Stuart Pearce would have felt unfulfilled had he not taken the Nottingham Forest job at some point during his managerial career.

The former Forest captain's appointment as manager from July 1 was confirmed yesterday, with the ex-England full-back the permanent successor to Billy Davies who was sacked last month.

Pearce, who played for Forest for 12 years and had a spell as caretaker boss during the 1996-97 season, turned down the job for personal reasons last week following initial talks.

However, with a club so close to his heart calling for him, the 51-year-old was persuaded to resurrect discussions.

A compromise was reached for him to begin in the role in the summer on a two-year deal and for academy manager Gary Brazil to continue on an interim basis for the remainder of the season.

Pearce admitted that no other club in the country could have had that effect on him.

Asked if that was the reason for his U-turn, the former England Under-21 manager said: "I wouldn't call it a U-turn.

"We had discussions last week. At the time I suggested I had so much on in terms of a personal nature and from commercial aspects with work commitments.

"Fawaz then asked me to take charge in the summer and everything seems right.

"I have just signed a contract from July 1. This club probably has more of a pull than any club in the country.

"The pride and passion comes way before financial gain. I've represented five professional clubs and I would like to think I've given them good service.

"The honour of coming back into this club is massive.

"By the time I've finished with management if ever I felt I had the opportunity to become manager here and turned it down, then I would not be fulfilled."

Owner and chairman Fawaz Al Hasawi confirmed the appointment via Twitter ahead of a 12.30pm press conference.

He wrote: "I am absolutely thrilled to confirm Stuart Pearce will become our manager on 1 July. Welcome home. #nffc"

Brazil has taken charge of first-team affairs for the games against Charlton and Ipswich since Davies' second spell as manager was brought to an end on March 24, losing at home to the Addicks before drawing at Portman Road last weekend.

With seven matches remaining, Forest are currently seventh in the Championship and two points outside the play-off places following a 10-match winless run.