Video: Gary Brazil on how the Forest players have trained this week ahead of Arsenal
Nottingham Forest caretaker manager Gary Brazil he will not be the manager of the Reds on a permanent basis.
Academy manager Brazil was placed in temporary charge at the City Ground after Mark Warburton was sacked by the club on New Year’s Eve.
But speaking ahead of Forest’s FA Cup third round clash with Arsenal on Sunday (January 7), which kicks off at the City Ground at 4pm, Brazil ruled himself out of the job.
He said: “This is something I’ve been asked to do on a short term basis, to cover until they appoint a manager and that’s what I’ll do.
“This week, the players have been fine and they’ve worked absolutely fine.
“We had a normal training session today and the players have been bright and noisy, which is a good indication they’re happy, so they got on with their work.
“They’ll come in on Sunday ready to give a good account of themselves – we must be well organised but must enjoy the occasion and be competitive against them and try to win and get in the fourth round.”
Video: Jordan Smith on the Arsenal test
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will not be in the dugout for the game after being given a three match touchline ban for comments made about referees in the Premier League.
23-year-old goalkeeper Jordan Smith thinks it will be the biggest game of his career so far if he is involved on Sunday.
He said: “I’ve been involved in some big games, like the Derby games and playing against Ipswich on the final day of last season in terms of what it meant, but I think if I am selected playing Arsenal at the City Ground is one I will look back on for years to come.
“It’s been brilliant working for Gary Brazil this week – obviously I know him coming through the academy so I knew what to expect as did some of the other young boys.
“He’s fantastic, I can’t speak highly enough of him and he really is the reason I got my chance playing in the Championship.
“I was put in under his management when he took charge last year so I’ve got the upmost respect for Gary and will work hard for him all day long.”
