Calderwood is the new man in the City Ground

The ex-Scotland defender, 41, who also spoke to Ipswich about their vacancy, has signed a three-year contract.

"I know all about the expectation at the club and that we will be favourites to win promotion next season," he said.

"But we have to justify that rating. We will fight tooth and nail to produce the kind of football Forest fans want to see and hope it leads to success."

Caretaker bosses Frank Barlow and Ian McParland had been in charge Gary Megson's departure in February.

They did not want the job full-time but Calderwood, who leaves after guiding Town to promotion from League Two, says the opportunity was too good to turn down.

"It certainly wasn't a sprint to leave Northampton because I've had some very happy and successful times there," the ex-Tottenham, Swindon, Aston Villa, Mansfield, Swindon, Tottenham and Aston Villa player added.

"But it feels good to be known as manager of Nottingham Forest.

"I know it's a huge challenge but there will be a lot of managers out there envious of me right now."