The relationship between Ange Postecoglou and Evangelos Marinakis at Nottingham Forest could turn out to be a Greek tragedy after Nuno Espírito Santo was discarded like a piece of unwanted rubbish
17:00, 11 Sep 2025Updated 17:01, 11 Sep 2025
Neil Docking
Neil is an associate sports editor at the Daily Star. Formerly the Liverpool Echo's court reporter, he's a senior journalist who has covered all aspects of news at regional titles across the North West as well as sport for the Daily Mirror.
Ange Postecoglou has a big job on his hands at Nottingham Forest
Ange Postecoglou has a big job on his hands at Nottingham Forest(Image: Getty)
It threatens to be a marriage made in heaven, but the chances are the relationship between Evangelos Marinakis and Ange Postecoglou will turn out to be a Greek tragedy.
Because the bloke who runs the soap opera that is Nottingham Forest, has just handed the leading role to someone who loves being in front of the cameras. The pair have a couple of things in common. They both admire football and Greek heritage.
Which feels quite fitting where Marinakis is concerned, considering the plates he's been spinning of late. Just two weeks ago Marinakis gave an interview, insisting there was no issue between him and his Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo.
"I don't see any problem whatsoever," he said with almost a straight face. "We have a solid relationship. Everything is solid." Then, low and behold, it all turned to mush during the early hours of Tuesday morning, when Nuno was sacked.
Who'd have thought it? Marinakis wasted little time in appointing his replacement, in the shape of Postecoglou. The pair had been photographed looking like best buddies as they shared dinner together in the summer. Anyone would think it had all been planned.
Evangelos Marinakis and Nuno Espirito Santo
The relationship between Evangelos Marinakis and Nuno Espirito Santo went sour(Image: Getty Images)
It's not Postecoglou's fault Nuno has been discarded like a piece of unwanted rubbish. And few will blame him for accepting the chance of a swift return to English football.
But if Big Ange thought he'd been dealt a rough hand following his sacking by Tottenham, he should spare a thought for the bloke he's replaced in the Midlands.
Nuno was the first manager to lead Forest into Europe in three decades. Then found himself kicked out before the campaign had even begun.
Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou
Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou(Image: PA)
Nuno Espirito Santo failed to see eye-to-eye with Edu at the City Ground
Nuno Espirito Santo failed to see eye-to-eye with Edu at the City Ground(Image: Getty Images)
He kept Forest in the top flight, came close to getting them into the Champions League, brought the feel-good factor back to a club in the doldrums and was popular with his players. But he made the big mistake of falling out with Edu, Forest's transfer guru.
He leaves Postecoglou with some good players - and lots of pressure. Postecoglou has to do better than seventh. He has to win silverware.
He has to maintain a happy dressing room and justify his own appointment. He has to start with a positive result at Arsenal this weekend.
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But what he has to do more than anything is stay on the right side of a man, in Marinakis, who might have broken bread with him back in Greece in July, but will also break his heart if he's not satisfied with results.
Perhaps Big Ange will be okay. He wins trophies in his second season, after all. So if Marinakis can just wait until 2027, then there shouldn't be a problem.
But the chances of two combustable characters like these not clashing between now and then, are on a par with Sir Kier Starmer winning the next general election.
Tottenham Hotspur Head Coach Ange Postecoglou lifts the UEFA Europa League trophy after the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 25, 2025 in London, England.
Ange Postecoglou won silverware at Tottenham but can he do the same at Nottingham Forest?(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
It all feels a bit tawdry and sad. But these are some of the unpalatable characteristics of top flight football in these modern times.
I have nothing against Postecoglou and believe his return to the Premier League is good for the game. He wears his heart on his sleeve, and this makes him watchable and entertaining.
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So enjoy the show that is about to hit our big screens - however long it lasts.