Dyche said the team are “still a work in progress” as Forest look to get back to the level on the pitch they were at during his time in the academy.
“When I was here 1987-90, that team was finishing regularly in the top six of the old First Division and winning the Littlewoods Trophy [the EFL Cup] as it was then,” he said.
“We’re not quite there yet, the fans know that and the club knows that, but it’s about building that momentum and obviously it’s just lost its way a little bit.”
Dyche left Forest for Chesterfield in 1990, spending seven years in defence with the Spirerites, before playing for Bristol City, Millwall, Watford and Northampton.
He has been out of work since a two-year spell at Everton ended in January, having previously spent 10 years as Burnley boss until 2022.
Speaking about his Forest past, Dyche said: “Everyone knows down the years I’ve spoken about my affection and the beginning of my career which was under the great Brian Clough.
“I didn’t quite force my way into the first team, I had three years as an apprentice and a young pro and learnt so much.
“I have fond memories of wandering down the Trent with Del Boy [Clough’s dog] running past your feet and hearing the boss’ voice in the distance. It’s a strange thing to be back, but it’s a good thing and a very pleasing thing.
“It’s one of those things, you imagine one day could it be? Not in the early days of my managerial career, but as things started changing in my career and changing at Nottingham Forest, new ownership comes in and the growth, they have made you wonder.
“It’s come round my way, I’m very pleased and proud.”
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis sacked Nuno just three matches into the campaign and replaced him with Postecoglou.
The Australian failed to win a game and his dismissal – 39 days after his appointment on 9 September – meant his stint at Forest is the shortest permanent managerial reign in Premier League history.
Dyche was on the books of Forest as a youth team player in the late 1980s while Brian Clough was manager, but never made a first-team appearance.
He has not had a managerial job since being sacked by Everton in January after just under two years in charge of the Toffees.
Dyche won 21, lost 31 and drew 23 of his 75 Premier League matches as Everton boss, guiding the club to 17th and 15th-place finishes.
Prior to that Dyche spent nearly a decade as Burnley manager between October 2012 and April 2022, twice winning promotion to the top flight and helping the Clarets qualify for Europe for the first time since 1967.
He also had a stint in charge of Watford for the 2011–2012 season, only to lose his job following a change of ownership.
Kettering-born Dyche spent his entire playing career as a defender outside of the top flight, making more than 500 appearances for clubs including Chesterfield, Bristol City, Millwall, Watford and Northampton.
Ange Postecoglou has been sacked by Nottingham Forest following the side’s 3-0 defeat by Chelsea at the City Ground.
The Australian’s dismissal – 39 days after his appointment on 9 September – means Postecoglou’s stint at Forest is the shortest permanent managerial reign in Premier League history.
The former Tottenham boss failed to win any of his eight matches in charge of Forest, with two draws and six defeats across all competitions.
Forest collected just one point from Postecoglou’s five Premier League matches in charge, leaving the side one point above the relegation zone in 17th.
“Nottingham Forest Football Club can confirm that after a series of disappointing results and performances, Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties as head coach with immediate effect,” a Forest statement read.
“The club will make no further comment at this time.”
Match of the Day’s Joe Hart talks about his experience playing under Ange Postecoglou at Celtic to explain why he should be given more time at Nottingham Forest despite a winless start.
Postecoglou’s other two games saw him draw against Burnley and Real Betis.
However, he maintains he is not thinking about an exit and is hopeful of getting a result against Newcastle.
Ange Postecoglou jokingly makes dig at Marinakis as new boss opens up on Nottingham Forest trophy hopes
Postecoglou said on Friday: “I get it. It’s a valid assumption in modern football there’s always a manager under pressure, that’s part and parcel of what we do.
“I don’t think that way. I knew I was getting sacked at Tottenham three or four months before I did.
“It didn’t stop me winning something. It doesn’t enter my head. If I start worrying about what’s going to happen next week, I’m not performing the role I’ve been given.
“It’s not helpful to anyone. The things I control are the environment training, the way we play. I am strong in my belief we are not too far away.”
ANGE Postecoglou was left cursing his luck as Martin Dubravka’s stunning double kept him waiting for a first win.
Clarets keeper Dubravka pulled off two stunning stops in two amazing minutes, to leave Postecoglou throwing his hands up in frustration on the touchline.
