Sean Dyche has verbally agreed to become the new Nottingham Forest manager, returning to the club where he began his playing career as a trainee. Talks advanced late on Sunday night, with both sides eager to finalise a deal before Thursday’s Europa League clash against Porto.
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is expected to make the appointment official once final legal and contractual details are completed. Dyche’s arrival will mark the club’s third managerial change of the season following the sackings of Nuno Espírito Santo and Ange Postecoglou.
Sky Sports News reports that paperwork is being finalised, and Dyche could be confirmed as early as Monday.
Marinakis moves quickly to stabilise the club
Evangelos Marinakis has made swift decisions this season, but Forest’s managerial instability has become a cause for concern. Ange Postecoglou lasted just 39 days before being dismissed after a 3–0 home defeat to Chelsea, leaving Forest near the bottom of the Premier League and winless in eight matches.
Marinakis considered several candidates, including Roberto Mancini and Marco Silva, but financial restrictions under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) made Dyche the most viable option. Both Mancini and Dyche were free agents, while Silva would have required a hefty compensation package from Fulham.
Forest’s owner is said to view Dyche as the “right man to restore order, motivation and structure” after a turbulent few months.
Dyche’s managerial record: a proven stabiliser
Sean Dyche, 54, has built a reputation as one of English football’s most disciplined and pragmatic managers. Across his managerial career with Watford, Burnley and Everton, Dyche has overseen 480 competitive matches, achieving:
- Wins: 164
- Draws: 122
- Losses: 194
- Win Rate: 34.1%
During his tenure at Everton (2023–2025), Dyche managed 81 games, winning 28, drawing 22, and losing 31 — a win rate of 34.5%. Crucially, he kept Everton in the Premier League in consecutive seasons despite transfer restrictions and points deductions, earning praise for his organisation, tactical discipline, and player development.
Known for his man-management skills and no-nonsense approach, Dyche’s teams are often among the hardest-working and most defensively structured in the division. His appointment could bring the kind of resilience Forest have lacked under both Nuno and Postecoglou.
Why this appointment is crucial for Marinakis
Marinakis knows this next hire must bring stability and leadership after months of turbulence. Sources close to the club believe Dyche’s experience in difficult environments — from Burnley’s budget battles to Everton’s relegation fights — makes him ideal to steer Forest away from danger.
Another factor behind the decision is Dyche’s ability to maximize underperforming squads. Forest spent over £180 million this summer, yet £130 million worth of players were not even in the matchday squad for the Chelsea game — a point of contention between Postecoglou and Marinakis. Dyche’s reputation for accountability and tactical structure aligns with the owner’s vision of efficiency and results.
Marinakis’ chaotic start to the season
- August 15: Nuno Espírito Santo admits Forest’s squad is “unbalanced” after the opening week of the season.
- August 22: Nuno’s relationship with Marinakis deteriorates publicly amid speculation about his future.
- September 1: Forest back Nuno with late signings, including Zinchenko and Savona.
- September 8: Nuno is sacked after just four games.
- September 9: Ange Postecoglou appointed but fails to win in eight matches.
- October 18: Postecoglou dismissed after 3–0 defeat to Chelsea.
- October 20: Dyche reaches verbal agreement to take charge.
How Dyche fits Nottingham Forest’s needs
Dyche’s preferred 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 systems are built on defensive solidity and quick transitions — a style that could suit a squad containing powerful runners like Taiwo Awoniyi, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Morgan Gibbs-White. His pragmatic approach may not be flashy, but it is exactly what Forest need to halt their slide and rebuild confidence.
In addition, Dyche’s emphasis on physical conditioning and set-piece organisation could transform Forest into a tougher team to play against — traits they have lacked throughout this chaotic campaign.
Analyst Verdict
In my view, this is a smart and necessary appointment for Nottingham Forest. While Dyche isn’t a long-term glamour hire, he offers exactly what the club needs right now: clarity, discipline, and results.
FootballPlace analyst John William adds: “Dyche has kept far weaker squads than Forest’s in the Premier League. If Marinakis gives him backing and stability, he’ll not only steady the ship but could push them up the table by Christmas.”
Key Insights
- Sean Dyche verbally agrees to take charge at Nottingham Forest.
- Paperwork expected to be finalised within 24 hours.
- Ange Postecoglou sacked after 39 days and eight winless games.
- Dyche has a 34% career win rate across 480 matches.
- Forest’s PSR limits ruled out costly candidates like Marco Silva.
What’s Next for Nottingham Forest
If all goes as planned, Dyche could be unveiled at the City Ground before Thursday’s Europa League fixture against Porto. His immediate goal will be to instil discipline, stabilise results, and climb out of the relegation zone before November’s international break.
For Marinakis, this appointment represents not just another managerial reset — but perhaps the club’s final chance to salvage stability this season.
👉 Can Sean Dyche restore order and belief at the City Ground — or will Nottingham Forest’s turbulent campaign continue under yet another new boss?
1 Comment (last comment by Malcolm Mawer)
First read message
By Malcolm Mawer 20 Oct 2025 19:58
As an Evertonian of 74 years, I highly rate the hard work and success that Sean Dyche and his staff did during two of our most difficult periods and shortage of money and Topquality players.we do expect immediate results with the backing of Loyal fans and owner, a Truly honest football Coach who gives 100%. NSNO 💙
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