Credits: IMAGO / Sportsphoto

Ange Postecoglou Sacked After Record 39-Day Nottingham Forest Spell

Credits: IMAGO / Sportsphoto

A turbulent spell for Ange Postecoglou at Nottingham Forest has come to an abrupt end after just 39 days in charge. It has been the shortest permanent managerial stint in Premier League history. The Australian was dismissed minutes after Forest’s 3-0 home defeat to Chelsea.

It brought a swift conclusion to one of the most chaotic chapters in the club’s recent history. He was appointed on September 9 following Nuno Espírito Santo’s departure. At the time, Postecoglou was seen as a bold, ambitious choice by owner Evangelos Marinakis.

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.

The Club will make no further comment at this time.
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) October 18, 2025

However, the optimism quickly faded. Forest went winless across eight matches under Postecoglou’s guidance. They registered two draws and six losses in all competitions. They managed only one point from five games in the Premier League. It has left them hovering just above the relegation zone.

A Record-Breaking Short Tenure for Ange Postecoglou

Postecoglou’s tenure surpassed Les Reed’s 40-day spell at Charlton in 2006 for the shortest reign by a permanent top-flight manager. He also oversaw just five league games. It was the second-fewest in Premier League history for a full-time appointment.

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Forest fans’ frustration grew steadily. Especially after home defeats to Midtjylland and Sunderland. Chants called for Postecoglou’s dismissal echoing around the City Ground even before the Chelsea loss. He was still confident in press conferences. On Friday, he defiantly told reporters:

“The story always ends the same… me with a trophy.” Results on the pitch never matched his rhetoric. The 3-0 defeat to Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea proved to be the final straw. Marinakis was seen leaving his seat midway through the match. By the final whistle, Postecoglou had already been informed of his dismissal.

What Comes Next for Nottingham Forest

Ange Postecoglou reportedly addressed his players for the final time after the game. He apologized for failing to deliver. In a post-match interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, captain Ryan Yates said, “Ange came in after the game, debriefed the game and then I went out to do some running, I came back and news had broke that he had gone.”

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Forest have already begun exploring replacements. Reportedly, former Everton boss Sean Dyche and Fulham’s Marco Silva are among those being considered. Silva previously worked under Marinakis at Olympiacos. However, his significant release clause could prove an obstacle.

Postecoglou’s exit marks his second sacking in five months after leaving Tottenham earlier this year. For Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, this managerial upheaval represents their third change of coach in less than a year. It has been a sign of continued instability as they attempt to steer clear of another relegation battle.

Ange Postecoglou

nottingham forest

Premier League

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.