Nottingham Forest are reportedly set to appoint Sean Dyche as their new manager. This would be their third managerial change in just eight Premier League games. The appointment comes after a turbulent period for the club. Fans will be watching to see if Dyche can replicate his previous successes while avoiding past conflicts with players.
Sean Dyche arrives at Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest recently sacked Nuno Espirito Santo after only three Premier League games due to a fallout with owner Evangelos Marinakis. Ange Postecoglou replaced him but lasted just 39 days without a win. His tenure ended after a 3-0 loss to Chelsea.
Sean Dyche, known for his time with Everton and Burnley, now takes over at the City Ground. He will aim to stabilize the team. However, his past relationship with current Nottingham Forest striker, Chris Wood, may present challenges.
The Chris Wood factor from their Burnley days
In the summer of 2017, after Burnley avoided relegation, they needed a striker to replace Andre Gray. Chris Wood arrived from Leeds United. This proved to be a successful move by Sean Dyche. Wood had a strong scoring record for Leeds and continued his form at Burnley, scoring double figures in each of his four seasons.
Wood scored 46 goals in 127 games for Burnley. The club finished seventh and tenth in the Premier League during those years. However, in the 2021-22 season, Wood only managed three goals in 17 league games. Newcastle triggered his release clause, leading to his departure.
Dyche was likely disappointed by Wood’s exit. However, Wood’s comments further angered Burnley fans. He stated that “nothing ever great happens in your comfort zone” upon joining Newcastle. Wood’s time at Newcastle included four goals in 35 appearances. He then moved to Nottingham Forest, finding success with a 14-goal haul in 2023-24.
Avoiding past mistakes at the City Ground
Burnley was in the relegation zone when Wood left, ultimately leading to their relegation. Wout Weghorst failed to adequately replace him. Dyche will want to avoid a similar situation at Nottingham Forest. The club is currently in the bottom three of the Premier League.
Wood will aim to replicate his peak form under Dyche. However, any talk of a “comfort zone” might not sit well with the manager. Wood may need to smooth things over to help Forest escape the bottom half of the table.
Dyche also faces an awkward reunion with Callum Hudson-Odoi. He previously called Hudson-Odoi “shambolic” for diving in a game against Burnley while playing for Chelsea in 2019.
