Sean Dyche has accepted in principle Nottingham Forest’s offer to make him their new manager. Though this decision is about him going forward, it does raise some sentimentality about his time at the club. Forest is going through a terrible season at the moment. It’s their attack that’s faltering, with the fewest goals scored and shot conversion percentage in the Premier League.
Yet the news of Dyche’s permanent appointment comes at an opportune time for Forest. The Ravens’ lack of offense is still well-known. They persistently underperform their chance creation into goals, and their game against Chelsea illustrated this issue to perfection. They converted on nearly every opportunity to go up first half by a mile. They got outplayed and wasted even more golden chances, making many fans and analysts wonder what was going on.
Dyche’s history with Nottingham Forest runs deep. As someone who has benefited from the program as a trainee, he remembers spending time in the city very fondly. Take a look at his enthralling interview with Sky Sports back in December 2023. He smiled as he remembered the friendships formed on evenings out following games.
“We used to run around Nottingham now and again, have a couple of beers, like you do after a game,” – Sean Dyche
That personal bond is likely to create a good feeling towards Dyche’s return as he attempts to bring the zip back to his new side’s display.
Unlike former manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who operated at a paltry 41 percent possession, Dyche will bring a more high-pressing, attacking approach. Nottingham Forest will clearly be up for this lively style of play! His predecessor, Ange Postecoglou, favoured a high, aggressive press with flowing possession style, raising the number to 55 percent. That change of approach in itself should at least breathe new life into the squad and go some way towards restoring their potency in attack.
Dyche’s brief spell at Everton came to an end in January. It was his brief managerial reign as the team never recovered, not scoring in eight of the next ten league games. During his last season there, he posted a shot conversion rate of under seven percent. This positive performance is in stark contrast to Nottingham Forest’s recent struggles. Nonetheless, his Premier League experience and insight may prove invaluable in helping the club get back on track.
Another factor contributing to the potential success of Dyche’s management is Omari Hutchinson, Nottingham Forest’s most expensive signing this summer. Having featured just four times as a substitute prior to Dyche’s appointment, Hutchinson could witness more action with the new boss at the helm. His inclusion in the starting XI would be just the type of spark to turn around what’s been a disappointing time attacking output.
Nottingham Forest’s toughest run of the season is just getting started, and their fate may hinge over these next few key matches. Their next match is against Porto in the Europa League, on October 23. After that, it’s back to Bournemouth to take under of the Premier League on October 26. Additional fixtures include contests against Manchester United on November 1, Sturm Graz in the Europa League on November 6, and Leeds United on November 9.
The next few matches will be very important for Dyche. He wants to instill his philosophies and build up the players’ morale. Given a clear direction from the club, he’ll be focused on increasing their overall shot conversion rate to full attacking play. His mission is to lead the team out of their present woes and regain their previously competitive stature.
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