Portuguese coach exits after boardroom rift as Forest turn to ex-Spurs boss Postecoglou

Nottingham Forest have sacked head coach Nuno Espirito Santo following a breakdown in relations with the club’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, just weeks after tensions over the summer transfer window surfaced publicly.

A club statement released on Tuesday thanked Nuno for his role in what it called “a very successful era” at the City Ground, highlighting last season’s achievements, which saw Forest qualify for European competition for the first time in decades.

“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,” the statement read. “As someone who played a pivotal role in our success last season, he will always hold a special place in our journey.”

Nuno, 50, joined Forest in late 2023 after the dismissal of Steve Cooper and quickly stabilised the side. His tactical nous and disciplined organisation helped guide the club to their highest league finish in the Premier League era, securing a spot in Europe.

But behind the scenes, the atmosphere soured. Speaking candidly in August, Nuno admitted his relationship with Marinakis had deteriorated. “I have always had a very good relationship with the owner,” he told reporters. “Last season was very, very close, almost on a daily basis. This season, not so well.”

The admission laid bare the strain between the dugout and the boardroom. Reports suggested Nuno, Marinakis and Forest executive Edu Gaspar were due to hold talks to mend the rift, but those discussions never materialised. Instead, results on the pitch faltered amid frustrations over the club’s recruitment strategy, and the rift became irreparable.

Forest now find themselves searching for a new manager just as the season gathers momentum. The managerial market is flush with experienced names, but Marinakis is believed to have set his sights on a high-profile candidate: Ange Postecoglou.

The Australian, 60, is currently without a club after being dismissed by Tottenham Hotspur in the summer. Postecoglou guided Spurs to their first major silverware in 17 years, lifting the Europa League, but a catastrophic Premier League campaign that ended with a 17th-place finish cost him his job.

Despite his uneven spell in north London, Postecoglou remains well-regarded in boardrooms across Europe for his attacking philosophy and track record of success at Celtic and Yokohama F. Marinos. Marinakis is thought to admire his pedigree and sees him as a candidate who could restore unity and energy at the City Ground.

Forest’s next move will be closely watched, with fans eager to see whether the club can build on last year’s highs or risk sliding back into instability. Postecoglou, who has been linked with several international posts since leaving Spurs, has not commented publicly on the speculation.

Meanwhile, Nuno departs with his reputation intact, despite the sour ending. His contribution to Forest’s revival will be remembered fondly by supporters, though the collapse of trust with ownership ultimately proved fatal to his tenure.

The timing of the dismissal leaves Forest facing a crucial decision. With Europe beckoning and a squad still bedding in after a tumultuous summer, the appointment of the next manager could define whether the club continues to climb or stumbles back into chaos.