Sean Dyche is currently leading the race to become Nottingham Forest’s new manager. However, owner Evangelos Marinakis is reportedly considering other candidates to replace Ange Postecoglou, who was fired after just 39 days at the club. Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has expressed interest in the position at the City Ground and is considered a likely candidate.
All eyes are also on Fulham manager Marco Silva, whose contract expires next summer, but he would require an estimated £8m compensation fee to sign him. However, Forest are already in extensive talks with Dyche, who started his career as a youth player at the City Ground. There is a sentimental connection between Dyche’s trusted aides Steve Stone and Ian Woan. Both are people who have been loved since their club days.
Dyche, who left Everton in January, is currently unemployed and Forest will not have to pay him compensation.
Discussions about a permanent contract continue, with no short-term deal being considered. They also understand that conditions must be right for Daish to take on the role.
Mancini is currently unemployed and is available as a free agent, while Silva’s contract expires next summer. His agent may be exploring options for his next move, but it could be difficult to let him go midway through the season.
As these discussions continue, Forrest is also speaking with other candidates. Although he is not expected to take over any time soon, Dyche remains a favorite with the bookmakers.
Forest are acutely aware of the battle they face against the drop and Dyche, following his impressive exploits at both Burnley and Everton, has exactly the expertise and track record needed to keep Forest out of danger.
The manager has been keen to get back into the dugout in recent weeks, even admitting he is frustrated when potential clubs don’t get in touch.
Speaking on the quiz show “Call Yourself a Fan”, Dyche said: “There’s obviously a lot of pressure in football right now, so I definitely miss that.
“But sometimes on a Saturday afternoon, when I’m breezy through the city having a beer with my buddies, I think, ‘Wow, I wish I didn’t have to do that anymore.’
“Once you get into it, you get totally immersed in it, but when you take a break from that, it’s time to take a step back and enjoy life a little bit.
“The strangest thing about football management is that the job comes and grabs you. You don’t call the club and say, ‘Are there any dangers?’
“So if the timing is right and they want you to do it, you’ll do the interview and see if it’s acceptable. So far I’m really enjoying watching what’s going on rather than throwing myself into it.”
