Nottingham Forest have confirmed the appointment of Sean Dyche as their third head coach of what has been a turbulent season. The former Everton and Burnley manager was brought in to stabilize the club after a disastrous 40-day tenure under Ange Postecoglou, who failed to secure a win, as well as the previous dismissal of Nuno Espírito Santo. Dyche has signed a contract through to 2027 and will make his managerial debut for Forest in the upcoming Europa League match against Porto on Thursday.
Forest had also considered other experienced candidates, including Marco Silva, the current Fulham manager, and Roberto Mancini, the former Manchester City head coach. However, they opted for Dyche, citing his vast experience in English football and his ability to build resilient teams, particularly known for their defensive organization and strength in set-pieces.
Dyche’s coaching staff will include two former Forest players, Ian Woan and Steve Stone, who have previously worked with him. Dyche, who spent two years managing Everton before his sacking in January, is familiar with the challenges of managing in the Premier League and is expected to bring a tactical approach that aligns with the current squad’s strengths.
Forest’s ownership, led by Evangelos Marinakis, had initially shown interest in Silva, whom Marinakis had worked with at Olympiakos. However, the logistical challenge of bringing Silva to the club mid-season was deemed too complicated. After conducting extensive due diligence, the club’s football management team settled on Dyche and Mancini as the two most suitable candidates for the squad’s needs.
Dyche’s appointment marks the latest chapter in what has been a rollercoaster season for the club, who currently sit 18th in the Premier League standings with just five points from eight games. The club’s failure to secure a win under Postecoglou, culminating in a 3-0 loss to Chelsea, led to his departure. Dyche now faces the challenge of steering Forest to safety, with a key focus on tightening their defense and finding a tactical balance that suits the team’s current makeup.
In many ways, Dyche’s style of football is seen as the perfect fit for a club that has often relied on defensive solidity and set-piece threats to carve out results. With his managerial experience and knowledge of the Premier League, Dyche will be expected to bring both stability and a strong competitive edge to Forest’s campaign.
