By Matthew Smith For Mail Online
Published: 10:54 GMT, 15 January 2019 | Updated: 11:00 GMT, 15 January 2019
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Martin O'Neill has been named the new Nottingham Forest manager in an emotional return to the City Ground for the 66-year-old.
Forest chiefs have gone with a romantic choice to succeed Aitor Karanka, 40 seasons after O'Neill helped win the club's first European Cup under Brian Clough.
The club statement on Tuesday morning said O'Neill 'is finally realising a life-long dream in managing his beloved Nottingham Forest.'
European Cup winner Martin O'Neill has been named the new Nottingham Forest manager
O'Neill (front row, second right) played for 10 years at Forest, winning two European Cups
He was part of the 'Miracle Men' who conquered Europe twice under Brian Clough
The statement read: 'One of the original and most-loved "Miracle Men", Martin is finally realising a life-long dream in managing his beloved Nottingham Forest.
'With his commitment to the club, knowledge of the game and passion to succeed, O'Neill will be aiming to take the club back into the top flight of English football and make the miracle happen again.'
O'Neill has been out of work since leaving his role in charge of Republic of Ireland in November, and is seen by owner Evangelos Marinakis as the inspirational figure to reinvigorate a