Nottingham Forest have confirmed the shock dismissal of head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, just three games into the new Premier League season.
The decision, announced shortly after midnight on Tuesday, comes only months after Nuno signed a new three-year deal in June.
His exit follows rising tensions with Forest’s ownership and public criticism of the club’s transfer approach.
In a statement, the club said: “Nottingham Forest Football Club confirms that, following recent circumstances, Nuno Espirito 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.”
The 51-year-old coach admitted in August that his relationship with co-owner Evangelos Marinakis was “not the same” and “not so good as it was [last season].”
Reports of friction grew after the arrival of new head of football Edu Gaspar, formerly of Arsenal.
Nuno openly criticised Forest’s recruitment strategy, warning that his squad was “unbalanced” and “very, very far” from being ready for the season.
Those comments appeared to accelerate his downfall, with his future increasingly uncertain after a poor run of results.
Nuno leaves on the back of a remarkable but short-lived chapter in Forest’s history.
He guided the club to a seventh-place Premier League finish last season, securing European football for the first time in 30 years.
However, the momentum quickly stalled this term.
Forest managed only a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace before falling 3-0 at home to West Ham, with his departure confirmed before the club’s upcoming trip to Arsenal.
When asked about speculation before the dismissal, Nuno remarked: “When there’s smoke, there’s fire.” His exit now makes that statement ring truer than ever.
The dismissal leaves Forest searching for stability yet again, with fans stunned by the sudden shift.
Meanwhile, Nuno departs having left a significant mark, though his disagreements with the board overshadowed his final weeks.
Despite the turbulent ending, the club acknowledged his impact: “As someone who played a pivotal role in our success last season, he will always hold a special place in our journey.”
