Dougie Freedman has been sacked as manager of Nottingham Forest, the English second-tier club announced on Sunday.

Former Forest striker Freedman, 41, had been at the club since February 2015.

He saw his side lose five of their last six matches, culminating in a 3-0 defeat by Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, which left Forest 14 points off the Championship play-off places in 14th place.

"Nottingham Forest have terminated manager Dougie Freedman's contract with immediate effect," Forest said in a statement.

"The club would like to thank Dougie for all of his efforts during his time at The City Ground.

"First-team coach Paul Williams will take over the management of the side until the end of the season."

Two-time European champions in 1979 and 1980, under the stewardship of legendary manager Brian Clough, Forest have not played in the Premier League since 1999.