Nottingham Forest have reportedly made a decision on Ange Postecoglou's future ahead of the club's clash with Chelsea this weekend. The Australian is staring down the barrel after seven matches without a single victory. His side’s dismal start has left supporters restless and whispers growing louder that a managerial change is on the horizon unless a miracle turnaround begins against the Blues.
Winless and wobbling, Postecoglou on the brink
Postecoglou’s arrival was supposed to herald a new era of attacking football at the City Ground. But what was once billed as bold and brave has quickly looked reckless and naïve. Forest’s adventurous setup, a complete departure from last season’s compact counter-attacking formula, has left their backline vulnerable on multiple occasions. Supporters made their frustrations clear during the 3-2 Europa League home defeat to Midtjylland earlier this month, booing the team off. Just days later, a 2-0 loss to Newcastle compounded the gloom, with Forest noticeably more cautious, and still second best. While there have been flashes of fluid attacking play, their inability to defend set-pieces, maintain shape, or withstand pressure has cost them dearly. Forest’s gaping spaces in transition have become a feeding ground for opponents, and patience among fans is rapidly running out.
AdvertisementGettyMarinakis reluctant but ready to swing his axe
Evangelos Marinakis, a man not known for his patience, is treading a delicate line. The Greek tycoon knows sacking another manager so early in the season could damage both the club’s reputation and finances, yet he’s equally aware of the growing discontent swirling around the terraces. Forest’s revolving managerial door has already seen Nuno Espirito Santo shown the exit barely three games into the new Premier League campaign. Postecoglou was supposed to be the reset. Instead, he’s teetering on the edge of becoming the latest casualty of Marinakis’s ruthless pursuit of results. For now, the owner remains cautious, but those close to the situation suggest Marinakis likes to have a successor ready, just in case. And with the Australian’s stock sinking fast, that “just in case” could soon turn into “when.” A list is being prepared in the boardroom, with more "pragmatic" candidates being favoured for the rescue job, as revealed by
Sean Dyche in frame
Should the hammer fall, former Everton boss Sean Dyche is being tipped as the frontrunner to replace Postecoglou. The 54-year-old has been out of work since leaving Goodison Park in January, but has quietly made it known he’s ready for the right project, and Nottingham Forest ticks several boxes. Crucially, Dyche is available without a compensation fee, an attractive proposition for a club still smarting from recent payout costs. Adding to the appeal, Dyche’s trusted lieutenants Ian Woan and Steve Stone are both former Forest players who know the club inside out, having served under him during his managerial stints at Burnley and Everton.
Another name admired by Forest’s leadership is Marco Silva, whose work at Fulham has impressed across the Premier League. However, his massive release clause is seen as a major stumbling block. Silva’s current contract runs until the end of the season, and prising him away mid-campaign would likely prove too costly for Marinakis’s liking.
As if the turmoil on the touchline wasn’t enough, Forest could soon face upheaval behind the scenes too. Head of recruitment Pedro Ferreira, who only joined in June after a 17-year spell at Benfica, might be heading back to Portugal depending on the outcome of Benfica’s upcoming presidential elections. One of the frontrunners, Noronha Lopes, has vowed to make Ferreira his director of football if elected. Losing Ferreira would be another body blow for Forest’s structure, especially after chief football officer Ross Wilson left for Newcastle just last week.
Getty Images SportThe clock is ticking for Postecoglou
Time is no longer Postecoglou’s friend. His fate may be sealed by the next three fixtures, a brutal run that could define his tenure. First up is Chelsea at home on October 18, a match that now feels like a last stand. Then comes a tricky Europa League clash with Porto, followed by a potentially treacherous trip to Bournemouth. Anything less than a string of positive results, and the calls for his head will become impossible to ignore.
