First Premier League sacking of the season confirmed as Jose and Postecoglou offered return route

Nottingham Forest have confirmed the departure of head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, ending his tenure just short of two years.

The Portuguese have become the first Premier League manager to leave his role this season after a 3-0 home defeat to West Ham last week.

The City Ground based club acknowledged his contribution and confirmed the report in a statement which read:

“Nottingham Forest Football Club confirms that, following recent circumstances, Nuno Espirito Santo has today [September 8] 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.”

The announcement comes after Nuno himself admitted on August 22 that his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis had shifted.

“I have always had a very good relationship with the owner, last season was very, very close, almost on a daily basis. This season, not so well,” Nuno said in a press conference via [The Athletic]

Marinakis publicly backed him on August 29 and said Nuno was the right person for the job but the backing proved short-lived.

Ange Postecoglou and Jose Mourinho in fray to return to the Premier League

According to talkSPORT, Tottenham Hotspur’s former manager Ange Postecoglou has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Nuno.

The Australian left Spurs in June, weeks after winning the Europa League but finishing seventeenth in the Premier League and Fulham boss Marco Silva and Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner are also admired by Marinakis, while Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been discussed internally.

Former Chelsea and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, a free agent after leaving Fenerbahce earlier this month is also reportedly considered by Forest.

The 62-year-old has not coached in the Premier League since being dismissed by Tottenham in March 2021, Mauricio Pochettino is admired as well, though his current role as USA head coach ahead of the 2026 World Cup makes any switch unlikely.

Should Postecoglou arrive at Forest, The English outlet reported that he could be joined by former Spurs executive Scott Munn, who worked closely with him in north London. Forest are understood to want a swift appointment before facing Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.