Fulham's caretaker boss Peter Grant admitted he hoped this was his last game at the helm as the west London club continue their search for a long-term replacement for Kit Symons.

Forest overcame managerless Fulham 3-0 at the City Ground to move within six points of the play-off places, just a few weeks since they had found themselves two points off the relegation zone and Freedman had been hanging on to his job.

Matt Mills netted towering headers either side of a poacher's strike from Chris O'Grady to earn a third straight home win for the Reds.

"I hope this is my last game," he said. "I am desperate to get back to being the Under-21 coach because that is my job.

"I have loved every moment of this, I have enjoyed it, but I have no interest in the job over the long term.

"The players have been a credit, they have been solid in the games we have played.

Horror show: Fulham were well beaten at Nottingham Forest

"We moved the ball as well as any side in the division. I was chuffed with that, I was chuffed with the way we played - but I do hope this is my last game.

"The club needs some stability. We all want to get into the play-offs and into the Premier League.

"It will need some leadership to make that happen and hopefully there will be an appointment soon.

"Anyone who was here could see how well we played, we were excellent, but we fell foul of the old Achilles' heel of failing to defend set pieces.

"If you cannot defend set pieces, you are going to be in trouble in this division."