Ange Postecoglou has been sacked by Nottingham Forest after just 39 days in charge — the shortest managerial reign in Premier League history.
The Australian’s dismissal was confirmed less than 20 minutes after Forest’s 3–0 home defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, a result that left the club 17th in the table and without a single win under his management. Owner Evangelos Marinakis departed his seat before the final whistle, with many home fans following him out of the City Ground stands before full-time.
Postecoglou, who succeeded Nuno Espírito Santo only three games into the season, oversaw eight matches without victory in all competitions — a first in the club’s long history. His tenure, which began with optimism and bold attacking promises, ended in boos and empty seats.
Forest’s official statement was brief, reading:
“Nottingham Forest Football Club can confirm that after a series of disappointing results and performances, Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties as head coach with immediate effect. The club will make no further comment at this time.”
From hope to humiliation
Despite showing signs of improvement early in Saturday’s clash, Forest failed to convert their dominance into goals. Chelsea punished their wastefulness with two quick strikes from Josh Acheampong and Pedro Neto shortly after half-time, before Reece James sealed the result. As the scoreline worsened, chants of “sacked in the morning” from the visiting supporters filled the stadium — chants that soon proved prophetic.
At the final whistle, Postecoglou stood alone on the pitch, applauding the few Forest fans who had stayed behind. Within minutes, he was officially dismissed — his second sacking in four months after being let go by Tottenham Hotspur at the end of last season despite delivering the club’s long-awaited Europa League title.
A short-lived project
Forest had appointed Postecoglou on a two-year deal, hoping his attacking philosophy would build on the foundations laid by Nuno, who guided the club into Europe last season before falling out with Marinakis. However, the transition never took hold.
Forest managed just one point from five league games under Postecoglou, scoring only once — in a 1–1 draw at Burnley. Fan frustration peaked after a Europa League loss to Midtjylland, and speculation over replacements began even before the Chelsea match.
The 60-year-old remained defiant until the end, telling reporters on Friday:
“If I’m given time, the story always ends the same — me with a trophy.”
But by Saturday evening, his story at Nottingham Forest had already reached its abrupt conclusion.
Dyche tipped to take over
Forest will now search for their third manager of the season, with former Burnley and Everton boss Sean Dyche emerging as an early favourite to take the reins.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca summed up the brutal reality of the situation:
“I feel sorry for Ange. It’s always sad, but in this business, you have to win games. Otherwise, the consequences are the same for all of us.”