Nottingham Forest

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Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche speaking to TNT Sports after the Europa League win against Porto: "Marvellous. It meant a lot as the players have been through a lot and the fans have, so just to give something back to them.

"We have been with them for two days and they have applied that very quickly. It is a start. There is a lot more to come but it is a start. A good start.

"The shape was good and we had to make sure that we kept it but also with the ball, can we stretch them? We managed to find the balance and we will get fitter and sharper. It will take a little bit of time.

"I don't want to be a purist I want to play long and stretch teams. That gives you more room to play in. We had a chance second half to stamp our authority. It was nice that we got the second goal to settle it.

"We are very proud to be here with our past and connection to the club but that goes away quickly. To get a clean sheet and a win for the crowd and the players and give them a bit more belief was great.

"I said to the lads it is a start and there is a whole lot more work to go. Now we need to keep building and keep working. We can't think that's all the questions answered. It is a journey and that is a good start."

On Morgan Gibbs-White: "We tried to take the shackles off him a little bit. He is very good defensively but Morgan is a calming influence and we need to point him in the right way. He is infectious in the way he plays and trains and I thought the feeling was back in the group."

Forest defender Nikola Milenkovic also spoke to TNT Sports: "We had a tough period. It was important to win this game and the clean sheet is important. We are so happy to give this victory to our fans.

"[Dyche] brought, for sure, positive energy. We did basic things and came back to being more confident on the pitch. We need to keep working and be ready for the next game.

"It was tough for us but always during the season there are tough periods. Today we reacted very good and I hope we keep going like this. We need to stay humble and keep improving. We need to keep making our incredible fans proud."

Did you know?

• Nottingham Forest have recorded their first victory in a major European competition since November 1995 which was against Lyon in the Uefa Cup.

• Forest have kept their first clean sheet in 21 matches across all competitions, with their last being a 1-0 win over Manchester United in the Premier League in April 2025.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

What did you make of Forest's display?

Come back to this page on Friday to find a selection of your replies

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

Sean Dyche is beaming on page seven of the Nottingham Forest programme this evening.

In his notes the new manager writes about how humbled he is by the welcome messages he and his staff have received after being appointed on Tuesday.

He touches on the honour of taking charge of a club he was an apprentice and a young professional at, before leaving for Chesterfield in 1990, and unlocking the potential of the squad.

So far, Dyche has said all the right things but words will not mean anything unless he gets Forest winning again.

Nottingham Forest XI: Sels, Williams, Murillo, Milenkovic, Zinchenko, Anderson, Douglas Luiz, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi, Jesus, Ndoye.

Subs: Victor, Willows, Morato, Sangare, Kalimuendo, Dominguez, Yates, McAtee, Boly, Savona, Abbott, Blake.

Porto XI: Costa, Moura, Kiwior, Bednarek, Alberto Costa, Rosario, Varela, Froholdt, Sainz, Aghehowa, Pepe

Subs: Alarcon, Eustaquio, Gabriel Bras, William, Gul, Mora, Fernandes, Ramos, Prpic, Costa, Sanusi, Veiga

It is a busy night of action across Europe in store, with 18 games in both the Europa League and Conference League, three involving Premier League sides.

• Go Ahead Eagles v Aston Villa (17:45)

• Nottingham Forest v Porto

• Crystal Palace v AEK Larnaca

Kick-off times 20:00 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

Newcastle United have explored the possibility of bringing midfielder Elliot Anderson back to the club, having sold him to Nottingham Forest in 2024. (i Paper - subscription required), external

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Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

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Nottingham Forest have not kept a clean sheet for 20 games, a run stretching back to April and a 1-0 win over Manchester United.

They scored just once under Ange Postecoglou in five Premier League games, conceding 10 goals, and are two points from safety.

A realistic ambition at the start of the season was to win the Europa League and challenge for Europe again, but owner Evangelos Marinakis accepts Forest need to stabilise first.

"He's well aware of the challenges," said new boss Sean Dyche in Wednesday's news conference before the Europa League game against Porto. "He spoke very openly about the challenge. I don't think he thinks it's a gimme just because of last season.

"He's been around football a long time with Olympiacos and then here. So stability is the first move - but that's not acceptable for the whole run of being Nottingham Forest manager.

"I don't want that. I don't want to sit here and go: 'Well, that's OK then.'

"I always say to players don't accept 'alrightness'. It doesn't get you anything. Let's push for more.

"As a football manager, a football coach and football players, you should be wanting more - but the first thing is: can we just stabilise the situation?

