Megson's pain as 'part of problem not solution'

Appointed in January last year, Megson failed to avoid relegation from the Championship and instead Forest suffered the ignominy of becoming the first European Cup winners ever to play in the third tier of their domestic league. Furthermore, Forest are 13th in League One, four points above the relegation zone despite Megson having spent £2m on 17 players.

Doughty said: "Gary called me rather unexpectedly and said he'd come to the end of the road in terms of restructuring this club.

"Given his relationship with the players and the fans, Gary felt he'd become part of the problem rather than the solution."

The assistant manager, Frank Barlow, and reserve coach, Ian McParland, have been placed in charge for today's match against Port Vale at Vale Park.