Karanka steps down as Nottingham Forest coach

London, Jan 11 (IANS) Aitor Karanka has decided to leave his job as head coach at English Championship side Nottingham Forest after spending over a year at the helm, the club said on Friday.

Nottingham Forest, which did not give any additional information on the parting of ways, said Simon Ireland would take over as interim coach until further notice, reports Efe news.

"Aitor Karanka has asked to be released from his contract as the manager of Nottingham Forest Football Club," the club said in a statement.

"The club have agreed to this request and the terms of departure have been agreed. Both parties wish each other every success for the future."

The club owners reportedly have not been fully satisfied with Karanka's performance despite the good results and the fans' support.

Under Karanka, who had led Middlesbrough to the Premier League, Forest holds the seventh spot in the second tier table, four points adrift of the playoff spots.

Although Forest lost to Chelsea 2-0 in the FA Cup third round, they had prevailed 4-2 over Leeds United in their most recent Championship game.