"It still needs the basics put back into the team from my point of view, because they have lost sight of that a little bit."

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Nottingham Forest's Ryan Yates says new manager Sean Dyche and his coaching staff have bought with them a "a new sense of life and energy" after a "tough" period at the club.

Dyche will take charge of his first game on Thursday as Portugal's Primeira League leaders Porto visit the City Ground in the Europa League

On Tuesday, ex-Burnley and Everton manager Dyche replaced Ange Postecoglou, who was sacked just 39 days and eight games into his tenure.

"It's been tough," Yates said alongside Dyche in a pre-match news conference. "At the end of the day, it's our responsibility as players more than anyone. You can't pinpoint an individual - we haven't been good enough as a club.

"We have a new opportunity now and we're really excited to hopefully get off to a good start.

"I feel like a massive strength of this football club is getting that connection between the fans, the players and the management.

"Let's be honest, there hasn't been a good feeling around here in the last few weeks. It's not been as lively at the City Ground but the new manager and his coaching staff have bought a new sense of life and energy."

Defeat at home by FC Midtjylland in their most recent Europa League game - and the supporter backlash that came with it - was one of the most damning results in Postecoglou's short reign, but Yates believes the visit of Porto provides a perfect chance to bounce back.

"We have to see this as an opportunity to go and grab it," he said. "Porto are on a great run and it's going to be a difficult game, but we can't let games slip us by.

"Absolutely [it is a fresh start]. I said after the game the other day, we were getting clapped off after a 3-0 home defeat.

"A few of the lads said: 'We owe it to the fans.' Whatever decision the club makes we owe it to the fans because they deserve more."

Listen to more from Yates on BBC Sounds

Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist

New Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche has been speaking to the media before the Europa League game against Porto at the City Ground on Thursday (20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Dyche confirmed striker Chris Wood has a "knock", has been "off the grass", and is "touch and go" because his injury needs "settling down".

• On the challenge posed by the Primeira Liga leaders: "Porto have had a great start, are unbeaten so far in Europe and the league. It has been difficult to cram a lot of work into the players but they have been receptive and open-minded so far."

• Asked about his work with the squad since his arrival on Tuesday, Dyche said: "They've had a lot on. Whatever people think of players, they still feel it. So we've just trying to break it a bit, make them realise we're all human, that we're in it together and to get a good atmosphere. There was a lot of serious work done, a tactical overview. But we are cramming it because we've got two days."

• On owner Evangelos Marinakis being open about the challenges Forest face: "He is aware of it. He keeps up with the stats and facts. He is aware it was a challenging run at the end of last season. That's why they tried to add to it to try to keep moving forward. It was a good conversation. I wouldn't certainly be here if it had been a bad conversation."

• Dyche added that Marinakis wants to "stabilise" Forest: "There's been huge changes at this club. You can question the owner currently, which a few have. But at the end of the day, there's been a lot of good - a good feeling and good things around the area and the city. There's a bigger picture to it."

• On his style of play: "The players are aware of it. I took a lot of feedback from the players and not just me. They are very proud of what they did last season. Now can we mould it slightly differently but keep that winning mentality? Long ball, short ball? You have just got to play effective football. That will never go out of fashion."

• Dyche said managing Forest is "bigger" than anything he has done previously: "To take a small club like Burnley and get to Europe was incredible. But it's all past me now. The staff, the team, the ownership - they are all in an awkward place for the first time in a number of seasons. It's our job to find a way back from that."

Follow all of Wednesday's European news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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The decision to sack Ange Postecoglou after 39 days in charge was "ludicrous", but former Nottingham Forest manager Mark Warburton believes new boss Sean Dyche is a "safe pair of hands".

Owner Evangelos Marinakis has already dismissed two head coaches this season, with Nuno Espirito Santo's exit followed closely by Postecoglou's, and he has now turned to the experienced Dyche to try to bring some much-needed stability.

The Greek businessman has a track record for hiring and firing managers, with Dyche the ninth permanent manager at the City Ground since Marinakis' takeover of the club in 2017.

Warburton has had first-hand experience of the owner's ruthless decision-making, having been his first dismissal in 2017 after just nine months in charge.

"For me, the owner set a series of key performance indicators, you hit all the KPIs, but if the owner is not happy about something then you are gone. It was as simple as that," Warburton told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I remember sitting on New Year's Eve, preparing for a game and get knock on the door, and you are gone. That is how he acts. He is ruthless in that sense. It is his club and he supports it, he writes the cheques and I get that.

"He sees Sean as a safe pair of hands. He thinks he made a mistake with Ange.

