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However, that goodwill has evaporated this time around as, despite a number of signings and the backing of chairman Nigel Doughty, Kinnear was unable to engineer a revival in the club’s fortunes.
In announcing his decision to step down with immediate effect, the Dubliner insisted he harboured no regrets about joining the club last February, but that the time was right for a change of management at the City Ground.
The new man in charge will be met with a similar task to that which faced Kinnear in February as Forest – currently third from bottom of the Football League Championship table – bid to stage a successful fight against the drop for the second successive season.
He said: "I feel that it is in the best interests of the club that I resign and give my successor the chance to turn things around with half of the season left.
"I was brought in last season to save the Club from relegation, which I did, but feel the time is now right to give someone else a chance.
"I’ve no regrets about joining Forest – it’s the best Club I’ve had the privilege to manage. I’ve had the whole-hearted support of the chairman and my staff and marvellous backing from the supporters, which I will always be grateful for.
"Unfortunately, things have conspired against us this season. We have had horrendous injuries and I haven’t once been able to put out my strongest team or even a settled side.
"I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone connected with the Club all the very best for the future.
“I sincerely hope to see Nottingham Forest playing their football in the Championship next season."