Sean Dyche has got the gang back together as the new Nottingham Forest boss looks to transform fortunes at the City Ground
Jake Stokes
10:28, 21 Oct 2025
Sean Dyche
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Sean Dyche has assembled his coaching staff for his return to Nottingham Forest(Image: Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Nottingham Forest have confirmed that Sean Dyche will work with an experienced coaching team at the City Ground. The 54-year-old has replaced Ange Postecoglou, who was axed shortly after the 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday afternoon, penning an 18-month contract.
Dyche will be joined by Ian Woan and Steve Stone, who together made over 400 appearances for Forest during the 1990s. The former Burnley and Everton boss has also brought in Billy Mercer as the Reds' new goalkeeping coach and Tony Loughlan, a former Forest player and ex-Sunderland, Watford, and Ipswich coach.
Dyche, Woan and Stone have worked closely with Dyche for a number of years now, having previously rubbed shoulders in the dugout at Turf Moor and Goodison Park. They have each been out of work since being relieved of their duties at the Toffees in January, while Loughlan crossed paths with Dyche at Watford and Burnley.
Dyche and his coaching staff face quite the uphill battle. Forest have failed to win any of their last 10 games across all competitions, slumping to 18th in the Premier League and falling to 25th in the UEFA Europa League 'league phase'.
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In fact, the Reds haven't tasted victory since Nuno Espirito Santo led them to victory on the opening day of the season. Forest enjoyed a 3-1 win over Brentford, with Chris Wood netting a brace and Dan Ndoye opening his account on his debut.
Following a draw to Crystal Palace and a defeat to West Ham, Evangelos Marinakis pulled the plug on Nuno's reign and moved to install Postecoglou, whose tenure was nothing short of disastrous. Now, Dyche has been named as Forest's third manager of the season and brings Woan, Stone and Mercer to the City Ground with him.
"Nottingham Forest is delighted to confirm the appointment of Sean Dyche as the Club’s new Head Coach, following a thorough recruitment process led by Global Head of Football, Edu Gaspar, and Global Technical Director, George Syrianos," a statement released on Tuesday morning read.
"The former Forest youth player joins the Club on a contract running until the summer of 2027 and will take charge of his first match on Thursday night as The Reds take on FC Porto in the Europa League.
"Dyche will be joined by his experienced coaching team of Ian Woan and Steve Stone — both former Nottingham Forest players who together made more than 400 appearances for the Reds during the 1990s.
"A respected and experienced Premier League manager, Dyche brings the perfect blend of character, tactical acumen and proven achievement to guide the Club through its next chapter.
"Having managed more than 330 Premier League matches in his career to date, Dyche has built teams defined by defensive organisation, resilience, and strength from set pieces — qualities that align closely with the current squad’s attributes and the Club’s footballing identity.
"As a former Forest youth player who lives locally, Dyche also has a deep understanding of the values and pride of Forest and its supporters. With his character, tactical acumen and man-management skills, his appointment represents the best opportunity for a successful and competitive season across both domestic and European competitions."
Forest later tweeted: "We’re delighted to welcome Billy Mercer to Nottingham Forest as our new Goalkeeper Coach. "Billy brings a wealth of experience, having worked with some of the Premier League’s top goalkeepers in recent years."
And they would also add: "We’re delighted to welcome former midfielder Tony Loughlan to Nottingham Forest as part of our coaching team. "Tony strengthens our backroom staff, bringing extensive coaching experience and a deep understanding of the game."
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