"It is ludicrous. How can anyone impose a playing style, philosophy, belief on players - let alone the club itself - in 39 days?

"The decision itself is completely wrong. But having made that now, what do you do? Ange was brave and a different style to Nuno. Sean is far more alongside the lines of Nuno.

"From afar, I think it a case of getting someone more like Nuno to try to rectify what they see as a wrong. There is no doubt that Ange was treated appallingly.

"I don't agree with the sacking of Ange, but I understand why they have brought Sean in because he ticks a lot of boxes for what they need."

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Former Nottingham Forest forward Paul McGregor says Sean Dyche is "tailor-made" for the City Ground dugout.

Dyche, a former Forest academy player, has also managed Everton and Burnley in the Premier League.

McGregor told BBC Radio Nottingham: "I don't think it's any secret that most Forest fans feel that Ange [Postecoglou] just didn't have the squad to do what he wanted to do. It was Nuno's [Espirito Santo] squad.

"A quick change was what was called for, and I think we have the right man for the job.

"This is what the city needs and what the club needs - but, more importantly, what the lads on the pitch need."

Hear more on BBC Sounds

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

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Sean Dyche is the "right man at the right time" for Nottingham Forest, according to former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

Ex-Everton manager Dyche has been appointed as Forest's third manager this season after replacing Ange Postecoglou.

He takes over after Postecoglou lasted just 39 days in the job, himself having replaced Nuno Espirito Santo on 9 September.

Forest are 18th in the Premier League and winless since the opening day of the season, with Dyche facing the media on Wednesday before Thursday's Europa League visit of Porto.

"It's probably the right man at the right time. For both, it's the right fit for him and I think for Forest," said Robinson, who played at Burnley for Dyche before retiring in 2017.

"He has an excellent ability to be the boss but also have the dressing room on side, to be one of the lads but also have that respect and the time where you know he's the boss.

"His ability to integrate himself in the dressing room but, at the same time, keep his distance is great."

After facing Porto, Forest travel to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Wayne Hennessey has left his coaching position with the club. The goalkeeper retired at the end of last season with Forest creating a role for him under Nuno Espirito Santo to work with goalkeeping coach Rui Barbosa.

But Hennessey, whose 109 caps for Wales is the most for a goalkeeper, departed while working under Ange Postecoglou, although it is believed to have been his decision to leave the City Ground.

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

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Sean Dyche will have to hit the ground running at Nottingham Forest and stop the rot after Ange Postecoglou's ill-fated tenure.

Here are four urgent issues the new head coach needs to fix.

Establish a clear playing style

Forest thrived last season by defending deep and breaking rapidly on the counter-attack, but their summer recruitment and subsequent appointment of Postecoglou, demonstrated the club hierarchy wanted a more possession-focused style.

That clearly has not paid off and hiring Dyche is an admission they need to go back to basics.

Decide on his best line-up

Forest used fewer players in the top flight than any other side last season, before spending £193m on 13 new players in the transfer window. It has left them with a bloated squad.

Omari Hutchinson, Arnaud Kalimuendo and James McAtee - signed for a combined £85m - were left out of the matchday squad for Postecoglou's final match against Chelsea.

Historically, Dyche has been reluctant to rotate, averaging just 1.2 line-up changes per top-flight game at Burnley and 1.6 at Everton.

In fact, since making his managerial debut in the Premier League he has named an unchanged side 89 times, comfortably more than anyone else.

If it comes down to a choice between prioritising results and sharing out minutes to keep players happy, he is unlikely to let sentiment affect his selection.

Organise the defence

Forest were a tough nut to crack in 2024-25, but have yet to keep a clean sheet this term and conceded 11 times from set-pieces in their eight games under Postecoglou.

Given the aerial ability of centre-backs Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo, Dyche will surely be confident of improving that dismal record.

Get Chris Wood scoring

The New Zealander netted 20 Premier League goals last season - a total bettered by only three players - but has just two in so far this time around, with both coming on the opening weekend.

While he turns 34 in December, Wood enjoyed plenty of success playing under Dyche at Burnley so could prove a key figure.

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Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliot Anderson, 22, has emerged as a transfer target for Manchester United. (Mirror), external

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New Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche says he is "very pleased and very proud" to return to the club where he came through the youth system as a player.

Dyche did not make a first-team appearance but continued to visit the City Ground as a fan throughout his career.

"Down the years, I've spoken openly about my affection for the beginning of my career at Nottingham Forest under the great Brian Clough," he told BBC Radio Nottingham.

"I didn't quite force my way into the first team but I had three great years here as an apprentice and young pro.

