Alex MacQuoid
Sean Dyche tells Nottingham Forest to win back fans after rocky start
Sean Dyche has urged Nottingham Forest’s squad to reconnect with a frustrated fanbase after being appointed as manager. The 54-year-old takes over following the dismissal of Ange Postecoglou, who left the club 39 days after replacing Nuno Espírito Santo on 9 September.
Dyche, Forest’s third manager in six weeks, said the immediate task is simple: improve performances and give supporters something to cheer about. He made the plea after being installed in charge on 18 October 2023.
“We want to get back on the front foot and hopefully give the crowd something to cheer about and reconnect,” Dyche told BBC Radio Nottingham.
Forest had a strong 2022-23 campaign under Nuno, finishing seventh in the Premier League — their highest placing in three decades. But this season they sit 18th and have not won since the opening day. The club also arrive at Dyche’s first match having failed to keep a clean sheet in 20 games, a run going back to the win over Manchester United in April.
Dyche wants the team to re-establish the basics first. “Strong, fit and organised is a good start point,” he said. “I want the players to have their freedom to go and play. I’ve had a meeting with them, expressed that, and there’s some talent here.”
He asked the squad to balance risk and reward — to attack more while keeping the defensive base that has been a weapon for Forest in recent seasons.
“[It’s about] reassuring them what good players we think they are and a reminder of what they have already done, how we can bring consistency and all the things they’ve done and take it forward,” Dyche said. “Don’t just rely on the past. That can be respected, but how can we build that forwards?”
Dyche came through the Forest academy in the late 1980s but never made a first-team appearance. He played for Chesterfield, Bristol City, Millwall, Watford and Northampton before moving into management. His last job was a two-year spell at Everton that ended in January, after a decade in charge at Burnley.
Speaking about his connection to the club, Dyche recalled his early years under Brian Clough and simple memories of matchdays.
“Everyone knows down the years I’ve spoken about my affection and the beginning of my career which was under the great Brian Clough. I didn’t quite force my way into the first team, I had three years as an apprentice and a young pro and learnt so much.
“I have fond memories of wandering down the Trent with Del Boy [Clough’s dog] running past your feet and hearing the boss’ voice in the distance. It’s a strange thing to be back, but it’s a good thing and a very pleasing thing.”
Dyche inherits a side facing a packed schedule. Forest play Porto in the Europa League in his first match on 20 October 2023, then travel to Bournemouth on 22 October 2023. They will host Manchester United at the City Ground on 1 November 2023.
“We’re not quite there yet,” he added. “The fans know that and the club knows that, but it’s about building that momentum. It’s just lost its way a little bit.”
Key facts
- Appointment: Sean Dyche named manager on 18 October 2023
- Forest position: 18th in the Premier League at the time of the appointment
- Recent form: No win since opening day, 20 games without a clean sheet
- Upcoming fixtures: Porto (20 Oct 2023), Bournemouth (22 Oct 2023), Manchester United (1 Nov 2023)