Ange Postecoglou set for Premier League return just months after Spurs exit | OneFootball

Ange Postecoglou Emerges Frontrunner

Breakdown with Marinakis Ends Nuno’s Tenure

Nottingham Forest have parted ways with manager Nuno Espirito Santo after a dramatic breakdown in his relationship with club owner Evangelos Marinakis.

The decision follows a 3-0 defeat to West Ham United at the City Ground on 31 August, just three games into the new Premier League season. Forest sit 10th with four points from their opening fixtures.

Despite the abrupt dismissal, Nuno leaves having overseen Forest’s most successful top-flight campaign in three decades. Appointed in December 2023, he steered the club clear of relegation before masterminding a remarkable seventh-place finish in 2024/25, securing Europa League football after UEFA’s ruling on Crystal Palace.

Only in June, Nuno had signed a new contract through to 2028, reflecting Forest’s apparent long-term faith in him. Yet behind the scenes, tensions with ownership steadily worsened, ultimately leading to his sacking.

Postecoglou Leading the Race

Attention now turns to the vacant dugout, with Ange Postecoglou the clear frontrunner. The former Tottenham boss, who has been on a career break since leaving Spurs in June, is said to be at the top of Marinakis’ wishlist.

Postecoglou enjoyed mixed fortunes in North London. He delivered Spurs’ first trophy in 17 years by winning the Europa League, alongside Champions League qualification. However, a dismal domestic campaign saw Tottenham finish 17th in the Premier League, losing 22 matches – the most ever by a side to avoid relegation.

His dismissal at Spurs shocked many, and though he has since rejected overtures from Fenerbahce, Postecoglou’s links with Forest appear strong. Marinakis has previously hailed Postecoglou’s achievements, presenting him with an award in Greece earlier this year while praising his role in promoting Greek talent on the world stage.

Should Postecoglou make the move to Nottingham, he could bring with him Scott Munn, his former Spurs CEO, further signalling a shake-up behind the scenes.

Forest at a Crossroads

For all the turbulence, Forest fans will be hopeful. Postecoglou’s attacking philosophy and proven pedigree could inject fresh belief at the City Ground.

Yet, with Europa League commitments and the relentless challenge of the Premier League, any incoming manager faces a balancing act: stabilise results quickly while navigating Europe.

The departure of Nuno, a coach who had just delivered Forest’s best season in decades, highlights the club’s volatile ownership dynamics. Whether Postecoglou accepts the challenge may define the next chapter of Forest’s modern era.a