By Martin Graham
Sean Dyche urged Nottingham Forest players to restore faith among fans after a turbulent period that has seen three managers in just over a month.
The 54-year-old, appointed on Tuesday, succeeds Ange Postecoglou, who lasted just 39 days in the job after replacing Nuno Espirito Santo on September 9. Postecoglou’s tenure quickly unraveled, with discontent growing after a 3-2 Europa League defeat by Midtjylland, during which sections of the away support jeered that he would soon be sacked.
Returning to the club where his career began, Dyche said he is determined to bring unity back to the City Ground. “We want to get back to the front and give the crowd something to celebrate,” he told BBC Radio Nottingham. “The fans have always been fair, and it’s not far from turning around. Performances are the key – you need to get back that winning edge they’ve shown before.”
Rebuilding trust and discipline
Forest finished seventh in the Premier League last season, their best finish in three decades, but a difficult start has left them 18th, without a win since the opening weekend. Dyche’s first test comes against Porto in the Europa League on Thursday, followed by a league trip Bournemouth on sunday
The new manager stressed the importance of returning to defensive solidity after 20 games without a goal, a streak that dates back to April’s win against Manchester United. “You have to start with the basics,” Dyche said. “Strong, fit, organized – that’s the foundation. Then comes the freedom to play. There’s skill here; it’s about finding the balance between risk and reward.”
He added that self-confidence would be crucial to any revival. “We reminded the players what they have achieved and what they are capable of. Respect the past, but focus on how we build the next chapter.”
Back to where it all started
Dyche’s connection to Forest runs deep. A youth player from 1987 to 1990, he learned under Brian Clough but never made a senior appearance before moving to Chesterfield. “When I was here the club was challenging near the top of the old First Division and winning cups,” he recalled. “We’re not there now, but it’s about getting that momentum back. It’s just gone a little bit off.”
After leaving Forest, Dyche spent seven years at Chesterfield and later played for Bristol City, Millwall, Watford and Northampton. His managerial career includes a decade at Burnley and a two-year spell at Everton, which ended in January.
Proud home for the new manager
Reflecting on his return, Dyche spoke warmly of his early years under Clough. “Everyone knows I’ve always talked about my affection for this club,” he said. “I remember walking down Trent, Clough’s dog snoring and hearing the boss’s voice in the distance. It’s strange but special to be back.”
He admitted that managing Forest was once just a distant thought. “At the beginning of my career, I didn’t imagine it. But as things evolved for me and the club, with new ownership and growth, it became something I could imagine. Now it’s here, and I’m proud to take it on.”
