Pearce sacked as Forest boss

LONDON (Reuters) - Former England international Stuart Pearce was sacked as manager of Championship (second tier) Nottingham Forest after seven months in charge and replaced by Dougie Freedman, the Kuwaiti-owned club said on Sunday.

The 52-year-old, a former Forest captain, signed a two-year contract to take the helm at the twice European champions in July and led them to the top of the league after seven games.

But Pearce, who played 78 times for England, has come under increasing pressure after a run of six defeats in seven games, culminating in a 1-0 home defeat by struggling Millwall on Saturday.

Forest are 12th in the 24-team league table, seven points above the relegation zone.

"After long discussions between owner and chairman Fawaz Al Hasawi and manager Stuart Pearce, the club has decided that Stuart will be relieved of his role as manager with immediate effect," a club statement said.

"Mr Al Hasawi has offered Stuart an alternative role at the club, which he is currently considering."

Freedman had previous stints in charge of Crystal Palace and Bolton Wanderers and the former striker played for Forest between 1998 and 2000.

(Reporting by Sam Holden; Editing by Mark Meadows; [e-mail]; [phone]; Reuters Messaging:; [e-mail])