Nottingham, September 9, 2025 — Nottingham Forest have officially appointed Ange Postecoglou as their new head coach, succeeding Nuno Espírito Santo, who was dismissed amid mounting tensions with the club’s hierarchy.
A Sudden Departure: Nuno’s Exit
Nuno’s tenure saw a remarkable turnaround for Forest. Appointed in December 2023, he guided the club to a seventh-place finish in the 2024–25 Premier League— their best in 30 years—securing Europa League qualification for the first time since the mid-1990s
Despite earning a contract extension through 2028 in June, cracks began to appear early in the current season .
Tensions escalated after Nuno publicly voiced frustrations about the club’s transfer activity, describing the squad as “unbalanced,” and admitted that his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis was “not the same.” These remarks, coupled with a breakdown in trust, ultimately led to his departure
His final straw may have been a disappointing 3-0 home defeat to West Ham
The Postecoglou Arrival
Stepping in as the club’s new leader is Ange Postecoglou, the Australian coach most recently in charge at Tottenham Hotspur. Despite winning the Europa League with Spurs, the team finished 17th in the Premier League, leading to his dismissal in June
Postecoglou has signed a contract running until 2027. His relationship with Forest owner Marinakis, rooted in shared Greek heritage, played a significant role in the swift appointment
Forest still retains European football this season due to Crystal Palace being barred by UEFA, meaning Postecoglou will immediately get a taste of continental competition His debut is set for the upcoming Premier League clash at Arsenal
A Shift in Philosophy
Postecoglou brings a bold, attacking style, contrasting sharply with Nuno’s more pragmatic, counter-attacking approach
While this tactical shift promises excitement, the transfer window has already closed, meaning Postecoglou will have to wait until January to shape the squad to his vision
Club and Owner Reactions
Marinakis expressed high hopes for Postecoglou, praising his "proven and consistent record of winning trophies" and his ambition to help Forest "compete with the very best and challenge for trophies." He emphasized that Postecoglou has the credentials to elevate the club to new heights
Looking Ahead
Short Term: Postecoglou's first test comes against Arsenal this weekend, with no new signings possible until January.
Long Term: The club enters a new era, aiming not just to consolidate their Premier League status but to push into the trophy picture and cement their place in European football.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Outgoing Coach | Nuno Espírito Santo – sacked amid deteriorating relationships and transfer frustrations |
| Incoming Coach | Ange Postecoglou – signed to 2027, ready to inject attacking flair |
| First Match | Away vs Arsenal this weekend |
| Transfer Status | No new transfers until January |
| Club Goal | Build on Europa League qualification and aim for trophies |
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