Nottingham Forest have dramatically axed sporting director Filippo Giraldi with the club battling relegation.
The Italian was appointed only six months ago, shortly before recruitment duo George Syrianos and Andy Scott were dismissed, and his departure leaves embattled manager Steve Cooper with one fewer ally behind the scenes.
Cooper and Giraldi had forged a solid working relationship since the latter’s arrival, but the January transfer window – which Giraldi oversaw – has not delivered the expected results for Forest.
Chris Wood was signed from Newcastle on a contract worth about £100,000 a week but is now out for the season with a thigh injury, while Jonjo Shelvey – another on a hefty salary – has struggled since moving from St James’ Park.