What Nottingham Forest can expect from Philippe Montanier
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When Dougie Freedman was relieved of his duties back in March, Forest fans began compiling their lists of potential replacements. Few would have noted down the name of Philippe Montanier though, who took over as boss towards the end of June.
We thought we’d take an in-depth look into the 51-year old’s CV and let Forest fans know exactly what they can expect from the French boss.
Back in July 2004, Philippe Montanier was a retired goalkeeper looking for his first managerial break.
That came in the form of Championnat National side US Boulogne, and by the 2005-06 season, Montanier was establishing Boulogne as a team pushing on for promotion from the French National league.
His wishes were granted the following season, and after a comfortable first year in Ligue 2, Montanier led Boulogne to the fop flight of French football for the first time in the club’s history.
His success there quickly attracted attention and clubs came calling for him, and in July 2009 Montanier took over the manger’s seat at Valenciennes, establishing them as a comfortable Ligue 1 side with two mid-table finishes.
With seven years under his managerial belt, Montanier moved to Spain and took charge of a Real Sociedad side boasting such talents as Carlos Vela, Illarramendi and a certain Antoine Griezmann.
Under Montanier’s watch, Sociedad finished fourth in La Liga in the 2012-13 campaign, their highest league position for ten years.
But while the guarantee of Champions League football was on the table for Montanier in Spain, the French boss turned down a contract offer in favour of a return to his native country – taking over the reins at Rennes.
In his first season with the east-Brittany outfit, he took them to a Coupe de France final, eventually losing 2-0 to Guingamp.
However, two and a half years into his spell with Rennes, Montanier was relieved of his managerial duties, paving the way for a move to English football.
Having already added to his Forest side with the acquisitions of ex-Everton striker Apostolos Vellios and Finland defender Thomas Lam, and at 10/1 to win promotion to the Premier League, Philippe Montanier looks to be the right man to lead the Reds to their long awaited return to the big time.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
