Nottingham Forest have appointed Ange Postecoglou as their new manager, following the departure of Nuno Espirito Santo, who was dismissed after a public fallout with club owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Nuno had led Forest to a remarkable seventh-place finish in the Premier League last season, securing European football for the first time in 30 years.
However, tensions with the Greek billionaire reportedly grew over transfer policy and other club matters, making him the first Premier League manager to be sacked this season.
Postecoglou, 60, arrives at Forest just months after being dismissed by Tottenham Hotspur.
Despite guiding Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years by winning the Europa League, he was let go due to the club’s worst league campaign since 1976/77, finishing 17th.
Marinakis, however, expressed full confidence in the Australian, highlighting his impressive track record of winning trophies at Tottenham, Celtic, Yokohama Marinos, and with the Australian national team.
“We are bringing in a coach with a proven record of success,” Marinakis said. “Ange’s experience at the highest level, coupled with his vision to build something special here, makes him the perfect fit for Forest as we aim to achieve all our ambitions.”
Greek-born Postecoglou will oversee his first match on Saturday, as Forest travel to face Arsenal.
Currently, Forest sit 10th in the Premier League with four points from three games. Marinakis hopes Postecoglou can bring European glory to the club, with Forest among the favourites for the Europa League.
The new manager’s attacking style marks a departure from Nuno’s cautious approach that had brought consistent results at the City Ground. Marinakis added, “After gaining promotion and steadily building to European football, we now need the right steps to compete at the highest level and challenge for trophies. Ange has the credentials to help us do that.”
Nuno, who took charge in December 2023 following Steve Cooper’s sacking, initially steered Forest away from relegation and exceeded expectations in his full season.
However, cracks in his relationship with Marinakis appeared after a missed Champions League qualification opportunity and disagreements over squad balance and transfers.
The tension reportedly escalated after a 2-2 draw with Leicester, where Marinakis questioned Nuno’s decision to let striker Taiwo Awoniyi continue playing despite a late injury, which later required surgery.
Nuno also publicly criticized Forest’s transfer strategy before the new season.
Forest eventually signed 13 new players, with sporting director Edu Gaspar taking a more active role in recruitment. In a statement, the club said, “Following recent circumstances, Nuno Espirito Santo has today been relieved of his duties. We thank him for his invaluable contribution, particularly during the 2024/25 season, which will be remembered fondly in the club’s history.”
