Nottingham Forest have appointed a new Chief Executive Officer as Dane Murphy replaces Ioannis Vrentzos who continues his role as one of the clubs Directors.

The general consensus is that the appointment is ‘a good one’ as the American born Murphy recently spent two years at Barnsley, helping budget one of the lowest waged squads in the Championship from the brink of relegation in 2019/20 to the playoffs last season and with it, a youthful presence who knows football, who understands what it takes to run a side striving for success in one of the world’s toughest leagues.

A former player himself, having played professionally in the MLS and second tier of German football, Murphy still only 35 became the youngest CEO in the Football League whilst at Barnsley and has worked in football administration which has included scouting, recruitment and technical roles whilst at New York Cosmos, Real Salt Lake and DC United before his move across the Atlantic in 2019.

From a football playing family, Murphy grew up in the early 90’s watching the great AC Milan side (which has Nottingham connection of course) and said of Nottingham Forest “looking across the pond at the English game, you clearly recognise the name of Nottingham Forest and its history”

Murphy continued “It is a historic club with global recognition. It is humbling that Mr Marinakis has placed his trust in me to lead the club forward. It is a unique opportunity and I can’t wait to get started.”

When asked what Murphy’s thoughts were for Forest to be successful under his stewardship, he stated “The Championship is probably the most difficult division in the world, I think, because of all the elements surrounding it, not just on the field but off it, we are all in unprecedented times, where anomalies happen, there isn’t a perfect solution or formula, but, I believe if everyone is on the same page, and there is a true north that everyone can work towards together, from the sporting side all the way through to the front office and everyone involved at the club, unity in a goal really drives the club in the right direction”.

“We had that at Barnsley and it’s not as difficult as it seems from the outside because of the talent on the field we have at Forest, and outside of the playing staff and coaching staff, it takes everyone moving together and having the goal in mind that we’re going to be united in our fight to have success and hopefully gain promotion.”

The full interview is below:

On the pitch the Reds take on Northampton Town in a pre-season friendly at Sixfields tonight. Forest beat Port Vale 2-0 with goals from Alex Mighten and Jack Colback on Saturday and will look to continue their winning start to the summer against a League Two outfit that were relegated from League One last season.

Kick off is 7:45pm with tickets available to purchase from the stadium this evening.

*Main image @NFFC Reds new CEO Dane Murphy at the City Ground.