Nottingham Forest have appointed Philippe Montanier as their new head coach on a two-year contract.

The Championship outfit have been searching for a permanent boss after caretaker manager Paul Williams confirmed his departure in May.

Williams took charge of the team for their final 10 games of the campaign following Dougie Freedman's exit from the City Ground.

Montanier arrives at Forest having had managerial spells at Boulogne, Valenciennes, Real Sociedad and until earlier this year Rennes.

Forest owner Fawaz Al-Hasawi tweeted: "I am delighted to announce we have completed the appointment of Philippe Montanier as head coach #NFFC."

During his two-year stint in charge of Real Sociedad, the Frenchman guided the team to fourth in La Liga and a place in the Champions League in the 2012-13 campaign.