Nottingham Forest have parted company with manager, Nuno Espirito Santo with immediate effect.
Espirito Santo’s exit comes after 20-and-a-half months at the City Ground in which he guided Forest to survival at end of 2023-24 season, before he last season oversaw the club’s highest league finish since 1995-96 season and secured European football for the first time since that very campaign.
Forest were initially set to enter the UEFA Conference League due to their seventh-placed Premier League finish, but were promoted to the UEFA Europa League in a swap with Crystal Palace after the Eagles breached multi-ownership rules.
Last seasons also saw Forest reach the FA Cup semi-finals where they lost to eventual runners-up, Manchester City, which marked their deepest FA Cup run since they finished runner-up in 1990-91 edition.
Espirito Santo however endured a steady breakdown in communication with the club’s board over their direction in recent weeks, which led owner – Evangelos Marinakis to relieve the Portuguese of his duties with immediate effect and in-turn part company.
The 51-year-old Portuguese has left with a 38.36% win rate from 73 matches in all competitions at Forest (W28, D20, L25), whilst the Tricky Trees lie tenth in this season’s league table after three matches.
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“Nottingham Forest Football Club confirms that, following recent circumstances, Nuno Espírito Santo has today been relieved of his duties as Head Coach.
“The Club thanks Nuno for his contribution during a very successful era at the City Ground, in particular his role in the 2024/25 season, which will forever be remembered fondly in the history of the Club.
“As someone who played a pivotal role in our success last season, he will always hold a special place in our journey.”
Confirmation of Espirito Santo’s exit came just weeks after rumours emerged that Ange Postecoglou was in line for the Forest managerial role, just months after the Greek-Australian controversially left Tottenham despite having led them to Europa League glory and a first trophy since 2008.