Nottingham | Dyche next for Forest if Ange fails?

Ange out. Dyche in at Forest?

Forest are considering Dyche as a possible replacement for Postecoglou, whose position as head coach is under growing pressure after a winless start to his tenure.

Author | Kieran M

Forest in Europa League action

Reports last week suggested Postecoglou’s future at the City Ground was uncertain following a run of seven matches without victory since his appointment in September. The Australian remains in charge for now, but last Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Newcastle, viewed internally as a key moment in assessing his progress, has intensified the uncertainty over his future.

Sources close to the club have indicated that Dyche is among the leading candidates should Forest decide to make a change. The 54-year-old has been without a club since leaving Everton in January and was recently linked with the vacant manager’s job at Rangers, although it is understood he is unlikely to pursue that role.

Dyche may see Forest as a more attractive proposition. He began his playing career in the club’s youth ranks and still lives within commuting distance. His long-time assistants Ian Woan and Steve Stone, both former Forest players, have worked alongside him during his spells at Burnley and Everton.

Forest would not need to pay compensation to appoint Dyche, which could prove significant after a turbulent season that has already seen Nuno Espírito Santo dismissed. With Postecoglou’s position uncertain and any potential payout likely to carry financial implications, cost may play a major role in determining the club’s next move.

This is only going one way

Those were the words of one Forest fan who was in the away end at Newcastle last week. He went onto say: "Nottingham Forest supporters really took to Nuno Espírito Santo. Any new manager needs time to settle, and Postecoglou has only been in the job for around four weeks.

"That said, I can’t see it ending well for him because I don’t think the Forest fans will change their opinion any time soon. It feels harsh and says a lot about where football is today, with everything so short-term and driven by public perception."