Key Takeaways:
- Nottingham Forest confirmed the dismissal of Nuno Espírito Santo via their “X” account last night, following recent speculation surrounding his relationship with club president Evangelos Marinakis
- Santo had signed a new three-year contract extending to 2028 after the Premier League season concluded
- Forest concluded their third consecutive Premier League campaign under Santo in 7th place, earning a reallocated spot in the Conference League but missing out on the main Europa League draw
Managerial Departure After Signs of Friction
Nuno Espírito Santo has been dismissed from his position as Nottingham Forest’s Head Coach, the club announced last night on “X”. This move concludes a period of persistent speculation regarding tensions between Santo and Nottingham Forest president Evangelos Marinakis. The announcement follows a post-season contract renewal, with Santo having recently agreed to a new deal that would have seen him remain at The City Ground until 2028.
Nottingham Forest Football Club confirms that, following recent circumstances, Nuno Espírito Santo has today been relieved of his duties as Head Coach.
The Club thanks Nuno for his contribution during a very successful era at The City Ground, in particular his role in the… pic.twitter.com/catCyeaeR4
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) September 8, 2025
Official Club Statement
As per the club’s statement on “X”:
“Nottingham Forest Football Club confirms that, following recent circumstances, Nuno Espírito Santo has today been relieved of his duties as Head Coach.
The Club thanks Nuno for his contribution during a very successful era at The City Ground, in particular his role in the 2024/25 season, which will forever be remembered fondly in the history of the Club.
As someone who played a pivotal role in our success last season, he will always hold a special place in our journey.” reads the club’s statement on “X”.
Performance in the Premier League and European Implications
Under Santo’s guidance, Nottingham Forest registered their most impressive Premier League performance since their top-flight return, remaining in contention for Champions League qualification until the final moments of the season. Ultimately, a late slump in form saw the club finish 7th, theoretically granting access to the Europa Conference League.
The final European allocations were altered due to an eligibility issue: Crystal Palace, winners of the FA Cup, were disqualified from the second-tier UEFA competition on conflict of interest grounds. As a result, Forest’s European place shifted, but the club still missed out on the main draw of the Europa League. Nottingham Forest have not participated in European club competitions since 1996, and Santo’s departure means he will not lead them onto the continental stage.
| Season | Manager | Premier League Finish | European Qualification | Contract Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | Nuno Espírito Santo | 6th | Conference League (reallocated) | Three-year contract signed post-season, terminated |
Looking Ahead for Forest
After a campaign that rekindled dreams of European football at The City Ground, Nottingham Forest now face the crucial task of appointing a new manager to take them forward into the upcoming season and their European commitments.
