A Homecoming Like No Other: Dyche's Forest Debut

Sean Dyche during training 

Sean Dyche expressed his excitement about returning to Nottingham Forest, stating that taking charge of the team rounds the circle of his career.

Having started his football journey as an apprentice at the City Ground under the legendary Brian Clough, Dyche emphasized the significance of coming full circle...

Sean Dyche is set to lead Nottingham Forest for the first time on Thursday, marking a full-circle moment in his career. Having started as an apprentice at the City Ground under the legendary Brian Clough, Dyche expressed his excitement about returning to the club. “We've got to get back to winning ways,” he said, acknowledging the team's struggles.

Dyche takes over a team that has endured a turbulent season, having parted ways with two managers already - Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou, who lasted just 39 days. With a talented squad at his disposal, Dyche aims to reignite the team's passion and desire to win. His first challenge will be against Porto in the Europa League.

The 54-year-old manager brings a wealth of experience, having managed over 330 Premier League matches. Dyche is known for his pragmatic approach and ability to get the best out of his players. With a coaching team that includes former Forest players Ian Woan and Steve Stone, Dyche is ready to tackle the challenges ahead.

Sean Dyche on the environment he wants to create. 🗣️

Watch our new Head Coach's first press conference! 📺

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) October 22, 2025

Sean Dyche's first challenge as Nottingham Forest's new manager will be a Europa League match against Porto at home on Thursday. Dyche, who has previously managed Watford, Burnley, and Everton, is determined to halt Forest's slide in the Premier League.

Nottingham Forest players pictured in action during a training session as they prepare the team to face Porto in the Europa League

In his first media address on Wednesday, Dyche expressed his delight in joining the club where his career began as a youth team player in the late 1980s. He noted that managing the two-time European champions is a significant opportunity for him, and he's eager to make a positive impact.

“I have a longer history with the club from 87 to 90 and remember walking down the river (Trent) and Del Boy (Brian Clough's dog) running past you and the voice of Brian Clough in earshot,” Dyche told reporters.

“All the legends that played at that time, and there were some top players, and you know, you're thinking I just want to pull that shirt on, and now to round the circle and be here as manager is something quite big for me. But I'm not just here for a fun time, there's a job to be done.”

Sean Dyche has assembled a team of familiar faces at Nottingham Forest, appointing former Forest players Ian Woan, Steve Stone, and Tony Loughlan to assist him. Billy Mercer will also join Dyche's coaching staff. Dyche's new team will face Porto in the Europa League on Thursday.

“They've got a deeper history than me here, but obviously it's fast forward now, it's a considerably different club.”

Sean Dyche's appointment as Nottingham Forest manager marks a significant shift in approach, replacing Ange Postecoglou's expansive style with his own direct and pragmatic tactics. After Postecoglou's brief and unsuccessful tenure, Dyche aims to bring stability and results-driven football to the club. When asked about his vision for Forest, Dyche emphasized the need to “reignite” the team's winning mentality and bring a sense of unity and purpose.

Key aspects of Dyche's approach

Defensive Solidity: Dyche prioritizes a strong defense, leveraging the team's talented players to protect the goal.

Direct Play: Forest can expect a more direct style of play under Dyche, utilizing long passes and set pieces to create scoring opportunities.

Set-Piece Expertise: Dyche's teams are known for their proficiency in set-piece situations, which could prove crucial in Forest's upcoming matches.

By combining these elements, Dyche aims to restore Forest's confidence and propel the team up the Premier League table. His experience and tactical acumen will be crucial in navigating the team's current challenges.

"We've got to get back to winning ways,” Dyche, whose only previous experience of managing a club in a European tie was a Europa League playoff in 2018 with Burnley, said.

“They weren't winning at the end of last season after they perhaps ran out of steam and it's not been a great start this season. But this is a good group, a very talented group and they showed that willingness and desire last season to the world.

“Now we have to reignite that.”

Sean Dyche emphasized the importance of adaptability in football, stating that there are multiple ways to win a game. While set pieces and long throws can be effective tactics, Dyche's approach focuses on finding the best solution for each match. Under his management, Everton has shown a more direct style of play, utilizing set pieces to create scoring opportunities.

“I did a podcast with (former Stoke City manager) Tony Pulis and Tony is now being lauded for long throws, but before he was getting hammered for long throws. It's the fashion of football, it changes all the time. I'm not pontificating one way or the other, the bit I like is when you win.”