Thursday 9 February 2017 18:27, UK
Gary Rowett says he's open-minded on his next job in management having turned down interest from Nottingham Forest.
The takeover attempt, led by former owner of the San Diego Padres John Jay Moores, eventually collapsed, leaving current Forest owner Fawaz Al Hasawi to defend his role in the failed sale.
The episode left Rowett, who was sacked by Birmingham in December, unsure over the club's long-term plan, with Forest now led by caretaker manager Gary Brazil.
Rowett, though, told the EFL Weekly podcast he would be interested in the position in the future should the structure at the City Ground change.
Jordan Rhodes and Gary Rowett feature on the latest edition of EFL Weekly
"The thing with Forest is, and I can be honest and open, with any job you look at the structure of the club," Rowett said.
"You look at where you think that club is at the minute and can you honestly go in and give that your best shot?
"What I would say, if you look at three or four weeks ago when the link was there, I felt that was very difficult for me to do should the opportunity arise. That was something that didn't really interest me at the time.
"I think the job Gary Brazil and Jack Lester have done since has been phenomenal and much needed because it's taken them out of those bottom positions.
"If the structure was to change and I felt there was more support for the manager long term and a long-term plan for where they want to be - because I want to get to the Premier League with a club or at least feel like there is that ambition - then of course Nottingham Forest is an amazing club with great history.
"It would be a job that most managers, along with myself, would be interested in."
Rowett said he remains open-minded about his next managerial role, adding a voicemail from West Brom boss Tony Pulis the morning after his dismissal by Birmingham City offered him extra motivation.
"I had a voicemail the next morning from Tony Pulis - probably the best voicemail I've ever had - kindly reminding me he was in the gym at 7.15am and I was still in bed," Rowett continued.
"The voicemail basically said, 'Get up, get out of bed, you're not a real manager unless you've been sacked!'
On his next move, Rowett said: "You would rather work close to your family, that's always a consideration. It's part of being a good dad and a good husband.
"My missus has given me until March - it was originally until February - and then I don't know whether she will kick me out the front door! But I would go wherever I felt it was a good opportunity.
"I'm open minded. If Sydney FC want to offer me a job and I can go and sit on the beach in the evening or another club that I felt was an exciting opportunity, then of course I'd be interested."
