Nottingham Forest sack Sean Dyche after four months following a goalless draw with Wolves, leaving the club 17th and seeking a fourth manager this season.
Nottingham Forest have sacked head coach Sean Dyche after just four months in charge. The decision was confirmed in the early hours of Thursday morning. A goalless Premier League draw with bottom side Wolves proved to be his final match. Dyche leaves Forest sitting 17th in the table.
Dyche was appointed in October on a deal running until the summer of 2027. He became the club’s third manager of the season after Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou. Forest won six of his 18 league matches in charge. That return still failed to convince owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Forest dominated possession against Wolves on Wednesday night. They registered 35 shots and 10 on target but failed to score. It was the most attempts without a goal in a Premier League match since 2016. The frustration inside the City Ground was clear at full time.
Around three hours after the final whistle, Forest acted. A brief club statement confirmed Dyche had been relieved of his duties. No further comment was offered. The timing reflected growing impatience from the ownership.
Dyche leaves Forest with a league win rate of 33.3 percent. He collected 22 points from 18 Premier League games. That total exceeded the combined return of his two predecessors this season. Forest were 18th when he arrived and are now one place higher.
January brought a mixed run of results. Forest beat Brentford and West Ham, drew with Arsenal, and lost to Leeds. They also exited the FA Cup to Wrexham on penalties. European form improved with a win over Ferencvaros after defeat in Braga.
Goals were a constant issue during Dyche’s spell. Forest have scored just 25 league goals this season. Only Wolves have managed fewer. Their lack of cutting edge became more pronounced after Chris Wood’s knee injury.
Despite heavy investment in attacking players, chances were often wasted. Morgan Gibbs White, Callum Hudson Odoi and Elliot Anderson struggled for consistency. The Wolves match summed up the issue. Dominance failed to bring reward.
Dyche initially lifted the mood after Postecoglou’s brief reign. His connection to the club and straightforward style appealed early on. Over time, doubts emerged inside the squad. Some players questioned his tactical approach and training methods.
Forest sounded out alternatives before the defeat at Leeds. Those talks continued this week. Former Wolves boss Vitor Pereira has emerged as the leading candidate. He previously worked with Marinakis at Olympiakos.
Forest have now sacked three managers this season. No Premier League club has ever appointed four permanent bosses in one campaign. Dyche averaged 1.2 points per league game. Forest remain three points above the relegation zone with 12 matches left.
They have won just two of their last 10 league fixtures. Home form has also suffered, with only three league wins at the City Ground. Pressure is increasing as the run in approaches.
Forest are next in action away to Fenerbahce on February 19. The Europa League knockout play off first leg comes at a critical moment. Liverpool then visit the City Ground on February 22. The return leg against Fenerbahce follows on February 26.
Whoever takes charge will inherit a tense situation. Survival remains the priority. Time is short and patience thinner still.
