In a bleak afternoon for Nottingham Forest, the club officially dismissed manager Ange Postecoglou only minutes after a 3-0 home defeat to Chelsea FC at the City Ground. The decision came barely 20 minutes after full-time and marked a dramatic end to a tenure that failed to yield a single win.
Postecoglou’s reign at Forest lasted just 39 days and encompassed eight games in all competitions without a victory — two draws and six defeats. Having been appointed on 9 September 2025, succeeding Nuno Espírito Santo, the Australian boss was expected to implement a long-term vision and style of play. Instead, mounting poor results, rising fan unrest and the club’s precarious position in the Premier League table forced the owner’s hand.
The match itself offered few positives for Forest. After a goalless first half, Chelsea capitalised early in the second period. Four minutes after the break, Pedro Neto delivered a cross that found Josh Acheampong, who headed home. Two minutes later Neto’s free kick beat the keeper to make it 2-0. The visitors sealed the win late on via a Reece James header from a corner, even after their own player was sent off.
Behind the scenes, the dismissal appeared to be in motion even while the game was still in progress. Club owner Evangelos Marinakis was reported to have left his seat during the match as the tide turned against Forest. Moments after final whistle the club released a brief statement: “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.”
In his final press-engagement prior to the game, Postecoglou had asked for patience and expressed belief in his methodology, stating that significant time was required for success. But the reality of Premier League pressures proved unforgiving. Conditions around the club had deteriorated quickly: Forest had already slipped to 17th place, just above the relegation zone, and their squad investment had yet to pay dividends.
This departure leaves Forest searching for their third head coach of the season, underlining a period of instability. For Postecoglou, it is yet another abrupt exit following his June dismissal by Tottenham Hotspur despite previously boasting a strong record in other leagues.
From the fan viewpoint, the atmosphere at the stadium captured the mood. Boos greeted the full-time whistle and many supporters exited early after the third Chelsea goal. Postecoglou was seen alone near the centre circle applauding the handful of remaining fans, unaware that his tenure had in effect already ended.
In summary, Postecoglou’s dismissal encapsulates the brutal nature of modern top-flight football, where expectations are high, patience short, and results paramount. Forest’s leadership evidently deemed the risk of waiting too great and opted for a swift reset. Whether this decision stabilises the club or fuels further turbulence remains to be seen.
