Steve Cotterill has said that he deserved to be given a chance under Nottingham Forest's new owners following his dismissal from the club.

The 47-year-old was sacked from the City Ground yesterday following the club's takeover by the Al-Hasawi family.

In a statement via the League Managers' Association, Cotterill said: "I am deeply disappointed that I will no longer have the opportunity to manage Nottingham Forest Football Club and lead the team into this new era.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my time in charge at the City Ground. Last season, after taking charge in difficult circumstances, I was proud to guide Forest clear of relegation and ultimately bring back some stability to the club.

"I fully appreciate that in football a change of ownership can unfortunately lead to a change of manager. Despite this, I believed the team's performances last season were good enough for me to be given a chance with the new regime and continue to build again for the new season. Nethertheless, I wish the club every success for the future."

Meanwhile, it has also been reported that chairman Frank Clark has been asked to step down from his role within the Championship outfit.