Nottingham Forest have initiated discreet contact with potential managerial candidates as pressure intensifies on current boss Steve Cooper, Football Insider can exclusively reveal.
The City Ground hierarchy are actively exploring their options despite publicly backing the Welshman, with Tottenham's Ange Postecoglou and Everton's Sean Dyche understood to be among their preferred targets.
Cooper's Precarious Position
Cooper's future remains hanging in the balance following Forest's disappointing start to the Premier League campaign. While the club's ownership has previously shown patience, recent results have sparked serious concerns about the team's direction and tactical approach.
Sources close to the club indicate that while no immediate change is planned, the recruitment team is undertaking necessary due diligence to ensure they're prepared for any eventuality.
Top Targets Emerge
Ange Postecoglou has emerged as a surprising but highly admired candidate within the Forest boardroom. The Australian's attacking philosophy and successful rebuild at Celtic before his Tottenham move have made a significant impression.
Meanwhile, Sean Dyche represents a more traditional Premier League option. His proven track record of achieving results with limited resources at Burnley, and now Everton, aligns with Forest's need for stability and survival assurance.
Financial Realities and Compensation
Any move for either manager would present significant financial hurdles. Both Postecoglou and Dyche are under contract with their current clubs, meaning Forest would face substantial compensation packages.
Postecoglou's situation appears particularly complex given his recent appointment and project at Tottenham, making any potential move unlikely in the immediate future.
What Comes Next?
The international break provides Cooper with valuable breathing space to address Forest's issues on the training ground. However, performances in upcoming fixtures against crucial relegation rivals will likely determine his fate.
Forest's hierarchy face a delicate balancing act - showing faith in the manager who achieved promotion while ensuring they're not left scrambling if results don't improve rapidly.
