New boss at City Ground as Forest swoop for rival’s CEO
Nottingham Forest have appointed Dane Murphy as chief executive officer after pursuing the in-demand American for some weeks.
As we reported last month, Forest have been chasing the Barnsley CEO after he impressed in his time in South Yorkshire.
Murphy has joined The Reds after a two-year stint as CEO at Barnsley. Under his leadership, The Tykes were transformed into a promotion-chasing side, qualifying for the play-offs last season only to be narrowly defeated over two legs by Swansea.
Nottingham Forest chairman, Nicholas Randall, QC, said: “We are delighted to confirm that Dane has joined us today in the role of CEO. He was the outstanding candidate with an impressive track record in the game. His work at Barnsley was widely recognised within football as being exemplary and his role in turning around the fortunes of the club in such a short space of time is testament to his vision and talent.
“His broad experience within the game as both player and executive provides him with an insight which will be of huge benefit to Nottingham Forest. He is also a man of great character and I am personally delighted at news of Dane’s arrival and everyone at the club is looking forward to working with him.
“The board would like to pay tribute to the tireless work of Ioannis Vrentzos during his four years as CEO. Ioannis leaves his position with the club in a significantly stronger position than when he arrived. In particular securing Category One status in the Academy and what we are confident will soon be a successful planning application for the development of The City Ground will stand the test of time for future generations as true marks of the progress made under his leadership.
“We are grateful that Ioannis will remain a director and we can continue to rely on his experience of European football and his love for Nottingham Forest at Board level.
“We are delighted at having secured a character such as Dane to lead the club through its next stages of development and to have such a dynamic and progressive individual in our key executive role. To have beaten off the interest from other clubs again illustrates the commitment of the owner to the club. Mr Marinakis and all of us at the club are excited about what Dane will bring to Nottingham Forest.”
Dane Murphy, Nottingham Forest CEO, said: “I am deeply honoured to be appointed CEO of Nottingham Forest.
“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.
“To the supporters, I look forward to meeting you and representing your club. It has been such a difficult time for you and, as I can already see by your unwavering support in renewing season cards, this is a very special club.
“We are on the precipice of something really tremendous and this city deserves it with its’ loyal fanbase and fantastic supporters globally.
“However, the work starts now. We have transfer business to conduct with Chris Hughton who is an extremely well respected, experienced and successful manager at the highest levels of the game.
“We have a challenging but exciting journey ahead of us. I can assure every supporter of this football club that everybody fortunate to work at and represent your club will not rest until we bring you the success that you deserve.”
