Nottingham Forest hope to appoint Billy Davies as their manager before the end of the week. Mark Arthur, the club's chief executive, said yesterday
that -Forest had narrowed their shortlist down to "four or five potential candidates" but it is understood that the former Derby County and Preston
North End manager is the clear frontrunner and, providing a financial package can be agreed, could be in the post in time to take charge of
Saturday's FA Cup third-round tie at Manchester City.

Davies has been out of work since he left Forest's East Midlands rivals, Derby, a little more than 12 months ago but he has been keen to return to
management and it is believed that he was approached by Forest over a month ago. Forest have also considered Aidy Boothroyd and Iain Dowie but Davies,
who led Derby to promotion to the Premier League in his first season at Pride Park, has emerged as the preferred choice to replace Colin Calderwood.

Nigel Clough has also been linked with the City Ground post but the former Forest player, whose late father Brian led the club to two European Cups
and the old first division title, is now the favourite to take over at Pride Park following the departure of Paul Jewell on Monday. The 42-year-old, who
has guided Burton Albion to the top of the Blue Square Premier, has insisted he has not spoken to Forest or Derby. "I have had no contact with either
club and I will just get on with doing my job at Burton, as always," said Clough.

Tags: Billy Davies