"The club moved quickly to secure his services as it is rare for a manager and coach of his undoubted calibre to become available."
Chief Executive Mark Arthur explains the thinking behind appointing the former England boss as Billy Davies's successor.
"It's probably the most frustrating pre-season off the field for years."
The first signs that all is not well between the new manager and the club come as McClaren makes clear the squad he has inherited is not up to scratch.
"I'm certainly no quitter and I am as enthusiastic about the task as I was on the day I arrived in Nottingham in June.
"I am desperately keen to succeed at Forest and as far as I am concerned it is onwards and upwards with everyone pulling in the same direction in order to achieve our aims."
After mixed results on the field McClaren moves to reassure supporters that he is not making a quick exit.
"The only real criticism you might possibly say is that Steve McClaren has not been aware of the Championship for five years.
"Being the England manager and being in Holland and Germany, how well he knows the Championship I don't know."
Former boss Dave Bassett adds his opinion to the mix after the 5-1 hammering by Burnley which was to be McClaren's penultimate game.
"Part of the role of chairman is to accept responsibility for what happens at the club.
"As such Mr Doughty accepts responsibility for his personal decision to recruit Steve McClaren as our manager in the close season. Given our very poor start to the season and Steve's resignation, Mr Doughty feels it is only right to do so."
Two departures in one day as Nigel Doughty quits.