Nottingham Forest are closing in on the appointment of Ange Postecoglou as their new head coach, just days after parting ways with Nuno Espirito Santo.
The Australian tactician is expected to be officially unveiled within the next 24 hours and could be in the dugout for Forest’s Premier League clash with Arsenal on Saturday. He will reportedly be joined by several members of his former Tottenham Hotspur backroom staff.
Postecoglou’s Recent Spurs Exit
Postecoglou, 60, left Tottenham Hotspur in June shortly after leading the club to their first major trophy in 17 years — a Europa League triumph over Manchester United. Despite the European success, Spurs endured a difficult domestic campaign, finishing 17th in the league with 22 losses, the most of any non-relegated side in Premier League history.
The Australian’s departure sparked interest from clubs including Saudi side Al Ahli and Brentford, but he remained out of management until Forest came calling.
Career Highlights
Postecoglou has enjoyed success across several continents. He previously guided Celtic to five domestic trophies, including back-to-back Scottish Premiership titles, and won the J-League with Yokohama F. Marinos in 2019. Earlier in his career, he managed the Australian national team between 2013 and 2017, including leading the Socceroos to the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Why Forest Turned to Postecoglou
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has long admired Postecoglou, praising his Greek heritage and managerial achievements. Speaking in July, Marinakis hailed him as “a man who is proud of his origin” and someone who “brought success to a club that had struggled for years” after his Europa League win with Spurs.
Nuno’s Departure After Internal Conflict
Nuno Espirito Santo departed Forest following ongoing tensions with new global head of football Edu and a strained relationship with Marinakis. Despite leading the club to a historic seventh-place Premier League finish last season by securing European football for the first time in 30 years and his frustration with Forest’s transfer business and a public fallout with the ownership proved decisive.
Nuno’s final game in charge was a 3-0 home defeat to West Ham United before the international break. Forest currently sit on four points from their opening three league fixtures.
What’s Next for Forest?
With Postecoglou now set to take charge, Nottingham Forest enter a new era under a coach known for his attacking philosophy and fearless approach. His debut match is expected to come against Arsenal at the Emirates with a baptism of fire in the Premier League spotlight.
