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Ange Postecoglou is set to become Nottingham Forest’s new head coach, succeeding Nuno Espírito Santo, who was sacked after just three games of the new Premier League season. The Australian coach has agreed a contract until 2027 and could be unveiled before Forest’s trip to Arsenal this weekend.
This marks a new chapter in football at the City Ground, as Forest look to balance domestic stability with their first European campaign in three decades.
Why Ange Postecoglou ?
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has long admired Postecoglou, praising his Greek heritage and trophy record when presenting him an award in Athens earlier this year.
Key reasons for Forest’s choice:
- Proven track record of delivering silverware (Europa League with Spurs, five trophies with Celtic, Asian Cup with Australia).
- Attack-minded, high-pressing style that fits Forest’s stated ambition to be more “ball-dominating.”
- Availability following his Spurs dismissal in June 2025.
Ange Postecoglou & His Career at a Glance
| Club/Team | Years | Key Achievements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tottenham Hotspur | 2023–2025 | Won Europa League (2025) | First Spurs trophy in 17 years; dismissed after PL struggles |
| Celtic | 2021–2023 | 5 domestic trophies, back-to-back titles | High-pressing, attack-first football |
| Yokohama F. Marinos | 2018–2021 | J-League title (2019) | Ended 15-year wait for silverware |
| Australia NT | 2013–2017 | 2015 Asian Cup, 2014 World Cup qualification | Emphasised attacking, possession football |
Forest’s Recent Turmoil – Ange Postecoglou
- Nuno’s Exit: After 21 months in charge, Nuno left following a 3-0 defeat to West Ham. His relationship with Marinakis had deteriorated, particularly over summer transfer business.
- Achievements: Guided Forest to 7th place last season — their best finish since 1994/95 — and European qualification.
- Conflict: Publicly admitted relations with Marinakis were “not as close” as before, sparking speculation of his dismissal.
Forest’s Summer Business
Forest invested heavily this summer, signing 13 players worth around £200m. Key arrivals include:
- Omari Hutchinson – Record signing from Ipswich Town (~£35m).
- Douglas Luiz – Experienced midfielder from Aston Villa (~£45m).
- James McAtee – Creative spark from Manchester City (~£25m).
- Arnaud Kalimuendo – Striker signed from Rennes (~£30m).
These signings reflect Marinakis’s intent but also highlight the challenge Postecoglou faces in building cohesion quickly.
What’s Next for Postecoglou and Forest?
Forest’s immediate fixtures under Postecoglou highlight the scale of the task:
| Date | Opponent | Competition | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept 13 | Arsenal | Premier League | Away |
| Sept 17 | Swansea City | League Cup | Home |
| Sept 21 | Burnley | Premier League | Home |
| Sept 25 | Europa League (TBC) | Group Stage | TBC |
A quick turnaround is required, with Premier League stability and Europa League progress both key objectives.
Fan and Media Reaction
Reactions are mixed:
- Excitement over his attacking philosophy and trophy record.
- Skepticism due to Tottenham’s poor league form despite Europa League glory.
One Forest fan summed it up on X: “Ange’s style will either thrill us or kill us — no middle ground.”
Conclusion
Ange Postecoglou arrives at Nottingham Forest with a reputation for bold football and a CV stacked with trophies. His challenge will be to replicate that success while steering Forest through a demanding Premier League and European schedule.
If he succeeds, this could be the most exciting era at the City Ground in decades.
