Sean Dyche could axe four Nottingham Forest stars from his plans immediately | OneFootball

Four Nottingham Forest Players Facing Crucial Test After Dyche’s Arrival

When Nottingham Forest confirmed Sean Dyche as their new manager, few were surprised at Evangelos Marinakis’ decisiveness, but the timing and context spoke volumes. Dyche becomes Forest’s third manager of a chaotic season, replacing Ange Postecoglou, who lasted less than two months after a 3–0 defeat to Chelsea. The appointment, though swift, signals a clear shift in direction.

For a club that’s been grappling with identity, recruitment strategy and consistency, Dyche’s arrival will likely trigger a major reshuffle in the dressing room. Some players will fit neatly into his no-nonsense philosophy; others may find themselves sidelined by January.

Dyche’s Style and the Changing Landscape at Forest

Dyche’s record is defined by structure, defensive solidity and work rate. He values character and discipline over flair, which creates instant tension with the kind of expressive players Postecoglou preferred. As TeamTalk noted, “At face value, it’s fair to say there’s a difference of approach between Postecoglou’s and Dyche’s respective tactics.”

The likes of Chris Wood, one of Dyche’s trusted lieutenants from Burnley, will relish the reunion. For others, particularly recent arrivals under Postecoglou’s short tenure, the new regime could be unforgiving.

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Several summer signings were omitted from Forest’s matchday squad against Chelsea, a move that hinted at an already fractured squad. Dyche, pragmatic as ever, will not hesitate to cut those who don’t suit his structure. “It’s hard for a club to be on their third manager of a season by October,” the report added, “and for there not to be scrutiny on the performances of those on the pitch.”

Zinchenko’s Uncertain Role

Oleksandr Zinchenko’s late loan arrival from Arsenal raised eyebrows, and his technical profile may not match Dyche’s preference for grit and positional rigidity. “It’s hard to imagine he is robust enough defensively to earn Dyche’s trust as a full-back,” TeamTalk observed.

The Ukrainian’s versatility may offer a lifeline if he can adapt to a midfield role, but Dyche’s history suggests limited patience for experimental fits. If Forest have “no obligation to buy him in 2026,” as reported, the pragmatic route could be to send him back once the window opens.

Kalimuendo and Hutchinson in Need of Reinvention

Arnaud Kalimuendo’s Premier League adventure has yet to ignite. The French striker, signed from Rennes in August, “has had a tough time at Forest… yet to start a game for the club.” With Dyche’s preference for physical, aerially dominant forwards, Kalimuendo will need to quickly prove he can adapt or risk being offloaded.

Omari Hutchinson’s case mirrors that struggle. Brought in as a record signing, the young winger has “got a lot of gametime as a no.10 for Ipswich Town last season,” but Dyche’s system prioritises touchline wingers who can track back and cross effectively. Reinvention, not reputation, will define his Forest future.

Morato’s Fight to Impress

Among defenders, Morato represents one of the more intriguing challenges. Dyche’s defensive expectations are well-documented: strength in duels, aerial command, and organisational nous. The Brazilian’s numbers are promising, with TeamTalk highlighting that he “has won 57.7% of his ground duels this season… and 62.5% of his aerial duels.” Still, he has divided opinion among fans and will need to display consistency to earn Dyche’s faith.

With Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo likely to anchor the backline, Morato could find himself in rotation unless he evolves under Dyche’s tutelage.

A Defining Few Weeks Ahead

Forest’s fractured season has now reached a critical juncture. Dyche’s appointment offers stability but demands adaptation. Those who embrace his rigorous style could rejuvenate their careers; those who resist may soon find themselves surplus to requirements.

If Dyche succeeds in restoring structure and belief, Nottingham Forest’s season may yet turn from turmoil to triumph. But for players like Zinchenko, Kalimuendo, Hutchinson and Morato, the next few weeks could define their futures at the City Ground.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Nottingham Forest fan’s perspective, Sean Dyche’s appointment feels like the hard reset the club desperately needed. The chaos of constant managerial changes has made it difficult for players to settle, and while Postecoglou promised expansive football, results never followed. Dyche brings something different — not glamour, but grit and organisation.

Supporters know his methods are old-school, but they also remember what he achieved at Burnley on limited resources. If anyone can stabilise a fractured squad, it’s him. Many will hope that players like Morato and Hutchinson respond positively to the challenge rather than retreat into frustration.

Chris Wood’s resurgence under Dyche could be symbolic — a reminder that hard work and simplicity can still yield results in the Premier League. Fans also recognise that Dyche’s tenure will test those signed for flair over fight, but the priority now is survival and structure, not aesthetics.

If Dyche can restore belief, cut out defensive lapses and turn the City Ground into a fortress, Forest might not just survive but rebuild an identity that’s been missing for far too long.