Next Nottingham Forest Manager: Postecoglou Heads Market To Replace Nuno
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo insists he will not resign but admits he cannot guarantee staying beyond the transfer window.
Reports suggest the club’s hierarchy are already considering alternatives after tensions emerged between Nuno and owner Evangelos Marinakis, with betting sites making Ange Postecoglou favourite to replace him.
The 51-year-old’s future came into question after he revealed his relationship with Marinakis had "changed" and they "are not as close".
Following Forest’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace, Espirito Santo dismissed claims he was seeking an exit, calling them "nonsense" and "absurd".
However, he stopped short of confirming he will remain in charge past September 1, with discussions planned between Marinakis and Edu, the club’s global head of football, about transfers.
Asked if he would be manager at the end of the summer transfer window, Nuno said: "I cannot answer that question.
"I am working, and trying to do my job the best I can. I have had good conversations with Marinakis and Edu, to provide a good platform for the team."
If Forest do decide to make a switch, football betting sites have already drawn up a list of possible replacements.
Postecoglou In Pole For Forest Role
Postecoglou has been out of work since leaving Tottenham in June, shortly after guiding the club to a first trophy in 17 years with Europa League success.
His preference for attacking football built on possession has brought quick progress and renewed energy to teams throughout his career.
Such qualities may appeal to Forest’s hierarchy, who are seeking both ambition and a clear identity, and he is accustomed to working under scrutiny and significant squad changes.
Although he would command a high salary and expect influence, his track record, availability and recent achievements make speculation around him unsurprising.
Postecoglou is 6/4 with betting apps in the next Nottingham Forest manager market.
Next Nottingham Forest Manager Odds:
Manager | Odds | Probability |
Ange Postecoglou | 6/4 | 40% |
Brendan Rodgers | 4/1 | 20% |
Sean Dyche | 6/1 | 14.3% |
Oliver Glasner | 8/1 | 11.1% |
Pedro Martins | 10/1 | 9.1% |
Julen Lopetegui | 16/1 | 5.9% |
Frank Lampard | 16/1 | 5.9% |
Bo Svensson | 16/1 | 5.9% |
Rogers Rated Highly
Brendan Rodgers is now the second favourite to replace Espirito Santo as the next Nottingham Forest manager as speculation increases over the Portuguese’s future.
The Celtic boss has faced questions all summer, with his contract due to expire next year and criticism over a lack of recruitment aimed at the club’s board only fuelling speculation.
Rodgers is in his second spell at Celtic, having left in 2019 for Leicester City. His mid-season exit then drew fierce criticism, which followed him on his return in 2023.
Another opportunity to depart mid-season could arise, with Marinakis said to have made him a leading contender, and Rodgers is 4/1 to be the next Forest manager.
Dyche Could Decide Time Is Right
Sean Dyche is keen to prove he can still succeed at the highest level – and Forest could provide that platform.
He oversaw Burnley’s rise with two promotions to the Premier League and led them to seventh place in 2018, earning a Europa League spot.
At Everton, he underlined his resilience by preserving their top-flight status in 2024 despite several points deductions.
Since leaving the club in January, Dyche has been out of work but may see Forest as a chance to re-establish himself, and he is 6/1 for the role.
Glasner Open To New Challenge?
Oliver Glasner has underlined his coaching credentials by winning the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt and then the FA Cup with Crystal Palace.
However, tensions could be rising at Selhurst Park, with limited signings and a number of departures raising concern he may have taken Palace as far as possible.
His contract is up at the end of the season, which could make him more receptive to a new challenge.
With Forest aiming to progress in Europe and the Premier League, Glasner is 8/1 to replace Espirito Santo at the City Ground.
Martins Knows Marinakis
Pedro Martins is currently in charge of Qatar Stars League club Al-Gharafa, although he probably feels he deserves better.
He enjoyed considerable success at Olympiakos, also owned by Marinakis, guiding them to three consecutive Greek Super League titles between 2019 and 2022.
His tenure ended following a 4-0 defeat to Maccabi Haifa in the Champions League qualifiers in August 2022.
Martins was reportedly among the leading candidates to replace Steve Cooper before Espirito Santo’s appointment and he is now 10/1 for the job this time around.
Lopetegui And Lampard Among Outsiders
Julen Lopetegui is a long shot to replace Espirito Santo in the City Ground dugout.
He took charge of West Ham in July 2024 but was dismissed in January 2025 after a poor start to the season.
Now managing the Qatar national team, his focus will be on qualification for the 2026 World Cup, but a return to the Premier League at 16/1 cannot be completely ruled out.
Elsewhere, Coventry City manager Frank Lampard is also 16/1 for the role, the same price as former Union Berlin coach Bo Svensson.
* Reminder: These are hypothetical odds provided by industry experts.
