Forest want Fulham man but deal may prove difficult | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest target Fulham boss as top managerial candidate

Forest identify leading target for head coach role

Nottingham Forest have identified Fulham head coach Marco Silva as their first choice to replace Ange Postecoglou, according to The Times. The Portuguese manager, admired for his tactical discipline and ability to stabilise Premier League sides, is understood to be the preferred option of Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.

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Silva, currently in the final year of his Fulham contract, is reluctant to leave Craven Cottage mid-season. “Forest have been trying to persuade Silva to depart, but there has been no indication that he wishes to leave at this stage,” reports The Times. The Midlands club are believed to be exploring all possibilities, though a deal appears complex given Silva’s £12 million release clause and Forest’s recent managerial payouts for Postecoglou and Nuno Espírito Santo.

Other candidates under consideration

While Silva remains the priority, Forest have also made contact with Sean Dyche and Roberto Mancini. Dyche, who previously managed Everton and Burnley, is said to be hesitant to accept a short-term contract, while Mancini’s name adds prestige but potential cost complications.

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Marinakis has admired Silva since his days in Greece, where the manager guided Olympiacos to the 2016 Super League title. That history has strengthened the owner’s belief that Silva could provide the structure and consistency Forest need to stabilise after another turbulent managerial spell.

For now, Fulham remain firm in their stance, and there has been no formal approach from Forest. Silva’s focus is reportedly still on Fulham’s mid-table push, leaving Forest’s search delicately poised as the club weigh their options in the coming weeks.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For a Nottingham Forest supporter, this report will likely divide opinion. On one hand, Marco Silva’s name carries weight. His work at Fulham has been steady, measured, and successful within their means. Fans can see why Evangelos Marinakis would view him as a stabilising presence after another cycle of managerial changes. A coach capable of balancing style with pragmatism is exactly what Forest’s current squad seems to need.

However, some supporters will question the practicality of such a pursuit. Silva’s reluctance to leave mid-season and the £12 million release clause make the deal appear unrealistic in the short term. After already paying compensation for two managers this campaign, another major payout could stretch Forest’s resources at a delicate moment.

Many fans might prefer a more immediate appointment, someone who understands the urgency of keeping the club steady through transition. Sean Dyche’s name would likely appeal to those craving resilience and defensive organisation, while Mancini’s global pedigree could inspire optimism but also raise questions about long-term commitment.

For now, Forest fans will hope that whoever takes charge next understands the fabric of the club, passion, unity, and a belief in progress that extends beyond constant upheaval. Stability, not reputation, may be the real priority this time.