In just six months, they’ve gone from European qualification to FOUR managerial changes – here’s why the chaos runs far deeper than the dugout…
THE ROT STARTS AT THE TO
Nottingham Forest’s troubles began long before the latest axe fell on Sean Dyche (sacked February 12, 2026 after four months in charge). The warning signs were there back in September 2025, when Nuno Espirito Santo – who’d guided Forest to a 7th-place finish and their first European campaign since 1996 – was dismissed over a bitter fallout with owner Evangelos Marinakis and new global head of football Edu.
Nuno had clashed publicly with the hierarchy over summer 2025’s £200m spending spree on 13 new signings, while key players like Anthony Elanga and Danilo were sold. He warned the squad was “very, very far from where we should be” – a red flag that was ignored.
MANAGERIAL MERRY-GO-ROUND FROM HELL
– Nuno Espirito Santo: Sacked Sept 8, 2025 (21 months in charge) – fell out with owner over recruitment
– Ange Postecoglou: Sacked Oct 18, 2025 (8 games total) – worst start in club history (6 defeats, 2 draws)
– Sean Dyche: Sacked Feb 12, 2026 (4 months) – dismal form left Forest in relegation danger
– Bruno Pereira: Appointed Feb 17, 2026 – won 3-0 at Fenerbahce in Europa League but faces an uphill battle in the league
Postecoglou’s reign was particularly catastrophic – fans chanted “sacked in the morning” during a Europa League loss to Midtjylland, and owner Marinakis walked out early during a 3-0 home thrashing by Chelsea.
THE REAL PROBLEMS BEHIND THE SCENES
– Recruitment Chaos: Despite splashing nearly £400m since returning to the Premier League, Forest’s squad lacks cohesion. Sources claim influence from third-party agents and links to Marinakis’ business associates have dictated signings over football needs.
– Tactical Identity Vacuum: Each new manager has tried to impose a different style – from Nuno’s defensive solidity to Postecoglou’s attacking gamble, leaving players confused and vulnerable.
– Financial Clouds: Past profit and sustainability breaches led to a four-point deduction in 2024, and concerns remain over how the club is funding its spending spree.
– Fan Disillusionment: After years of false promises, supporters are losing faith. A recent defeat to Leeds United saw thousands leave early, with chants targeting the board ringing around the City Ground.
A GLIMMER OF HOPE?
New boss Bruno Pereira got off to a flying start with a record 3-0 win at Fenerbahce in the Europa League, with star defender Ola Aina mocking the Turkish side’s “welcome to hell” mantra post-match. But with Forest still hovering above the relegation zone in the Premier League, the former Wolves manager has little room for error.
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