NOTTINGHAM FOREST are on the hunt for a new manager after sensationally sacking Nuno Espirito Santo.
The Portuguese gaffer, who guided the club to the Conference League last season, was given his marching orders late on Monday night.
The Portuguese gaffer was given his marching orders just weeks after revealing the breakdown of his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis[/caption]
Marinakis is on the hunt for a new manager[/caption]
Nuno was handed his P45 less than three weeks after publicly revealing that his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis had hit the rocks.
A club statement read: “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.”
Attention has now turned to who will replace the former Spurs and Wolves boss at the City Ground.
And there are some big names in contention to take charge of the Midlands club.
Ange Postecoglou
The Aussie was ruthlessly axed by now-former Tottenham CEO Daniel Levy in June – just 16 days after ending the club’s 17-year wait for silverware by winning the Europa League.
Former Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is in the frame to replace Nuno Espirito Santo[/caption]
SunSport exclusively revealed last month that the 60-year-old is a contender to succeed Nuno at the City Ground.
And we understand Postecoglou is eager for a return to management in the top flight of English football as soon as possible.
Jose Mourinho
The Special One hasn’t managed in the Premier League since being axed by Tottenham in March 2021.
Mourinho is currently a free agent following his sacking by Turkish giants Fenerbache earlier this month.
It’s unclear, however, whether he wants an immediate return to the dugout or if he wants to take a break from management.
Jose Mourinho is out of work following his Fenerbahce sacking[/caption]
Brendan Rodgers
Unlike Postecoglou and Mourinho, Rodgers is currently still in a job – for now – with Celtic.
But the Scottish champion’s embarrassing Champions League exit at the hands of Kazakh minnows FC Kairat Almaty and poor transfer window have put the Northern Irishman’s future in doubt.
SunSport recently revealed that Marinakis is a big admirer of Rodgers and has been keen on appointing him as Forest’s new manager for several months.
Rodgers is in the final year of his current contract at Parkhead, so the prospect of him being prematurely relieved of his duties is unlikely as the club would have to give him a payout.
But he could forego a severance package if he chooses to walk out on the club like he did in February 2019 to take over Leicester City.
Mauricio Pochettino
The popular Argentine has been out of club management since his dismissal by Tottenham in 2019 and is now coaching the USA men’s team.
But he’s reportedly on Marinakis’ shortlist of candidates to replace Nuno.
Mauricio Pochettino is also a contender to become new Forest boss[/caption]
Oliver Glasner
The Austrian is also said to be admired by Marinakis, who SunSport understands is eager to install a new manager as soon as possible, after guiding Crystal Palace to FA Cup Glory last season.
Glasner is in the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park and talks over a new deal with the Eagles have stalled.
Palace are said to be on edge over their manager’s future, especially after their rocky transfer window.
Andoli Iriola
Bournemouth‘s Iriola is also reportedly a candidate to replace Nuno following a stellar stint on the south coast.
The Spaniard guided the club to its best-ever points haul in the 2023/24 season and currently has a 40 per cent win percentage.
But acquiring his services will prove to be tricky as Bournemouth are understood to be keen on keeping him at the Vitality.
Marco Silva
Nuno’s countryman Silva is also said to be on Marinakis’ shortlist of replacements.
The 48-year-old is reportedly “unhappy” at Fulham and said to be contemplating his future at Craven Cottage.
So an approach for his services from Marinakis, who is allegedly a fan of the former Olympiacos boss, isn’t out of the question.