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Neco Williams scored the fastest goal of the Premier League seasonCredit: Getty
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But Jaidon Anthony’s equaliser meant the teams shared the pointsCredit: Getty
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To be fair, it was no more than Burnley merited, in a game neither deserved to lose – or did enough to win – yet for Ange it is three games and counting as Forest chief without a victory.
First Dubravka went full length to push away an Igor Jesus header with the Forest sub’s first touch off the bench.
But while that was good, the Slovak stopper’s next was out of this world, getting down superbly to push Neco Williams’ volley behind as it flew through a packed area.
Mind you, defeat would have been harsh on a Clarets side which had gone ahead after barely 90 seconds.
With a start like that,, you felt maybe their ill fortune of recent weeks was about to change.
Seven days ago a rush-of-blood handball gifted Liverpool a last-gasp penalty winner, while a fortnight earlier there was an even harsher spot kick in an Old Trafford loss.
Well there was no luck involved in Williams’ early opener – just a finger-snapping strike that flew in.
When Fiorentino turned away a Douglas Luiz corner to the edge of the box, Williams hit a rocket that took a slight deflection, but not enough to deviate off a true line.
It certainly didn’t impact Dubravka’s chances of saving it – he wouldn’t have got close in any case – for the Welsh defender’s third goal in 111 Forest appearances.
Opposite number Quilindschy Hartman got in on the act with his own screamer which, while it was never likely to catch out Matz Sels, certainly warmed his palms.
And then Olekssandr Zinchenko joined in the full back fun with a swerving long ranger that Clarets keeper Dubravka was happy to beat away.
Moment Roy Keane shuts down Sky Sports host live on TV
If the Ukraine defender was nearly a hero at one end, he was swiftly case in the role of villain just minutes later, as Burnley levelled.
He was initially outjumped by Lyle Foster as Hartman hung up a deep cross which fell kindly for Jaidon Anthony on the left of the box.
Anthony’s strike was anything but crisp, although it was at least on target and would probably have crept in of its own accord.
Yet Zinchenko made sure it did when his attempt to clear merely saw him tumble onto his backside and hook the ball into the opposite corner.
Strictly speaking it couldn’t be classed as an own goal, given the ball was – almost apologetically – heading for the net, but ZInchenko should have done better.
To be fair to Forest, they dusted themselves down and were soon pinging it around again, and one pinball passing move had Dubravka diving to push away a Dilane Bakwa snapshot.
Mind you, Burnley went even closer to a winner with a thunderbolt free kick that would have taken Matz Sels hand into the net if he’d got anywhere near it.
Loum Tchaouna’a whipped-in 20-yard piledriver had the crossbar rattling so much you’d swear the woodwork was still shaking come the final whistle.
But it would have been even worse had it not been for Dubravka, who came up with those two stunning late stops.
And even when Dubravka was out of the equation – when Arnaud Kalimuendo looked sure to score at the far post, Hartman saved the day by blocking his goalbound drive.
At least it ensured Forest didn’t mark the 21st anniversary of Brian Clough’s death with defeat.
Yet ff it hadn’t been for the Burnley keeper, they’d have done so with all three points instead of just the one.
Ange Postecoglou says his Nottingham Forest players got too “comfortable” after Championship side Swansea scored twice in stoppage time to knock them out of the Carabao Cup.
Two first-half goals from Igor Jesus had put the Premier League side firmly in control of their third-round tie.
However, a Cameron Burgess goal gave the Swans hope and, in a stunning finale, Zan Vipotnik levelled before Australia international Burgess scored his second to send the 2013 winners into the last 16.
“We had to finish them off and we had plenty of opportunities to do that, and a couple of decisions didn’t go our way,” said Forest boss Postecoglou.
“I think the lads got a bit comfortable in that moment and you’ve got to know the warning signs.
“Players just thought it would naturally finish that way and we’ve paid a heavy price for that. We need to improve.”
The former Spurs boss had promised this would be the night fans started to see his imprint on the side he inherited from Nuno Espirito Santo at the City Ground.
Instead, Forest conceded three for a second game in a row under Postecoglou, who added: “Tonight was a great opportunity for us to progress in a cup and give ourselves an opportunity to that success – and to let it slip is hugely disappointing.
“But it doesn’t change anything – we understand some of the things we have to work on.”
ARSENAL welcome Nottingham Forest to the Emirates for Saturday’s early kick-off.
