Sean Dyche has been appointed as Nottingham Forest's third head coach of the season, replacing the calamitous 40-day tenure of Ange Postecoglou. The former Burnley manager insisted he will give the team the "freedom to play" attacking football after his appointment was confirmed.
Dyche has signed a deal until 2027 at the City Ground, where he began his career as a youth player without reaching the first team. He has brought club legends Ian Woan and Steve Stone back into the backroom staff. "The basics have always got to be in place," Dyche told Forest's media channels. "Strong, fit and organised is always a good place to start, but I want the players to have the freedom to go and play. There's some real talent here, so our job now is to find that balance."
The 53-year-old, out of work since being sacked by Everton in January, oversaw his first training session on Tuesday. He will take charge of the team for the first time in Thursday's Europa League clash with Porto at the City Ground. Dyche's staff also includes Tony Loughlan and Billy Mercer.
Forest's hierarchy considered Fulham's Marco Silva and former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini before opting for Dyche's experience. The club's global head of football, Edu, and technical director George Syrianos led the due diligence, with Dyche regarded as the most compatible with the squad.
A Forest statement said Dyche brings "the perfect blend of character, tactical acumen and proven achievement". He takes over a side 18th in the Premier League with five points from eight games after Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Chelsea, which proved to be Postecoglou's final match. The club's chaotic season follows Nuno Espírito Santo guiding them to seventh place and European qualification last term.
