It’s tough being a Forest fan right now, and not just because the club is undergoing massive upheaval at the top levels of club management. Nuno Espirito Santo was appointed head coach on August 15. This latest decision followed months of frustrating results and a growing sense of need for stability. Yet, only weeks later, on September 8, he was fired after a series of disappointing seasons. As the club looks to regain its footing, Sean Dyche has verbally agreed to take on the managerial role, promising to bring a new direction to the team.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s appointment was supposed to usher in a new era of prosperity and success. On August 24, he assumed control of Nottingham Forest, leading them in a 0-0 home draw against Crystal Palace. Although the match finished 1-1, it revealed the continuing malaise of the squad. Prior to the game, Nuno had been expressing his concerns with the team’s composition. He described it as “unbalanced” and conceded that there was a “huge issue.” His appeal for reinforcements was desperate. He even went so far as to request a goalkeeper and two full-backs to complete his squad in the midst of the transfer window.
Transfer Activity and Club Ambitions
On August 15, Nottingham Forest made strides in the transfer market by advancing on a quadruple deal for promising players: Omari Hutchinson, Douglas Luiz, James McAtee, and Arnaud Kalimuendo. This was a big step to strengthen the unit ahead of Nuno’s vision for the team. Nuno’s warning was a call to arms. He said this is a club that is “very, very far” from where it needs to be and that the team will need to work harder than its opponents to do battle in the Premier League.
With the impending transfer deadline, Forest moved quickly to give Nuno what he was asking for. On September 1, the club finally came through with his demands by netting two new full-backs and a goalkeeper. This flood of new talent was supposed to inject instant, proven solutions to the team’s glaring weaknesses. With Nuno seemingly unable to convert these exciting signings into a decent performance on the pitch, fans and stakeholders alike became frustrated.
A Rapid Change in Leadership
The growing discontent came to a head in Nuno’s dismissal on September 8, a little over two months from his arrival. Owner Evangelos Marinakis felt so strongly about his decision, he released a statement. He said that Nuno was not the right fit for the club anymore. After Nuno’s departure, Nottingham Forest wasted no time in getting their man, bringing Ange Postecoglou to the City Ground as his replacement on September 9. The honeymoon phase didn’t last long under Postecoglou as things turned quickly and dramatically sour. He didn’t win any of his first eight games as the new head coach. So, on October 18, he too was fired.
Unsurprisingly, with the first managerial departures came a list of named replacements – and Manchester City legend Sean Dyche soon became the favorite. Talks continued into the early hours of Sunday night, with both Dyche and the club keen to reach an agreement. Dyche’s prior experience and managerial acumen position him as a strong candidate to maximize the significant investment made in the playing squad over the summer. Dyche’s task ahead Marinakis has long been an admirer of Dyche’s talent and judgment, and feels with him as manager, he can best hold it.
Moving Forward with Hope
And now that Dyche has signed a verbal agreement, Nottingham Forest will be eager to get started on turning their season around. Dyche’s appointment is one that perfectly coincides with this moment. He certainly afforded himself some preparation time before the crucially important Europa League trip to meet Porto on Thursday. His priority will be in creating a set level of discipline and tactical awareness in a side that’s constantly been caught between worlds this year.
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