Nottingham Forest Launch Manager Hunt Following Sean Dyche Dismissal
Nottingham Forest have initiated a search for their fourth manager of the current campaign after parting ways with Sean Dyche, as the club faces a critical battle to avoid Premier League relegation. The decision was confirmed on February 12, 2026, following a period of declining performance that has left the team in a precarious league position.
Dyche's Abrupt Departure and Club Turmoil
Sean Dyche was sacked after a mere 114 days in charge, having been appointed in October 2025 to succeed Ange Postecoglou. Despite a contract set to run until 2027, the club's board opted for an early termination to address a significant slump in results. This move marks the third permanent managerial dismissal by Forest this season, following Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou, potentially making them the first Premier League side to employ four different permanent managers in a single campaign if a new appointment is made.
Relegation Fears and Poor Form
Forest currently occupy 17th place in the Premier League, sitting just three points above the relegation zone after a 0-0 draw at home to Wolves. With only 12 matches remaining, the hierarchy deemed a change essential to stave off dropping into the bottom three. The team's recent form has been dismal, with only two wins from their last 10 league matches and an embarrassing FA Cup exit to Championship side Wrexham.
The final match under Dyche, a goalless draw against Wolves, proved particularly frustrating as Forest failed to score despite registering 35 shots on goal. Reports indicate that the home crowd at the City Ground booed the team off the pitch, underscoring a growing rift between fans and management.
Owner's Decisive Action and European Commitments
Owner Evangelos Marinakis, known for his trigger-happy approach and high expectations after last season's seventh-place finish, lost patience as the team struggled to maintain the defensive organisation Dyche was hired to instil. Despite domestic woes, Forest remain active in the UEFA Europa League, with a knockout fixture against Fenerbahce scheduled next week. The board aims to have a new manager in place to navigate both European competition and the fight for top-flight survival.
Dyche departs alongside assistants Ian Woan and Steve Stone, both of whom have personal histories as former Forest players or trainees. In his final remarks, Dyche acknowledged Marinakis's fairness and noted that the pressure for immediate results is inherent in modern football.
Next Manager Odds and Leading Candidates
Forest are reportedly in discussions with former Porto manager Vitor Pereira, who is installed as the favourite at 2/1 odds. The managerial market remains open, with several high-profile names in contention:
- Vitor Pereira - 2/1
- Thomas Frank - 4/1
- Mauricio Pochettino - 5/1
- Roberto De Zerbi - 11/2
- Robbie Keane - 11/2
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - 7/1
- Craig Bellamy - 15/2
- Ruben Amorim - 9/1
- Frank Lampard - 10/1
- Roberto Martinez - 10/1
- Erik ten Hag - 11/1
- Gareth Southgate - 11/1
- Steve Cooper - 11/1
- Jose Bordalas - 12/1
- Enzo Maresca - 12/1
- Paulo Fonseca - 12/1
- Cesc Fabregas - 12/1
- Scott Parker - 12/1
- Oliver Glasner - 14/1
- Brendan Rodgers - 14/1
- 16/1 bar
Odds are provided by SkyBet and are correct at the time of writing. The club's swift action reflects the urgency of their situation, with the new manager tasked to stabilise the team and secure Premier League status.
