Former Spurs Boss Signs Deal Until 2027 as Portuguese Manager Departs City Ground
Nottingham Forest have moved swiftly to appoint Ange Postecoglou as their new head coach following Nuno Espírito Santo’s sudden departure on Monday night. The 60-year-old Australian has signed a contract until summer 2027.
Forest confirmed Nuno’s exit on 8 September after what the club described as “recent circumstances”. The Portuguese manager’s relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis had deteriorated sharply since August, despite signing a new contract just three months ago in June.
Quick Turnaround at City Ground
Postecoglou faces an immediate test. His first match in charge will be away to Arsenal on Saturday lunchtime. The former Celtic and Tottenham manager has been out of work since leaving Spurs in June, just 16 days after winning the Europa League.
Forest wasted no time. Talks accelerated on Tuesday morning, and the deal was struck within 24 hours of Nuno’s departure. Postecoglou wants to bring Mile Jedinak, Sergio Raimundo, Nick Montgomery and Rob Burch as part of his backroom team.
Why Marinakis Wanted Postecoglou
The Greek owner has admired Postecoglou for years. Both men share Greek heritage – Postecoglou’s family originated from Greece. In July, Marinakis personally presented the Australian with a special award in Greece for becoming the first coach of Greek origin to win a European trophy in men’s soccer.
“He achieved it with a team that was not winning titles and was struggling,” Marinakis said at the time. “With this success with Tottenham, he made Greece proud. He is a very good coach and wherever he goes, he will make Greece proud.”
Nuno’s Rapid Fall From Grace
The speed of Nuno’s downfall shocked many. He guided Forest to their first European qualification since 1995 last season, finishing in a Europa League spot. But cracks appeared quickly this campaign.
Sources close to the club reveal Nuno had a poor working relationship with the global head of soccer, Edu Gaspar. This strained his bond with Marinakis. By mid-August, Nuno publicly criticised the club’s summer transfer business. He admitted his relationship with the owner had changed dramatically.
“Last season was very close,” Nuno said in August. “This season, not so well. The reality is that is not what it used to be.”
Peace talks were planned during the international break. Marinakis didn’t wait. He pulled the trigger on Monday night, ending Nuno’s tenure after a weak start to the 2025/26 season.
Postecoglou’s Track Record
The Australian brings an attacking philosophy to the City Ground. At Tottenham, he ended their trophy drought by winning the Europa League last season. However, Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League – a concern for Forest fans hoping to avoid another relegation battle.
Before Spurs, Postecoglou won five trophies in two seasons at Celtic, including back-to-back Scottish Premiership titles. He also won the Asian Cup with Australia in 2015.
What Forest Fans Can Expect
Postecoglou demands high-intensity, attacking soccer. His teams press aggressively and build from the back. At Celtic, he transformed a struggling side into domestic champions within months. At Spurs, he prioritised cup success over league position – a gamble that ultimately cost him his job.
Forest sit precariously after their poor start to the season. The club needs stability after the turbulence of Nuno’s final weeks. Postecoglou must quickly impose his methods if Forest are to climb the table.
The club thanked Nuno in their official statement, noting his “pivotal role” in last season’s success. But soccer moves fast. Forest has already turned the page. Postecoglou’s era begins now.
His appointment could be announced as early as Tuesday. Forest fans will hope their new manager can bring the consistency that eluded his predecessor. With Arsenal looming on Saturday, there’s no time for a honeymoon period.