The Tricky Trees have appointed Ange Postecoglou to replace Nuno Espirito Santo after the Portuguese gaffer was brutally sacked at the start of the week.
The former Tottenham manager will be looking to get off to a winning start away at his side’s former archrivals.
Arsenal are hoping to get back to winning ways after they suffered their first defeat of the season to Liverpool before the international break.
Towards the end of his spell at Tottenham, Ange Postecoglou was embattled, despite guiding Spurs to the Europa League final.
After beating Bodo/Glimt in Norway in May, he was combative in response to questions about whether winning the competition would save Spurs’ season.
Those who have worked with him feel that was down to the pressure. He dealt with it by firing back to his critics and doubters.
Fast forward to now, and the 60-year-old was relaxed in the City Ground press room, joking about how his birthday celebrations at the weekend were interrupted by negotiations with Forest and how the school run was the best motivator to return to work.
But there was the importance of winning – and winning trophies. It will not have escaped anyone’s attention owner Evangelos Marinakis referenced winning trophies in his statement announcing Postecoglou’s arrival.
So the pressure at Forest will be there – maybe not to the extent it was at Spurs – but he has been brought to the City Ground to progress the team and club.
Forest have not spent £180m this summer and installed Postecoglou in order to go backwards after last season’s seventh-place finish.
While winning the Premier League is out of reach, the Europa League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup will all be seen as legitimate targets.
Forest have not won a major trophy since lifting the League Cup in 1990.
Postecoglou has pedigree. He has won trophies throughout his career, including two Scottish titles with Celtic and the Asian Cup with Australia, and there will be an immediate expectation for Forest to challenge for silverware again.
BBC Sport’s Chris Sutton says Ange Postecoglou will have learned from his time at Tottenham and will adapt his playing style to suit the squad at Nottingham Forest after being named manager.
Spurs lost 22 of their 38 league matches last season, accumulating only 38 points as they finished 17th – their worst finish in the Premier League.
They conceded 65 goals, with only Wolves and the relegated trio of Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton shipping more.
But Postecoglou led the club to a first major trophy in 17 years with a 1-0 win over Manchester United in the Europa League final.
The victory secured Champions League football, but it was not enough to keep Postecoglou in a job and he was sacked by the club 16 days later.
Spurs, who appointed Thomas Frank as his successor, said Postecoglou would be remembered for delivering “one of the club’s greatest moments” in becoming only the third manager to win them a European trophy.
Tottenham finished fifth in his first season in charge before he kept his promise to provide silverware in his second year.
Postecoglou was initially praised for the attacking style he implemented, but he was forced to defend himself from criticism for sticking to his principles and had to contend with a catalogue of injuries to key players.
Internal tensions at the club were believed to centre around disagreements over their transfer business.
Previously, Nuno had criticised the club’s activity in the summer transfer window, saying they had wasted a good chance.
Edu was appointed as Forest’s global head of football earlier in the summer and has taken firm control over the club’s recruitment operation.
“I always had a very good relationship with the owner – last season we were very close and spoke on a daily basis. This season it is not so well,” Nuno said.
“Our relationship has changed and we are not as close. Everybody at the club should be together but this is not the reality.”
In total, Forest have made 13 signings for about £196m based on reported initial fees.
As for the outgoings, Anthony Elanga, Danilo and Wayne Hennessey were all among the players whose Forest careers ended this window.
In May last season, Marinakis appeared to confront Nuno on the pitch following a 2-2 draw against Leicester at the City Ground.
Forest later said the incident was because of the owner’s frustration that striker Taiwo Awoniyi had continued to play following an 88th-minute injury, which subsequently required what was described as “urgent” surgery.
The club said there was “no confrontation” and it was “fake news” to suggest otherwise.
However, those missed points against an already-relegated side were part of a run that saw Forest – who had been in contention for Champions League qualification – only pick up eight points from their last eight matches of the 2024-25 campaign.
Watch Premier League highlights, as late goals from Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta and Callum Wilson help West Ham beat Nottingham Forest at The City Ground for their first win of the season.
Savona, who has been at Juventus since he was eight, joins for an initial £11.2m (13m euros) with £2.2m (2.5m euros) in possible add-ons, the Italian club said in a statement.
He made his senior debut last season and played 40 games in all competitions for Juventus across Serie A, the Champions League and the Club World Cup.
Savona operates primarily as a right-back, but can also play in central defence and as a left-back.
