Ange Postecoglou’s Brief and Tumultuous Reign at Nottingham Forest: A Comprehensive Review
Ange Postecoglou’s tenure as head coach of Nottingham Forest came to an abrupt and unceremonious end on Saturday, just 39 days after his appointment and following a demoralizing 3-0 defeat to Chelsea at the City Ground. The Australian’s brief spell in charge, lasting a mere 39 days, now stands as the shortest permanent managerial reign in Premier League history, eclipsing Les Reed’s previous record of 40 days with Charlton Athletic in 2006.
Appointed on September 9th, Postecoglou was brought in with high hopes, touted for his experience at the “highest level” and his desire to “build something special,” according to Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis. The club was riding a wave of cautious optimism following a seventh-place finish in the previous Premier League season under Nuno Espirito Santo. Having flirted with Champions League qualification and boasted one of the division’s best defenses, Forest fans dared to dream of continued progress and perhaps even a return to European competition for the first time in decades.
However, the reality under Postecoglou was starkly different. Over eight matches in all competitions, Forest failed to register a single victory, drawing twice and losing six times. In the Premier League, the team managed just one point from five games, leaving them perilously close to the relegation zone—17th place at the time of his departure, and slipping into the bottom three later that day following other results. The club’s statement following the sacking was brief, confirming that “after a series of disappointing results and performances, Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties as head coach with immediate effect.” No further comment was offered.
The final straw came during the match against Chelsea, when Forest found themselves 3-0 down with six minutes remaining. Many fans began leaving the stadium early, expressing their frustration and disappointment, and jeers rang out at the final whistle. Marinakis, who had been in attendance, was seen leaving his seat around the 67th minute, though it was a senior club official who delivered the news to Postecoglou shortly after the game. In the dressing room, the Australian manager bid farewell to his players, apologizing for failing to deliver on the club’s ambitions.
The speed and manner of Postecoglou’s dismissal was striking, even in the often ruthless world of Premier League management. BBC Radio 5 Live reporter Lee Blakeman, present at the ground, described the scene as “frantic,” as news of the sacking spread rapidly among media and staff. Players were summoned to a meeting with the board, and the atmosphere was described as “glum” among those wearing Forest colors.
Postecoglou’s backroom staff, including Nick Montgomery, Mile Jedinak, and Sergio Raimundo, are also expected to depart as the club seeks a fresh start. The search for his successor began almost immediately, with early contact made with former Everton manager Sean Dyche and ex-Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini. Dyche, currently out of work after being dismissed by Everton in January, is considered a leading candidate, while Mancini, who has recently managed Saudi Arabia, brings the cachet of a Premier League title with City in 2012. However, sources indicate that an agreement with Dyche is by no means certain.
There is also reported internal support for Fulham’s Marco Silva, though his significant release clause presents a substantial obstacle. The advantage of Dyche and Mancini, in contrast, is their availability without the requirement for compensation. The club is now searching for its third manager of the season, having already dismissed Nuno Espirito Santo just three games into the campaign.
The abruptness of Postecoglou’s departure drew immediate reaction and analysis from pundits and former players. Alan Shearer, the former England captain, argued that owner Marinakis must shoulder some of the blame for the situation, stating, “He chose Ange, it was his appointment. How can you go from a manager in Nuno with one style of play to someone like Ange, who everyone knows wants his teams to play in a completely different way?” Nuno’s Forest side had been built on defensive solidity and counter-attacking prowess, conceding only 46 goals in 38 games. By contrast, Post