Nottingham Forest sack sporting director Filippo Giraldi after just six months in the Italian’s post, after overseeing the relegation-threatened club during the botched January transfer window
- Filippo Giraldi was appointed in October as part of a recruitment drive
- The Italian oversaw the signing of seven new players in January
- Nottingham Forest’s form has since declined with the club in the bottom three
Nottingham Forest have dramatically sacked sporting director Filippo Giraldi as the club battles against relegation.
The Italian was appointed just six months ago, shortly before recruiting duo George Syrianos and Andy Scott were sacked, and his departure has left troubled manager Steve Cooper one less ally behind the scenes.
Cooper and Giraldi had built a solid working relationship since the latter’s arrival, but the January transfer window – which Giraldi oversaw – has not delivered the expected results for Forest.
Chris Wood joined from Newcastle on a contract worth around £100,000 a week but is now out for the season with a thigh injury.
Brazil’s pairing of Gustavo Scarpa and Danilo are still adapting to English football and while defender Felipe and loan goalkeeper Keylor Navas have performed competently, Forest’s form has slipped since the window closed.
Nottingham Forest have sacked sporting director Filippo Giraldi after just six months
Jonjo Shelvey has struggled since joining the club as one of seven signings in January
Nottingham Forest are in the last three of the Premier League after nine games without a win
They have not won since beating Leeds 1–0 on 5 February – a nine-game winless streak. That puts them in the bottom three, ahead of a tough run of games, starting with Manchester United at the City Ground on Sunday.
A brief statement from Forest confirmed Giraldi’s departure. It read: ‘Nottingham Forest sporting director Filippo Giraldi has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect. He leaves the club amicably with our best wishes.
“Filippo would like to express his gratitude to the club and wishes Nottingham Forest every success for the future.”