His performances last season earned him a call-up to the Italy squad, though he did not make an appearance.
He follows Douglas Luiz to Forest from Juventus after the Brazil midfielder joined on a season-long loan.
“I am very excited to be here. It is a new experience for me as a person and a player. It is such a historic club, and the move is a dream come true,” said Savona.
Chief football officer Ross Wilson said Savona was a “versatile player who will be another strong option in our defensive unit” who “understands the demands of playing for a big club”.
Forest’s big signings this summer include winger Omari Hutchinson from Ipswich for £37.5m, midfielder James McAtee from Manchester City for close to £30m, Rennes striker Arnaud Kalimuendo for a reported initial fee of £26m and Bologna winger Dan Ndoye for £35m.
They have also bought striker Igor Jesus and defender Jair Cunha from Botafogo, Luiz and goalkeeper Angus Gunn from Norwich.
Forest will play in the Europa League this season in their first European campaign in 30 years.
Despite Nuno’s latest comments, it seems clear there is considerable friction behind the scenes at the City Ground.
If Forest continue to win games, then sacking him becomes that much tougher.
But can Nuno really expect to come out on top in a dispute with the owner and head of football?
“This is a battle that Nuno will lose,” European football expert Julien Laurens told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“We all know that once you start questioning your owner, it’s done. For him to come out with this unprompted, he offered it to the whole world, he knows that it is coming and that he can’t win this battle.
“We also know that him and Edu don’t get on. He was already there when Edu arrived at the club, and we all know when a new sporting director arrives, they like to come with their own people.”
Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha said Nuno may consider resigning now that the relationship was “broken”.
“Nuno’s stock is so high with the fanbase, they will want to fully believe in him,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“But it is also so awkward for them because they will be grateful for what the owner has done for the club in the last few years.
“With Edu coming into the club in such an important position, he will want his own people in play, because they will never really fully trust the person that is already in play? If he could pick a manager now, would he pick Nuno? No.
“That will be nagging for as long as possible, but Marinakis and Edu won’t be rooting for him to fail so they can make the change.
“But the relationship is broken and I would not be surprised if Nuno walks before he is sacked.”
CRYSTAL Palace welcome Nottingham Forest to Selhurst Park for a huge Premier League clash TODAY.
The match comes after Palace‘s bitter European battle with Forest, which saw the Eagles demoted to the Conference League and the Tricky Trees promoted to the Europa League at their expense.
More drama came off the field this week as Nuno Espirito Santo said his relationship with Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is “not the same” – fueling speculation over a potential departure.
Eddie Howe explains why Newcastle are in a lose-lose situation with Isak
EDDIE HOWE says Newcastle are in a lose-lose situation regarding Alexander Isak – but admitted there’s “two sides to every story” amid the star’s ongoing strike.
The wantaway Swede, 25, finally went public on his desire to leave this week with his bombshell “broken promises” statement.
Newcastle hit back at the those claims from the striker, who still refuses to play as he tries to force a move to Liverpool, and denied any promises had been made that he could go.
Liverpool, who head to St. James’ Park on Monday, are preparing a new £130m British record bid that Toon insist will be turned down.
And Howe faces the prospect of eventually losing a world-class star or keeping a player who doesn’t want to be there.
He said: “The club has to act in the best interests of Newcastle and we will do that in every situation.
“It is a lose-lose situation to a degree for us because I don’t think we can come out of this winning in any situation. That is why I have said all summer it is a difficult situation for the club to manage.
“We love Alex in the sense in what has done for this football club since he has been here, what he has contributed, what he has given, how professional he’s been and this has just been an unfortunate few months that looks like it is coming to an end. And it will come to an end pretty quickly and then we can focus on the football again.”
Howe says Isak’s relationship with the Toon Army can still be repaired as he refused to stick the boot into the forward – who has become public enemy No1 with fans.
He said: “I believe it can. I believe the supporters will always react off how a player plays and gives the team.
“This has been an unfortunate situation but there are always two sides to every story.
“There’s always more than even I will know, because there are conversations and things that have taken place far away from me and my knowledge of it.
“I’ve been focusing on the team and pre-season, so I’ve become totally detached from the situation to a degree so I think my job now is to support Alex, care for him at this moment in time and see where we are in a week’s time.”
Howe, who hopes to bolster his forward line by bringing in Yoane Wissa, revealed he hasn’t spoken to the £150m-rated hotshot this week.
