- by Caden Axelrod
- on 19 Oct, 2025
When Ange Postecoglue, head coach of Nottingham Forest Football Club, was shown the door on 18 October 2025, the atmosphere at the City Ground was electric – but not in a good way. The dismissal came just 18 minutes after the final whistle of a 3‑0 loss to Chelsea Football Club, ending a 39‑day, winless reign that left the club perched at the foot of the Premier League table.
Background: Postecoglou’s arrival and early expectations
Forest announced the hiring of the 59‑year‑old Australian‑Greek on 9 September 2025, offering a two‑year deal that followed the departure of Portuguese manager Nuno Heriques Espírito Santo. The club’s hierarchy, led by majority owner Evangelos Marinakis, hoped the former Tottenham Hotspur boss could inject the attacking flair that had eluded the team for months.
Postecoglou arrived with a résumé that included a 52‑win record at Tottenham, a historic Premier League title chase, and the distinction of being the first Australian‑Greek to manage in England’s top flight. Fans expected a quick turnaround – after all, his reputation for turning midfield chaos into disciplined pressure was fresh in the public mind.
The eight‑match slide: from Arsenal to Midtjylland
The debut was a harsh 3‑0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal on 16 September, a result that set the tone for what would become the club’s worst start in more than a century. The losing streak continued in the EFL Cup, with a 2‑1 loss to Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium, and then a 1‑1 draw against Burnley back at the City Ground.
In European competition, Forest seemed to flirt with redemption. A 0‑0 stalemate with Real Betis in the Europa League group stage showed promise – the team led for large periods before a late equaliser snatched the point. Yet the pattern persisted: two draws, six defeats, zero wins, and only two points from a possible 24.
Key moments included a 2‑0 set‑piece lapse against Sunderland that ignited fan anger, a 4‑0 drubbing by Newcastle United that exposed defensive frailties, and a 3‑2 loss to FC Midtjylland in Denmark’s MCH Arena that extinguished any lingering hope of a European escape.
Statistically, Postecoglou’s eight‑match run is the second‑shortest tenure for a manager in Premier League history, beaten only by Sam Allardyce’s 30‑day stint at Leeds United in December 2023.
Owner reaction and the decision to part ways
The turning point came during the Chelsea clash on 18 October. As Forest trailed 2‑0, Gianni Di Giovanni, the club’s technical director, was seen consulting with Filippo Giraldi, the sporting director, while Marinakis left his seat and headed for the exit. The silence in the stands was deafening.
Just before the final whistle, a club‑issued statement read: “Following careful consideration and in light of recent results, the club has taken the decision to part company with head coach Ange Postecoglou with immediate effect. We thank Ange for his service and wish him well for the future.” The announcement was confirmed by the Premier League’s governing body, Football Association Premier League Limited, at 20:25 UTC.
Financial and contractual fallout
Postecoglou’s contract stipulated a £7.8 million annual salary. With the termination coming just over a month into his two‑year deal, the club is on the hook for the full remaining value – roughly £15.6 million. The figure, while painful, sits alongside other recent Premier League payouts, such as the £12 million settlement paid to Tottenham when José Mourinho departed in 2021.
Owners and directors face a delicate balancing act: absorb the immediate cost while avoiding a transfer embargo that could cripple squad reinforcement ahead of the crucial run‑in to the season’s climax.
What’s next for Forest and for Postecoglou?
Forest’s short‑term plan centres on a swift appointment. Di Giovanni and Giraldi have been tasked with identifying a manager who can halt the slide before the upcoming fixture against Manchester United on 26 October. Rumours swirl around former Arsenal assistant coach Mikel Arteta, though no official contact has been disclosed.
For Postecoglou, the future is uncertain. While his tenure at Tottenham ended mutally, his reputation for modern football remains intact. A return to the A‑League or a move to a club in Europe’s top five leagues cannot be ruled out. In an interview with Sky Sports on 20 October, he said, “I’m grateful for the opportunity at Forest and will take the lessons forward. Football is a business, and I respect the decisions made.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Nottingham Forest dismiss Postecoglou so quickly?
The club had endured eight matches without a win, slipping to 18th place with just two points. Owner Evangelos Marinakis and the board feared relegation and felt a change was needed to spark an immediate turnaround before the fixture against Manchester United.
How does this dismissal compare historically?
Postecoglou’s 39‑day spell is the shortest in Nottingham Forest’s 160‑year history and the second‑shortest managerial tenure in Premier League history, trailing only Sam Allardyce’s 30‑day stint at Leeds United in 2023.
What financial impact will the termination have on Forest?
Forest must honour the remaining value of Postecoglou’s contract – about £15.6 million – which will tighten the club’s cash flow and may affect summer transfer budgets unless mitigated by player sales or additional investment.
Who is likely to replace Postecoglou?
Technical director Gianni Di Giovanni and sporting director Filippo Giraldi have hinted at targeting a manager with Premier League experience who can stabilize the defence quickly. Names such as Mikel Arteta and former Brentford boss Thomas Frank have been mentioned, but no official shortlist is public.
What does this mean for Postecoglou’s career?
While the abrupt exit is a setback, Postecoglou remains a respected figure in modern football. His success at Tottenham and his reputation for high‑pressing tactics make him a candidate for roles in the A‑League, MLS, or a mid‑table European club that values his strategic approach.