Nottingham Forest have announced Philippe Montanier as their new head coach for the upcoming Sky Bet Championship season.
Montanier may be new to English football and the EFL, but the Frenchman makes his way to this side of the channel with a strong management pedigree.A goalkeeper in his playing days, Montanier represented five clubs in his native country over a 13-year career before making his first steps into management with Boulogne, where he was named Manager of the Year in 2009 after guiding them to Ligue 2 promotion.
After a spell with Valenciennes, Montanier moved to Spain to take the reins at Real Sociedad in 2011, and it was there where he would really make a name for himself.
Sociedad had finished 15th in the season prior to his arrival and, following steady progress in his maiden campaign, Montanier then guided the Basque club to the UEFA Champions League after a fourth-placed finish in La Liga.
Upon the expiry of his contract, Montanier decided against extending his stay and returned home, taking over managerial duties at Rennes – most recently guiding them to a Coupe de France Final.
Now it's the East Midlands for the 51-year-old, and Montanier's dugout debut will come at the City Ground against Sky Bet Championship newcomers Burton Albion when the new EFL season begins in August.