. I want to do the same here."