Ange Postecoglou Expected to Replace Nuno Espírito Santo as Nottingham Forest Manager

Nottingham Forest are set to appoint Ange Postecoglou as their new head coach following the dismissal of Nuno Espírito Santo.

Nuno was sacked on Monday evening after a significant breakdown in his relationship with club owner Evangelos Marinakis. Despite guiding Forest into the Europa League last season — their first European qualification since 1995 — tensions behind the scenes ultimately led to his departure.

Postecoglou, 60, is understood by the PA news agency to be the leading candidate for the role at the City Ground. The Australian has been out of work since leaving Tottenham Hotspur in June. His spell at Spurs saw him deliver Europa League glory just 16 days before his dismissal, ending the club’s long-standing trophy drought. However, that success came at the cost of domestic form, with Spurs finishing a disappointing 17th in the Premier League.

If confirmed, the move would hand Postecoglou another opportunity in England’s top flight and a swift reunion with north London, as Forest are due to face Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime.

Forest announced Nuno’s departure in a statement:
“Nottingham Forest Football Club confirms that, following recent circumstances, Nuno Espírito Santo has today been relieved of his duties as head coach.

“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.

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

Relations between Nuno and Marinakis had soured since mid-August when the Portuguese coach publicly criticised the club’s summer transfer activity. His working relationship with global head of football Edu Gaspar also deteriorated.

“I always had a very good relationship with the owner, last season was very, very, very close,” Nuno admitted recently. “This season, not so well. No, it’s not. The reality is that it is not what it used to be. It used to be based on trust and sharing opinions — now it’s not so good.”

Nuno, who signed a new contract in June, was reportedly due for peace talks with Marinakis during the international break, but the Greek businessman acted before those could take place.