West Ham’s task of avoiding relegation may have just become a little trickier — or perhaps easier — following Nottingham Forest’s decision to pull the trigger on Ange Postecoglou.
The Aussie has been sacked just 39 days after taking charge at the City Ground. However, that brief spell was more than enough for owner Evangelos Marinakis, who reportedly couldn’t even wait 39 minutes more before deciding to dismiss the former Tottenham boss.
Postecoglou’s short-lived reign came to an abrupt end following Forest’s 3-0 home defeat to Chelsea, which proved to be the final straw for Marinakis. In what was very much a game of two halves, Postecoglou will have been disappointed not to go in at half-time ahead, having seen his side create the better chances early on.
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I’ve had enough. Evangelos Marinakis couldn’t wait until the end of the game before getting ready to sack Big Ange
Marinakis Acts Swiftly as Forest Fans Turn
In a brief statement containing non of the usual compliments and platitudes, the club confirmed:
“Nottingham Forest Football Club can confirm that, after a series of disappointing results and performances, Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties as head coach with immediate effect.”
Forest fans voiced their anger at the final whistle, booing loudly and chanting “you don’t know what you’re doing” after Postecoglou substituted midfielder Douglas Luiz. Marinakis, visibly frustrated, was seen leaving the directors’ box in the 63rd minute, moments after another gilt-edged chance went begging.
Postecoglou’s dismissal ends a turbulent and short tenure, with Forest now searching for their fifth permanent manager in under two years. The early favourite for the job is Sean Dyche, who may prove a better fit to get the best out of a squad largely assembled by current West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo.