Nottingham Forest have sacked head coach Sean Dyche, making him the third manager to leave the club this season following a goalless draw against Wolves.
The decision was confirmed shortly after midnight, just three hours after Forest’s 0-0 stalemate at Molineux. In a brief statement posted at 12:31am, the club said:
“Nottingham Forest Football Club can confirm that Sean Dyche has been relieved of his duties as head coach. We’d like to thank Sean and his staff for their efforts during their time at the club and we wish them the best of luck for the future. We’ll be making no further comments at this time.”
Dyche’s tenure lasted just 114 days, overseeing 17 matches in all competitions. Despite a recent improvement in results — with only one defeat in the last six games and two victories in that run — Forest remain just one place and three points above the Premier League relegation zone. West Ham’s upturn in form has further tightened the battle at the bottom.
Speaking after the Wolves match, and before his dismissal was announced, Dyche acknowledged that his future was out of his control.
“The owner has been fair to me, without a shadow of a doubt,” he said. “If anyone chooses to change in football now, that’s their decision. I work very hard and I care about this club. If the owner wants to make a change, that’s up to him — that’s the reality of modern football.”
Dyche also pointed to rising expectations within the Premier League, noting that managerial demands have intensified in recent years. “Demand is getting higher and higher. Expectation immediately grows. That’s just the modern way,” he added.
Ironically, Dyche had been nominated for January’s Premier League Manager of the Month award alongside Michael Carrick, Andoni Iraola and Liam Rosenior — recognition of Forest’s recent competitive performances.
Forest now face a crucial period in their campaign. They are set to play Fenerbahce in the first leg of their Europa League playoff next week, followed by high-profile domestic fixtures against Liverpool and Manchester City.
Club owner Evangelos Marinakis has developed a reputation for swift managerial changes. Dyche’s 17-game spell was brief compared to Steve Cooper’s 108 matches in charge, while Ange Postecoglou previously lasted just eight games during his time at the club.
The focus now turns to who will take over at the City Ground, with Forest fighting to preserve their Premier League status and navigate a demanding run of fixtures in both domestic and European competition.