Sean Dyche was once part of a bust-up involving Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, and his comments on the situation have now emerged after taking over as the Reds' new manager.
Dyche takes the reins as Forest manager following Ange exit
Having proven his ability to come in and stablise clubs during his time with Everton, Dyche has now taken charge at Forest, following a disastrous spell under the helm of Ange Postecoglou, with the Australian failing to win in eight games and lasting just 39 days.
The former Everton man's first day on the training ground was Tuesday, with the new boss commencing preparations for Thursday's tough test in the Europa League, as the Tricky Trees take on FC Porto at the City Ground.
Speaking after his return, the 54-year-old made it clear that he has a lot of love for his former club, saying: "I’ve often spoken about my affection for the Club, having started my career here under the great Brian Clough. I didn’t quite make it to the first team, but I have such fond memories from around the place — and hearing the boss’ voice in the distance."
However, it remains to be seen how the ex-Nottingham Forest youth player finds working with Marinakis, given that the owner's public falling out with Nuno led to the Portuguese manager's departure earlier this season.
The Forest owner is known for his fiery temper, having been seen arguing with Nuno on the pitch near the end of the 2024-25 campaign, and The Sun report he was part of a bust-up involving Dyche after Burnley's Europa League match with Olympiacos in 2018.
Everton manager Sean Dyche looks on
The former Burnley manager's comments from the time are also relayed, saying: "I don’t know how many people ran on the pitch and surrounded the referee and linesman. The feel of the game changed in the second half, you’re left scratching your head.
"At half-time, there were plenty of people waiting for the ref in the tunnel.
"It wasn’t just the bench, it was people from the offices, even the tea lady! That’s a joke, of course, but it felt like everyone was piling on."
Dyche has big task on his hands at Forest
Marinakis will no doubt be very frustrated Forest have been unable to kick on since sealing a return to Europe last season, especially considering how much he backed Nuno in the summer transfer window, spending around £206m.
However, having failed to win since the opening day of the campaign, the Tricky Trees have to be considered relegation candidates, with home defeats against a struggling West Ham United side and newly-promoted Sunderland particularly concerning.
Dyche is known for making a statement in his first match in charge of a new club, however, defeating then league leaders Arsenal 1-0 in his opening game as Everton boss, and the new Forest manager will be hoping for a similar start against Porto on Thursday.