By Martin Graham
Sean Dyche has urged Nottingham Forest’s players to restore faith among fans after a turbulent spell that has seen three managers in just over a month.
The 54-year-old, appointed on Tuesday, succeeds Ange Postecoglou, who lasted only 39 days in the role after replacing Nuno Espirito Santo on 9 September. Postecoglou’s tenure unravelled quickly, with discontent growing after a 3-2 Europa League loss to Midtjylland, during which sections of the away support jeered that he would soon be dismissed.
Returning to the club where his career began, Dyche said he is determined to bring unity back to the City Ground. “We want to get back on the front foot and give the crowd something to celebrate,” he told BBC Radio Nottingham. “The fans have always been fair, and it’s not far away from turning. Performances are the key — that winning edge they’ve shown before needs to come back.”
Rebuilding confidence and discipline
Forest ended last season seventh in the Premier League — their best finish in three decades — but a difficult start has left them 18th, without a win since the opening weekend. Dyche’s first test comes against Porto in the Europa League on Thursday, followed by a league trip to Bournemouth on Sunday.
The new manager stressed the importance of returning to defensive solidity after 20 matches without a clean sheet, a run stretching back to April’s victory over Manchester United. “You’ve got to start with the basics,” Dyche said. “Strong, fit, organised — that’s the foundation. Then comes the freedom to play. There’s ability here; it’s about finding that balance between risk and reward.”
He added that self-belief would be crucial to any revival. “We’ve reminded the players of what they’ve achieved and what they’re capable of. Respect the past, but focus on how we build the next chapter.”
Returning to where it all began
Dyche’s connection to Forest runs deep. A youth player from 1987 to 1990, he learned under Brian Clough but never made a senior appearance before moving to Chesterfield. “When I was here, the club was challenging near the top of the old First Division and winning cups,” he recalled. “We’re not there now, but it’s about regaining that momentum. It’s just drifted a little.”
After leaving Forest, Dyche spent seven years at Chesterfield and later played for Bristol City, Millwall, Watford, and Northampton. His managerial career includes a decade at Burnley and a two-year stint at Everton, which ended in January.
Proud homecoming for the new manager
Reflecting on his return, Dyche spoke warmly of his early years under Clough. “Everyone knows I’ve always talked about my affection for this club,” he said. “I remember walking along the Trent, Clough’s dog darting about, and hearing the boss’s voice in the distance. It’s strange but special to be back.”
He admitted that managing Forest was once only a distant thought. “Early in my career, I didn’t imagine it. But as things evolved for me and for the club, with new ownership and growth, it became something I could picture. Now it’s here, and I’m proud to take it on.”
