Nottingham Forest fans have barely had a moment to catch their breath as a whirlwind week at the City Ground ushers in a bold new chapter. On September 9, 2025, the club confirmed the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo, ending a 21-month tenure that brought both triumph and turbulence. Just hours later, Forest moved swiftly to announce Ange Postecoglou, the former Tottenham Hotspur boss, as the new man in charge. The timing? Impeccable—Forest are on the cusp of a daunting run of four away games in just 12 days, including a trip to Arsenal and a Europa League showdown in Seville against Real Betis. Strap in, because the next fortnight could define the club’s season.
Nuno’s departure, while not entirely unexpected, still sent shockwaves through the Forest faithful. The Portuguese tactician had been candid about his strained relationship with club owner Evangelos Marinakis and sporting director Edu. According to BBC East Midlands Today, Nuno’s final press conference was tinged with the sense that his time was running out: “The relationship with the owner is not where it needs to be for us to move forward.” That tension, combined with a bewildering defeat to West Ham and summer transfer frustrations, proved too much to overcome.
Yet, it’s impossible to ignore what Nuno achieved during his spell in Nottingham. He didn’t just steady the ship—he steered Forest back into the Premier League in 2022 and, perhaps more impressively, delivered European football to the City Ground for the first time in three decades. The supporters, once brimming with optimism about a new era, were left with bittersweet memories. As one fan told Sports Illustrated, “Nuno gave us nights we’ll never forget, but the last few months were tough to watch.”
Forest’s summer transfer window was nothing short of spectacular. The club smashed their transfer record with the £37.5 million acquisition of Omari Hutchinson from Ipswich Town. Not content to stop there, they also brought in James McAtee, Arnaud Kalimuendo, and Dilane Bakwa, with the latter arriving on deadline day for a hefty £35 million. In total, Forest spent an eye-watering £180 million, a statement of intent that signaled their ambitions both domestically and in Europe.
Despite the influx of talent, the cracks behind the scenes widened. Nuno’s counter-attacking style, which had served Forest so well, began to look outdated as fans clamored for a more progressive approach. Enter Ange Postecoglou, the Australian tactician known for his high-pressing, possession-based football. After guiding Spurs to a Europa League triumph last season—despite an underwhelming 17th-place Premier League finish—Postecoglou arrives with a reputation for attacking flair and tactical adaptability.
BBC pundit Chris Sutton summed up the mood: “It’s exciting for the Premier League to have Postecoglou back. He’s inheriting a strong squad, but he’s got big shoes to fill after what Nuno achieved.” Postecoglou’s appointment was all but confirmed when he was spotted at the club’s training ground on Tuesday morning, and by the afternoon, the deal was official. The new boss faces a sceptical fanbase still mourning Nuno’s exit, but the promise of a fresh footballing philosophy has reignited hope.
Postecoglou’s tactical shift could unlock even greater potential from Forest’s attacking options. Morgan Gibbs-White, who notched 15 goal contributions in 34 Premier League games last season, is tipped to thrive under the Australian’s guidance. As noted by Football365, “Gibbs-White could be Postecoglou’s new Maddison,” referencing the manager’s success with James Maddison at Spurs, where the midfielder racked up 23 goals and assists in a single campaign. Postecoglou once described Maddison as a “loveable little rogue,” and fans are eager to see if he can coax similar magic from Gibbs-White.
The competition for creative supremacy doesn’t end there. James McAtee, Forest’s new number 24, arrives with a burgeoning reputation. Pep Guardiola, his former Manchester City boss, once called him a “special talent.” With 67 goals and 37 assists across youth and senior levels, McAtee’s numbers are eye-catching for a 22-year-old. He’ll be vying for minutes alongside Gibbs-White, and Postecoglou’s track record suggests both could flourish. As Transfermarkt data shows, McAtee’s career trajectory mirrors that of Maddison’s early years, fueling speculation that he could become Postecoglou’s next creative lynchpin.
Forest’s attacking arsenal doesn’t stop there. Chris Wood, the imposing striker, has already bagged two Premier League goals this season and offers a reliable target up front. The likes of Arnaud Kalimuendo and Dilane Bakwa add depth and dynamism on the wings, while Omari Hutchinson’s record-breaking transfer fee comes with high expectations. The full-back duo of Ola Aina and Neco Williams, known for their willingness to join attacks, should fit seamlessly into Postecoglou’s system. Defensively, Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo have excelled under Nuno, but they’ll need to adapt to a more expansive style that could leave them exposed if not properly shielded.
Of course, change brings uncertainty. Forest’s supporters, still processing the abrupt managerial shift, are watching closely to see how quickly Postecoglou can stamp his identity on the squad. The immediate fixture list is unforgiving: Arsenal away, where Forest haven’t won since 1989, followed by a string of challenging matches culminating in a Europa League clash against Real Betis in Seville. The new manager has precious little time to settle in, but the ingredients for success are there—ambitious signings, a passionate fanbase, and a squad hungry to prove themselves on multiple fronts.
Postecoglou’s time at Tottenham offered glimpses of tactical pragmatism, particularly in the Europa League, where he opted for a safety-first approach in the semi-final second leg at Bodo/Glimt. But in the Premier League, his commitment to attacking football sometimes left Spurs vulnerable—22 losses in 38 games is a sobering statistic. Forest fans will be hoping he strikes the right balance between entertainment and results, especially with the stakes so high this season.
As the international break comes to a close, all eyes are on the City Ground. The dust has barely settled on Nuno’s exit, but there’s a palpable sense of anticipation. Can Ange Postecoglou galvanize this talented squad and deliver on the promise of a new era? With European nights on the horizon and a Premier League campaign to salvage, the stage is set for drama, excitement, and—if all goes to plan—glory.
For now, the action is only just getting started. The next few weeks will offer the first clues as to whether Forest’s bold gamble pays off, or if more twists await in this ever-unpredictable football saga.
