Fawaz Al Hasawi: Nottingham Forest owner regrets quit hint

Nottingham Forest owner Fawaz Al Hasawi says he has no intention of selling the club and regrets posting a message on social media hinting he could quit.

Al Hasawi was responding to criticism on Twitter following the sacking of Stuart Pearce as manager and for the way Forest have handled their finances.

"I was upset but it was a mistake from me and I admit it. I will not hide," he told BBC East Midlands Today.

"I made a mistake and answered back but I will never leave Forest."

The club are 12th in the Championship, 13 points off the play-offs despite Saturday's victory over Brighton under new manager Dougie Freedman.

Al Hasawi, who took over in July 2012, added: "I like Forest, I like the people, I like the stadium and the club. And even if I decide to leave, I will do it in the right way.

"I don't blame the fans. They always want what is good for the club.

"I feel like I am one of them and I need their support - especially at this moment. The fans need to stick together. We are with Forest in the good and the bad days, not just the good days."

Ex-Forest forward Dougie Freedman (right) was appointed within hours of Stuart Pearce being sacked

Al Hasawi, who has worked with six full-time managers in two-and-half years at the City Ground, said the decision to sack Pearce had been incredibly difficult - but much needed.

"Stuart Pearce is a legend in Nottingham. I don't blame the fans for being upset when he left," said Al Hasawi. "But this decision had to be made because it is a business issue.

"We are talking about 24 games and we won only three. We have spent lots of money this season to be at least in the top six, but this is football."