Ange Postecoglou has officially taken charge at Nottingham Forest, bringing with him a mix of humour, ambition, and a clear desire to make his mark at one of English football’s most storied clubs. The Australian coach, who recently turned 60, admitted that his birthday celebrations were upended by Forest’s offer, but believes it was fate that landed him back in the Premier League.
Walking out at the City Ground in a blue suit, open-neck shirt, and Paul Smith trainers, Postecoglou immediately connected with his new surroundings. His focus, however, is firmly on building a legacy that will last beyond his tenure. “The joy for me coming to this club is to win a trophy here, not just to keep my job but to create moments that will outlast me,” he explained.
Postecoglou drew on his childhood inspiration from legendary figures such as Brian Clough, Bill Shankly, and Jock Stein, recalling how Nottingham Forest’s back-to-back European Cup triumphs inspired him as a young football fan in Australia. That history, he said, fuels his ambition to return Forest to a place where supporters can once again believe in greatness.
The former Tottenham manager, who lifted the Europa League last season, acknowledged that expectations are high under owner Evangelos Marinakis. Joking that he may need to win another European trophy to satisfy him, Postecoglou was quick to stress that the process will take time but never at the expense of competitiveness.
Australian reporters at his unveiling asked whether Spurs supporters from back home might now shift allegiance. His witty response captured his approach: “I’ll find out pretty quick who the true Ange-believers are and who was just on the gravy train.”
Despite his dismissal from Spurs after delivering their first trophy in 17 years, Postecoglou said he holds no regrets, insisting that his career has been a long-running “series” with plenty more chapters to write. Now, with Arsenal awaiting in his first game in charge, the task ahead is clear: unite the club, instil belief, and chase the silverware that would etch his name into Forest’s proud history.
