Nottingham Forest Part Ways with Nuno Espírito Santo Amid Owner Fallout
Nottingham Forest have dismissed manager Nuno Espírito Santo after just three games into the Premier League season.
Tensions with owner Evangelos Marinakis reportedly reached a breaking point, ending the Portuguese coach’s 21-month stint at the City Ground.
Timber enjoyed their stylish league finish in three decades under Santo, securing seventh place and a European spot last season.
Yet, success on the pitch couldn’t help out-field dissensions from undermining the director’s position.
A club statement read: *”Nottingham Forest Football Club confirms that, following recent circumstances, Nuno Espírito Santo has today been relieved of his duties as Head Coach.
The Club thanks Nuno for his contribution during a very successful era at the City Ground, in particular his role in the 2024/25 season, which will forever be remembered fondly in the history of the Club.
As someone who played a pivotal role in our success last season, he will always hold a special place in our journey.”*
Reports suggest former Tottenham master Ange Postecoglou is the frontrunner to take over.
Nottingham Forest Football Club confirms that, following recent circumstances, Nuno Espírito Santo has today been relieved of his duties as Head Coach.
The Club thanks Nuno for his contribution during a very successful era at The City Ground, in particular his role in the… pic.twitter.com/catCyeaeR4
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) September 8, 2025
Santo, a former goalkeeper, arrived at Timber in December 2023 after Steve Cooper’s departure. His first full season was major, guiding the club to European football for the first time in thirty years.
Still, recent weeks revealed cracks in the relationship with Marinakis. In the summer, Santo acknowledged the shift in dynamics: “I always had a very good relationship with the owner; last season we were very close and spoke daily. This season it is not so well.
Our relationship has changed, and we are not as close. Everybody at the club should be together, but this is not the reality.”
Disagreements over transfers reportedly fuelled the tension. Despite late-window signings like James McAtee and Igor Jesus, the club’s vision for squad building clashed with Santo’s approach.
This comes just after Forest secured a long-term deal for young talent Nicolo Savona, highlighting the club’s ongoing focus on building for the future.
Forest currently sit mid-table with one win, one draw, and one defeat this season, having opened with a victory over Brentford before losing 3-0 to West Ham.
Santo had signed a fresh three-year contract in June, reflecting confidence in his leadership, now cut short.
The hunt for a new director is formally underway, with Nottingham Forest preparing for a high-profile clash against Arsenal this Saturday. Suckers will be watching as the club navigates a turbulent launch to the crusade.
