Vitor Pereira Pledges to Continue 'Points Then Pints' Custom at Nottingham Forest
Newly-appointed Nottingham Forest manager Vitor Pereira has declared that his beloved post-match tradition of sharing a pint with supporters will carry over to the City Ground, but with a strict caveat: only when he feels it is truly earned. The Portuguese tactician, who took charge as Forest's fourth manager this season on Sunday, emphasised that this ritual is a core part of his authentic personality.
A Tradition Forged in the Black Country
Pereira first endeared himself to fans during his 11-month tenure at Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he regularly celebrated victories "with the people" by visiting a local Wetherspoons pub near the train station. This practice inspired the catchy phrase "first the points, then the pints," which became so popular it was displayed on a banner at Molineux. Wolves supporters would often chant "We'll see you in Spoons" during successful periods under his leadership.
Now, just four months after being dismissed by Wolves, Pereira is back in English football, tasked with the urgent mission of guiding 17th-placed Forest away from the relegation zone. When questioned about whether his unique custom would transition from the West Midlands to the East Midlands, he responded with characteristic frankness.
"This is something about my personality," Pereira stated. "I'm not an actor, I'm a simple guy, an honest guy, confident and when I feel I deserve the pints - of course!"
Navigating a Turbulent Season at Forest
Pereira steps into a club that has experienced significant managerial instability this season, following the departures of Sean Dyche, Nuno Espirito Santo, and Ange Postecoglou. The 57-year-old brings prior experience working under Forest's volatile owner, Evangelos Marinakis, having led Olympiacos to a league and cup double during the 2014/15 campaign while under his ownership.
Despite Marinakis' reputation for frequent managerial changes, Pereira expressed strong confidence in their working relationship. "He is ambitious, he wants to win," Pereira remarked about the owner. "Emotional, I know him very well. The conversation was about our time in Olympiacos. I remember the energy and the fire we created."
He added, "He asked me to be myself, he liked the way when we worked together we won the league and cup. It was in the middle of the season and we created a good relationship. He trusts my work, I trust his personality. I think we need passion too."
Proven Track Record in Relegation Battles
Although Pereira was sacked by Wolves in November with the club languishing at the bottom of the table, his appointment at Forest is largely based on his demonstrated ability to secure Premier League survival. In December 2024, he replaced Gary O'Neil at Wolves when they were 19th with only nine points from 16 matches. Under his guidance, Wolves comfortably avoided relegation, finishing the season in 16th place and a substantial 17 points clear of the drop.
Pereira now inherits another team embroiled in a fierce relegation scrap, with Forest perched just three points above the bottom three with 12 crucial games remaining. He prefers to focus on the challenges ahead rather than dwell on past difficulties.
"I prefer to speak about the present and the future," he explained. "But you know this is a difficult season for the players, because it's different methodologies, different managers. It's not easy, but I believe the reason why I accept this job is because I believe in the quality of the players, because I believe in the potential of this club, the ambition of the president."
Concluding with a note of optimism, Pereira affirmed, "Of course, I believe that it's possible (to stay up). I believe that we can get points, results and quality in the games." As the season reaches its climax, Forest fans will be hoping that Pereira's points, and subsequently his pints, become a regular feature at the City Ground.
