A chaotic managerial merry-go-round defined Nottingham Forest's historic 160th season in English football
In short: During their 160th anniversary season, Nottingham Forest experienced a turbulent period of leadership changes. The club cycled through three different head coaches in just five months, struggling to find stability while balancing Premier League commitments with their first European campaign in nearly three decades. Survival was ultimately secured through external results.
The 2025–26 season marked a significant milestone for Nottingham Forest, representing their 160th year of existence and their fourth straight campaign in the Premier League. Beyond domestic duties in the FA Cup and EFL Cup, the club returned to European football for the first time in 29 years by competing in the UEFA Europa League. This continental journey saw them face a diverse array of opponents, including Porto, Midtjylland, and Fenerbahçe, eventually reaching the semi-finals against Aston Villa.
Internal stability proved elusive throughout the year. The season began with Nuno Espírito Santo, who departed on 8 September. His successor, Ange Postecoglou, lasted only until 18 October, exiting after failing to secure a victory in eight matches and suffering a 0–3 defeat to Chelsea. Sean Dyche was then brought in on a two-year deal, but his tenure ended on 12 February after less than four months, leaving the team sitting in 17th place. Vítor Pereira was subsequently hired on 15 February to lead the squad for the remainder of the campaign.
Despite the frequent changes in the dugout, the club managed to maintain its top-flight status. Premier League safety was confirmed on 10 May, not by their own final match result, but following a 1–0 win for Arsenal over West Ham United. The season also served as a moment of reflection for the club, as they scheduled a pre-season memorial match against Birmingham City to honor the legacy of Trevor Francis.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2025–26 Nottingham Forest F.C. season
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