He claims the whole fall-out is nothing personal and continued to stress how much he wants Isak to return and fire the club to more glory after last season’s Carabao Cup success.
He said: “When I see him we speak as normal. There are no issues between us.
“It’s difficult on both sides. It’s far from ideal for both parties, that’s Alex and us. But when we see each other we’re fine.
“He’s training later on detached from the group. We will, I’m sure, catch up at some stage and hopefully speak soon.
“He’s contracted to us. He’s our player. My wish is he would be playing on Monday night but he won’t be, which is regrettable. But 100 per cent I want to see him back in a Newcastle shirt.
“There’s no doubt how the players will feel. They will feel the same way I do.
“Alex is an outstanding player and a very, very good person, a good character, a good lad. He wants to succeed in his career.
“This has been a really difficult situation for him and for the players to see us without him.
“The players have handled it really well. If Alex decided to come back and play for us the players would welcome him back.”
Howe, who claimed he “didn’t know” if Isak had been fined for refusing to face Aston Villa, also says he has no idea if the situation can be resolved before the September 1 transfer deadline.
But he says the club are still determined to keep the rebel but warned Isak would only pull on a Black and White shirt again if he was “totally committed”.
Howe added: “I’m not a fortune-teller, unfortunately. I’d love to be, but I’ve got no way of knowing what will happen in the next few days in terms of trying to get some finality on the situation, so I’m in the same boat as everybody else, really.
“The club has had a very strong stance regarding Alex’s situation all summer. Obviously there has been a lot of conversations between the club and his representatives that I’ve not been a part of, but for me, nothing has changed throughout the summer.
“If Alex is to play for Newcastle again, he has to be totally committed. I don’t think it works any other way. But that question is for another day. When any player puts on the shirt and steps onto the pitch, he has to give his all for the team.”
Nuno Espirito Santo’s future as Nottingham Forest manager is uncertain after a breakdown in his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Sources have told BBC Sport that Nuno’s position is not completely safe despite last season’s achievement of qualifying for Europe and the opening-day win over Brentford on Sunday.
The uncertainty, according to sources, has now stretched to the playing squad who are said to be aware of the situation.
In a news conference on Friday, the 51-year-old said his relationship with Marinakis “has changed” and they are “not as close”.
“I always had a very good relationship with the owner – last season we were very close and spoke on a daily basis,” Nuno said.
“This season it is not so well [between us] but I always believe that dialogue is important because my concern is the squad and the season we have ahead of us. Our relationship has changed and we are not as close.”
When asked if it was good his relationship with Evangelos Marinakis had changed, Nuno said: “No, it is not good. I think everybody at the club should be together but this not the reality.”
Forest have been active in the transfer market this summer, signing seven players – though they did sell winger Anthony Elanga to Newcastle for £55m.
But before last Sunday’s 3-1 win over Brentford, Nuno outlined his transfer concerns.
“We have doubts, who is going to be [here], when are they [new signings] going to come? All these things create doubts,” he said.
“Not only me but in the club. What we want is game-by-game to have as many options as possible. Europe will come after, and for sure it will be better, but for now until that happens it is a major concern.
“The owner is aware, the club is aware, everyone is aware. Everybody knows the reality. This is a lost chance that we had as a group to do it.”
There have been suggestions that Nuno has not been fully involved in the club’s recruitment this summer, which could be a factor in the deterioration of his relationship with Marinakis.
Nottingham Forest have signed Rennes striker Arnaud Kalimuendo on a five-year contract for a reported £26m.
Frenchman Kalimuendo, 23, scored 18 goals in 34 appearances last season as Rennes finished 12th in Ligue 1.
Forest had already spent about £144m on six players in the summer transfer window before making this signing.
Over the weekend, they also bought winger Omari Hutchinson from Ipswich Town for £37.5m and spent close to £30m on Manchester City midfielder James McAtee.
This came after manager Nuno Espirito Santo had questioned the club’s transfer process on Friday, feeling his squad is ill-equipped to handle a European campaign.
Forest comfortably beat Brentford 3-1 at the City Ground in their opening Premier League game of the season on Sunday.
Kalimuendo joins Botafogo striker Igor Jesus as competition and support for forward Chris Wood in Espirito Santo’s side. Brazil international Jesus, 24, was bought for a reported £10m fee in July.
