Gary Neville gets his wish! Mark Clattenburg quits as Nottingham Forest referee analyst following pointed criticism of officials in wake of Everton penalty debacle

The former Premier League referee was only appointed to this position in February in a bid to, ostensibly, improve understanding and relationships with match officials. However, the 49-year-old has announced he has left the club, saying the furore around his role was more of a "hinderance" than anything else. This comes just over a week after Gary Neville told Clattenburg to resign.

The statement on Forest's website reads: "Since February this year, I have been proud to have done so under a consultancy agreement between NFFC and Referee Consultant Ltd. I performed my services under the consultancy agreement in good faith, to the best of my abilities and in the hope of using my extensive experience as a match official to help NFFC understand how decisions in relation to key match incidents are made amid the workings of VAR.

"However, it is now clear that the existence and performance of these consultancy services has caused unintended friction between NFFC and other participants, to the extent that it has become more of a hinderance than help to NFFC. It has also led to the unmerited targeting of me, personally, by certain participants and pundits.

"Such reactions and outcome was not expected and is regrettable, as it is my sincere belief that there is a place for and value in such a role in the modern game. I am grateful to NFFC and wish them all the best during the remainder of the season and in the future. It’s been an honour."

Clattenburg was criticised after Forest complained about three penalty decisions that went against them in a 2-0 away loss to relegation rivals Everton last month. The ex-referee wrote in a Daily Mail article that these errors were a "joke" and laid into the officials, something Neville quickly lambasted. Now Clattenburg has decided to step away from his post with immediate effect.

Following Clattenburg's departure, Forest will hope to return to winning ways when they face already relegated Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Saturday. The Tricky Trees are 17th in the Premier League, just one point above the drop zone.