Sean Dyche urges Nottingham Forest players to reconnect with fans after taking charge

New Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche has urged his players to win back the club’s supporters following a turbulent start to the season.

The 54-year-old, who signed a contract until the summer of 2027, became Forest’s third manager in just six weeks, replacing Ange Postecoglou, who was dismissed on Tuesday after a poor run of results.

Dyche, who began his career in Forest’s academy during the 1980s but never made a senior appearance, said he was eager to restore unity at the City Ground. He explained that the team needed to get back on the front foot and give the fans something to be proud of.

He added that Forest supporters had always been fair and that it wouldn’t take much for the team to reconnect with them, but that everything must start with improved performances.

Forest fans had grown increasingly frustrated in recent weeks, with Postecoglou’s brief reign ending amid chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” during a 3-2 Europa League defeat to Midtjylland. 

The Australian lasted just 39 days in charge, following Nuno Espirito Santo’s dismissal in early September. Despite finishing seventh last season, their highest Premier League position in three decades, Forest currently sit 18th, without a win since the opening day.

Dyche’s first challenge will be a Europa League match against Porto on Thursday, followed by a Premier League trip to Bournemouth on Sunday. 

Forest’s defensive fragility remains a major concern, with the team failing to keep a clean sheet in 20 matches since beating Manchester United in April. 

The new manager said that the fundamentals had to come first, stressing that being strong, fit, and organized was essential.

He noted that while the squad had plenty of talent, finding the right balance between attacking freedom and defensive discipline would be key to turning results around.

The former Everton and Burnley boss also reflected on his emotional return to the club where his football journey began. 

He admitted that it felt strange but rewarding to be back, adding that he had often wondered if he might one day return to the City Ground as manager. He noted that Forest needed to rediscover the drive and consistency that once made them a top-six side in English football.