Reds assess suitable candidates

Colin Calderwood had been in charge for two-and-a-half years at Forest

Nottingham Forest chief executive Mark Arthur has confirmed there are a number of candidates for the vacant managerial position at the Championship club.

Some newspaper reports have suggested former Derby boss Billy Davies is being lined up to replace Colin Calderwood, who was sacked on Boxing Day.

Arthur told BBC Radio Nottingham: "We'd like to make an appointment sooner rather than later.

"There are preferred candidates, we'll talk to them in the next few days."

Arthur added: "The priority is to get someone in for the Charlton game [on 10 January].

"But if we can get someone in earlier to see us play, see the shape and what the players can do, then we will do that.

"Since Colin's departure we've had an awful lot of interest from people also currently in work.

"We are assessing that at this moment in time and that's why a decision hasn't been made straight away."

Barnsley manager Simon Davey dismissed speculation linking him with the role after his side's 1-1 draw with Preston on Sunday.

He said: "Nothing has been said to myself. I am Barnsley Football Club manager and I love being the manager and unless somebody tells me different then nothing changes."