The search for a new Nottingham Forest manager has concluded after the Premier League’s second-shortest-ever managerial reign under Ange Postecoglou, with Sean Dyche undertaking the role. Sean Dyche brings a wealth of experience and know-how to the role, but how does this change the team, and is this the right appointment?
Ange Postecoglou’s Reign
Ange Postecoglou oversaw a run of eight games without victory in his time at the helm, sparking a search for a new Nottingham Forest manager. Postecoglou brought a complete contrast in style to Nuno Espirito Santo, and the players didn’t adjust to the new tactics.
In Ange’s eight games in charge, his team conceded three or more goals in four of those matches, completely abandoning the defensive solidity created by new West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo. Furthermore, Nottingham Forest endured a disappointing start to their Europa League campaign against teams that they may have secured victory against previously, including Midtjylland.
However, Nottingham Forest remained somewhat creative whilst Ange was in charge, scoring seven goals. The likes of Igor Jesus consistently impressed. However, this was not enough to change their fortunes with the results, hence the departure of the Australian.
The New Nottingham Forest Manager: What Can Sean Dyche Bring to the Side?
After the departures of both Ange Postecoglou and Nuno Espirito Santo, Evangelos Marinakis has acted swiftly when appointing a new Nottingham Forest manager. The most recent appointment, Sean Dyche, brings positives from his time at Everton, and particularly Burnley, where he oversaw a memorable campaign to qualify for the Europa League.
The appointment of Sean Dyche as the new Nottingham Forest manager once again brings a change in style and tactics to the City Ground. Sean Dyche’s teams are often built on solidity and defensive structure, similarly to Nuno. However, his preferred formation is different to that of Nuno, often opting for a 4-4-2, rather than five defensive players.
With the defensive structure that a Sean Dyche team brings comes a leader and a physical presence, a role that Nikola Milenkovic will be expected to fulfil. The Serbian centre-back was Nottingham Forest’s player of the season last season and will be expected to continue to guide Murillo as the players look to return to form.
Another key player for Sean Dyche will be a player that he has previously worked with at Burnley, Chris Wood. Wood was a key figure in the Burnley team that made it to the Europa League, thus, he is a presence up front that Dyche may get the best out of.
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Was Sean Dyche the Best Option Available?
Along with Sean Dyche, several other managers were supposedly in the frame to become the new Nottingham Forest manager. Fulham’s Marco Silva was rumoured to be the biggest rival for the role, alongside Roberto Mancini and former Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez.
Although Marco Silva would have constituted a more exciting appointment, a release clause of ten million pounds was required for his signature – an expensive mistake potentially if Silva proved to be the wrong appointment. However, Silva has done very well as Fulham manager and many would have preferred him to become the new Nottingham Forest manager.
The likes of Roberto Mancini and Rafa Benitez, although boasting a wealth of experience, would have been more risky appointments for the role. Both have not managed in England for an extended period of time, so it is unclear how they would have adapted to life back in the Premier League.
Conclusion
The appointment of Sean Dyche as the new Nottingham Forest manager is an appointment that is both necessary and satisfactory. It constitutes a welcome return to a similar style of football to that under Nuno Espirito Santo, and a return to defensive solidity.
Although other options may have more potential, many will be hoping Dyche is the right man to improve Nottingham Forest’s position in the Premier League table.
And with one game in charge so far – a successful 2-0 win in the Nottingham Forest vs Porto Europa League win – new Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche is off to a great start. Up next for the Englishman is the Bournemouth vs Nottingham Forest Premier League game. Can he pick up another win?
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / News Images
Recording Date: 23.10.2025