Nottingham Forest confirm Sean Dyche as THIRD manager of 2025-26 season after brutal Ange Postecoglou sacking

Forest’s board wasted no time in finding a replacement and have handed former Everton and Burnley boss Dyche, who had been without a job since his dismissal at Goodison Park in January, a contract running until 2027. The Tricky Trees reportedly held discussions with several candidates, including Fulham’s Marco Silva and former Manchester City and Italy manager Roberto Mancini, but ultimately opted for Dyche. Silva’s £8 million release clause priced him out of contention. 

The club have said in an official statement: "Nottingham Forest is delighted to confirm the appointment of Sean Dyche as the Club’s new Head Coach, following a thorough recruitment process led by Global Head of Football, Edu Gaspar, and Global Technical Director, George Syrianos. The former Forest youth player joins the Club on a contract running until the summer of 2027 and will take charge of his first match on Thursday night as The Reds take on FC Porto in the Europa League.

"A respected and experienced Premier League manager, Dyche brings the perfect blend of character, tactical acumen and proven achievement to guide the Club through its next chapter. Having managed more than 330 Premier League matches in his career to date, Dyche has built teams defined by defensive organisation, resilience, and strength from set pieces, qualities that align closely with the current squad’s attributes and the Club’s footballing identity. As a former Forest youth player who lives locally, Dyche also has a deep understanding of the values and pride of Forest and its supporters. With his character, tactical acumen and man-management skills, his appointment represents the best opportunity for a successful and competitive season across both domestic and European competitions."

For Dyche, this is more than just another managerial job as it’s a homecoming of sorts. The manager began his football journey in Forest’s youth academy in the late 1980s, training under the legendary Brian Clough before moving on without making a senior appearance.

In a past interview with Sky Sports, Dyche said: "There was a big group of us. We used to run around Nottingham now and again, have a couple of beers, like you do after a game. They were good times, without a doubt. They were important years for me. Everyone knew the way the team played. Everyone knew the expectation of how to play. It was kind of ingrained in the whole club. That's a valuable thing to have if you can build it. But of course, nowadays, people want to change a lot. So it takes some doing when you've got to build a whole club."

He also reminisced about training alongside Tony Loughlan and Gary Charles, with whom he still keeps in touch. "We have a bit of a laugh at old times and life back then," he added. 

Dyche's trusted lieutenants, Ian Woan and Steve Stone, will join him in the tactical room at Forest. Both men are revered figures at the City Ground, with a combined 400 appearances for Forest between them during the 1990s.

Postecoglou’s dismissal brought a swift and miserable end to what was meant to be a new era at Forest. Hailed as a bold appointment in August, after they parted ways with Nuno Espirito Santo, the Australian never managed to stamp his authority or ignite any spark in his players. His record read bleakly: six defeats, two draws, and not a single victory. Losses came against Arsenal, Swansea, Sunderland, Midtjylland, Newcastle, and finally Chelsea, while the only points came via frustrating draws against Burnley and Real Betis. By the time Forest were beaten 3–2 by Midtjylland in the Europa League, fans had already turned and their chants for his dismissal grew louder each week. Ironically, just months after celebrating European qualification under Nuno, Forest now find themselves staring down the barrel of another relegation scrap. Sitting in the bottom three after eight Premier League matches, they look a shadow of the resilient, high-pressing side that thrilled supporters last season.

Dyche’s baptism of fire begins with a Europa League showdown against Porto at the City Ground on Thursday, followed by a crucial Premier League clash at Bournemouth on Sunday. Then come daunting tests against Manchester United and Leeds, games that could define the club’s survival hopes before the festive month.