"It's a strange thing to be back but a very good thing, a very pleasing thing, and something I'm hoping to do well at.

"I'm very pleased and very proud to be Nottingham Forest manager."

Dyche replaces Ange Postecoglou, who became the shortest-serving permanent manager in Premier League history following his dismissal after just 39 days.

However, the former Burnley and Everton boss believes the trajectory of the club can continue to rise.

"From Stevie Cooper, I saw the job that he did and how quickly he turned things round and began the process," said Dyche.

"One day it comes that you go and Nuno [Espirito Santo] came in and had a fantastic season. The latest manager has had a tough gig and I understand that. I am not questioning him - each manager has their way to do things.

"I've noticed the growth at the club, both off the pitch with the financial backing and on the pitch with some of the performances and great moments they have had, culminating in a big season last season.

"What a fantastic season. I thought they were excellent last season and I've already told the players. I marvelled at some of their performances, both individually and collectively, and the atmosphere around the City Ground."

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

Pat Riddell
Fan writer

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There isn't a soul in the world who could have predicted the relief of employing Sean Dyche just eight games into the season. But the chaos caused by losing Nuno Espírito Santo and appointing Ange Postecoglou is a typically Nottingham Forest thing.

Dyche has his detractors, and I think we all really wonder what he's capable of — but he, of course, is here to prove exactly that.

Having thrived at Burnley on meagre resources and saved Everton under difficult circumstances, when the chips are down then everyone knows he's your man.

Forest should be targeting a similar finish to last year but we already find ourselves in a relegation battle. Dyche's first job is to reinstate the defensive resolve that was one of the Premier League's top records, only to crumble away in recent games.

The former City Ground trainee will undoubtedly get us organised again but also bring back the pride that has also disintegrated since September. The new manager knows the club, knows the city and knows the fans — his priority will be to unite all three and put everyone back in the same direction.

Easier said than done but deal with shape on the pitch, the work on and off the ball, and set-pieces in defence and attack… then you've got one of the most talented squads in the Premier League. One that just needs a system and formation they understand.

Make no mistake, Dyche has a job on his hands — getting out of trouble and then climbing the table — but whether he's a short-term appointment or here for the long haul is a question for the future.

The season is not too evolved to be saved and he knows as well as anyone it's the opportunity of a lifetime — just one that neither he, nor us, expected to present itself. Good luck, Sean.

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Colin Fray
BBC Radio Nottingham reporter

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Sean Dyche is a manger who worked wonders with Burnley over 10 years. He has pedigree and I expect organisation from him.

He attracted a bit of criticism for his style at Everton, but he managed to steer them through the point deduction situation - as Nuno Espirito Santo did for Forest.

He will be organised and disciplined. He will focus on being strong at the back and wanting to keep clean sheets.

But, most importantly, he will foster a unifying spirit and bring the fans back on board.

He will - like any other coach - need results, but I can see the Forest squad responding to him and he will help to unify fans who have been disillusioned by the past couple of months.

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Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

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Nottingham Forest fans never took to Ange Postecoglou - not that they had much time together.

In the 39 days of Postecoglou's reign they turned after just 23, goading him he was going to be sacked during defeat to Midtjylland.

Now, supporters have to get behind Sean Dyche as Forest's third manager in six weeks and if he can do what Postecoglou failed to do in his eight games - win - then it will be a far more harmonious relationship.

Forest, in the Premier League relegation zone, need victories and managers can quickly make friends with three points.

Chief organiser Dyche is expected to quickly bring Forest to order, a side who have conceded 15 and scored just five in the league this season.

Do that and victories should come and once they do any doubters will come on board swiftly enough.

Nuno Espirito Santo - it seems a long time since he started the season as manager - and Steve Cooper had to win over supporters and did it in spectacular style, Cooper earning promotion to the Premier League and Nuno taking the club back to Europe.

One of Dyche's strongest skills is unifying a squad and fanbase and while he may have to win round some supporters, he lives locally and knows the club having been in the academy so he should easily be able to tap into the fans' feelings.

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Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton gave his evaluation on Nottingham Forest's new manager Sean Dyche on the latest episode of BBC Radio 5's Monday Night Club.

"Sean Dyche has always managed clubs where it has been a struggle," Sutton said.

"He bucked the trend at Burnley and got the best out of the players he had and proved himself to be an extremely capable manager. At Everton, he took over a team in trouble and stabilised the club, he had points deductions to contend with.

"Nottingham Forest want to stay in the league so it seems a sensible appointment. They won't go down, they have too many good players."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds