Key Takeaways:
- Sean Dyche has entered advanced negotiations to become Nottingham Forest’s next manager.
- Forest dismissed Ange Postecoglou 17 minutes after a 3-0 loss to Chelsea on Saturday, marking the shortest permanent managerial reign in Premier League history at 39 days.
- The club sits 18th in the Premier League table, with only one victory in eight games this season.
Managerial Search Nearing Conclusion
Nottingham Forest are close to naming Sean Dyche as their new head coach following an eventful few days at the City Ground. The former Everton and Burnley manager has emerged as the main choice for the role, after Ange Postecoglou was dismissed just 39 days into his tenure – the shortest permanent reign in the Premier League’s history. Forest hope to finalise the agreement with Dyche on Monday, having conducted positive discussions with him over the last 24 hours.
🚨🌳 Nottingham Forest are closing in on appointment of Sean Dyche as new head coach.
After Roberto Mancini talks collapsed as revealed yesterday, deal being finalised with Dyche who’s ready to accept. pic.twitter.com/t5nJf0NWKa
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 20, 2025
Postecoglou’s Brief Spell and Forest’s Turbulent Season
Ange Postecoglou, appointed on 9 September, was dismissed only 17 minutes after Forest fell 3-0 to Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday. He departed without registering a victory, leaving Forest with a single win from eight league fixtures, and the team now sits 18th, precariously positioned in the relegation zone. The club’s campaign has been marked by instability, having also parted ways with Nuno Espirito Santo just three matches into the season.
Candidates Considered and Dyche’s Track Record
In addition to Dyche, Forest have evaluated other candidates including Roberto Mancini, who has engaged in talks with club officials, and Fulham manager Marco Silva, whose situation is complicated by a substantial release clause and his existing contract. These obstacles, alongside Silva’s potential reluctance to leave Fulham mid-season, have elevated Dyche as the leading option. Sources indicate Forest’s initial interest in Mancini has waned.
Kettering-born Dyche brings significant managerial experience, notably overseeing 75 Premier League matches for Everton, where he recorded 21 wins, 23 draws, and 31 defeats, leading the Merseyside club to finishes of 17th and 15th over nearly two years before departing in January. His nine-and-a-half-year tenure at Burnley, from October 2012 to April 2022, included two promotions to the Premier League and a first European qualification since 1967 for the Clarets. Dyche also managed Watford in the 2011–2012 season before leaving after a change of ownership.
Dyche’s Connection to Forest and Playing Career
Sean Dyche was associated with Forest as a youth player in the late 1980s under Brian Clough but did not make a senior appearance for the club. His playing career as a defender spanned over 500 matches in the lower divisions, featuring for Chesterfield, Bristol City, Millwall, Watford, and Northampton, but never the top flight.
