Nottingham Forest have ruthlessly sacked director of football Filippo Giraldi after just six months as owner Angelos Marinakis desperately attempts to keep the club in the Premier League.
The 49-year-old Italian was only appointed at the City Ground in October last year following a hectic summer in which they splurged a huge amount in a bid to hold onto their place in the top-flight. That spending continued in January as seven new players arrived in the East Midlands, meaning 30 new faces arrived at the club over the course of the campaign.
That recruitment has been scrutinised by club chiefs and Marinakis with Giraldi now paying with his job. A club statement on Tuesday evening read: "Nottingham Forest’s 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 place on record his thanks to the Club and wishes Nottingham Forest best of luck for the future."
The decision over Giraldo is the second major call made by Marinakis over the past week. Speculation arose last week regarding Steve Cooper's position at the club.
It was suggested that he would be sacked in the aftermath of the damaging defeat to Leeds. However, Greek businessman Marinakis released a statement to confirm that this was not the case.
Should Nottingham Forest sack Steve Cooper? Share your thoughts in the comments below
It read: “No one denies that our Club is in a difficult position in the Premier League, but we wish to end the speculation and the false and disruptive reporting in the media to confirm that Steve Cooper remains our manager at Nottingham Forest.
“We have all been disappointed with recent performances and it is very clear that a lot of hard work needs to be done to address this urgently. Results and performances must improve immediately.
“Now is the time for everyone connected with our club, from us as owners, to the board, our supporters, backroom staff, coaches and players - to come together and fight to secure our status in the Premier League.
“There can be no time for distractions, rumours and speculation. There is only time for hard work, determination, a commitment from Steve and the players to getting the results we need and, of course, the continued magnificent support of the fans of Nottingham Forest.”
Their form has not improved since having been defeat by Aston Villa at the weekend. That reverse leaves them in 18th and below Everton on goal difference.
Forest only returned to the Premier League in May after beating Huddersfield Town in the playoff final but have won just six out of their 30 league games since.
