Nottingham Forest are reportedly weighing up a move for former West Ham boss Graham Potter, but appointing him could prove to be an even riskier decision than the one that brought Ange Postecoglou to The City Ground in the first place.
Postecoglou was handed the Forest job in September after owner Evangelos Marinakis dismissed Nuno Espírito Santo, who later took over at West Ham. However, the Australian has endured a torrid start to life in Nottingham, failing to win any of his opening matches in charge and struggling to lift a side that looks short of confidence and identity.
The pressure is already mounting. Forest supporters voiced their frustration loudly during the Europa League defeat to Midtjylland, with chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” echoing from the away end. While Marinakis has so far resisted making another change, the atmosphere around Postecoglou’s reign has turned increasingly uneasy.
Forest reportedly sound out Graham Potter
According to TEAMtalk, Forest’s hierarchy have held internal discussions about Graham Potter as a potential replacement should Postecoglou’s struggles continue. The former Brighton and Chelsea coach was recently sacked by West Ham after a disappointing spell in London, but remains a respected figure within coaching circles due to his earlier success on the south coast.
Even so, some within the game believe turning to Potter now would be a serious misstep. The 49-year-old’s record shows he thrives in stable, well-structured environments — such as Brighton — but has faltered when managing clubs in turmoil. His tenure at West Ham serves as a warning: despite initial optimism, he was unable to reverse their slide and left with his reputation bruised.
Why a Potter appointment could backfire
Forest’s situation mirrors the challenges that undid Potter in East London. The club remains volatile, with off-field uncertainty, a congested fixture list, and a squad still finding its balance after heavy turnover in recent windows. For a manager who relies heavily on long-term planning, data-driven recruitment, and tactical cohesion, this might not be the right fit.
By contrast, Postecoglou — despite his early failings — has at least begun implementing a defined attacking philosophy. Sacking him now could derail any sense of continuity, while appointing Potter might only prolong the instability that has plagued Forest since their return to the Premier League.
A critical crossroads for Marinakis
Marinakis is no stranger to decisive — and sometimes impulsive — managerial changes, but another miscalculated appointment could have severe consequences with Forest hovering near the relegation zone. The club needs stability and clarity, not another short-term gamble.
In truth, Postecoglou’s appointment may already be proving questionable, but replacing him with Potter — fresh off another failed stint — could make matters even worse. If Forest are to climb out of danger, they might be better served by backing their current manager through the storm rather than starting over yet again.