Ange Postecoglou set to take charge as new Nottingham Forest manager

 

Former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou is on the verge of being confirmed as Nottingham Forest’s new head coach following the dismissal of Nuno Espirito Santo. The news, reported by trusted journalist David Ornstein, suggests the Australian coach will be announced imminently in a rapid managerial change at the Midlands club. Forest parted ways with Nuno late last night after a breakdown in his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis and disappointing early-season results.

See also: What led to breakdown between Nuno & Marinakis?

Postecoglou, who arrived in English football with much fanfare for his attacking style, experienced a turbulent tenure at Tottenham. His side won the Europa League final in May and secured Champions League qualification, but chairman Daniel Levy dismissed him on June 7, replacing him with Brentford’s Thomas Frank. The decision came after Spurs endured a disastrous Premier League season marked by injuries and inconsistency, finishing in a stunning 17th place despite early promise.

If his appointment is confirmed, Postecoglou will immediately face a tough test. His first match in charge is scheduled for Saturday, September 13, away to Arsenal at 13:30 CET. Later in the month, he will guide Forest into their first European campaign in decades, beginning against Spanish side Real Betis in the Europa League.

Nottingham Forest’s managerial shake-up marks another bold step in the club’s modern era. The decision to appoint Ange Postecoglou signals ambition, given his experience at Celtic and Tottenham, where he gained attention for his attacking philosophy and success in cup competitions. For Forest, the move comes at a critical moment after months of tension between former boss Nuno Espirito Santo and owner Evangelos Marinakis. Reports of disagreements over transfer policy, coupled with disappointing league performances, ultimately led to Nuno’s departure.

Postecoglou will inherit a squad that saw heavy investment in the summer transfer window, with over a dozen new signings costing close to £200 million. The challenge will be to quickly unify the team, restore stability, and adapt his high-tempo style to Forest’s current roster. His immediate test is daunting, beginning with a trip to Arsenal in the Premier League, before entering European competition. Forest qualified for the Europa League following a seventh-place finish last season, but they were later moved up from the Conference League due to UEFA’s ruling against Crystal Palace over multi-club ownership.

The appointment also offers Postecoglou a chance for redemption after his difficult end at Tottenham. For Forest, it represents both a gamble and an opportunity to cement themselves as a competitive force domestically and in Europe.

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