Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo has signed a new three-year contract with the club, following a campaign that culminated in European qualification — their first in decades.

The Portuguese coach, who succeeded Steve Cooper midway through the 2023–24 season, guided Forest into the UEFA Europa Conference League, marking the club’s return to European football after a prolonged absence.

Despite Forest having occupied Champions League qualification spots for much of the campaign, a dip in form during the closing weeks saw them settle for a place in Europe's third-tier competition. Nevertheless, the club's ownership have recognised the progress under Nuno’s leadership by committing to a long-term deal that silences any speculation over his future.

The new contract — a three-year extension — has been viewed as a clear message of confidence from club owner Evangelos Marinakis, despite recent off-pitch tensions that attracted media attention.

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville had controversially suggested that Nuno should “negotiate his exit tonight” after Marinakis was seen entering the pitch following a draw with Leicester City last month. The former Manchester United defender had assumed the owner's presence was due to dissatisfaction with on-field matters.

However, it was later clarified that Marinakis had intervened out of concern for the handling of a serious injury to striker Taiwo Awoniyi. Nottingham Forest subsequently issued a statement urging former players, coaches, and commentators to refrain from hasty judgements and misinformation, especially when unaware of the full circumstances — not least those concerning an injured player.

In an unprecedented response, Forest reportedly barred Neville from attending their crucial fixture against Chelsea at The City Ground, and requested Sky Sports to alter their commentary line-up for the broadcast, citing the pundit’s “aggressive messaging” which the club felt unfairly undermined their progress.

Neville had earlier commented: “Scandalous from that Forest owner. Nuno should go and negotiate his exit tonight with him! The Forest fans, players and manager do not deserve that.”

His Sky Sports colleague Jamie Carragher also criticised Marinakis during the broadcast, labelling his behaviour “embarrassing” and urging him to “get off the pitch.”

Despite the media storm, Forest are now turning their attention to the future — a campaign that will see them juggle Premier League commitments alongside a long-awaited European journey, their first in 30 years.

Upon putting pen to paper, Nuno told the club’s official website:

“I am delighted to be able to continue our journey at this fantastic football club.
Since we arrived at Forest, we have worked extremely hard to create a special bond between the players, the fans and everyone at the club, which helped us achieve great things last season.
Now is the time to work harder than ever as we strive for more special memories together.”

Owner Evangelos Marinakis added:

“Nuno has made a great impact and performed very well during his time with us so far.
He has demonstrated that he maximises player performance and is an expert at developing players, whilst also embedding our young talent into the first-team set-up.
We enjoy a strong and solid relationship together and, above all, we share the same dream and ambition of writing a new history for Nottingham Forest — competing in the Premier League and in Europe, and winning trophies for our great club.”