12th February 2026
February 12 – English Premier League side Nottingham Forest are once again searching for a head coach after dismissing Sean Dyche just 114 days into his tenure, with former Wolves manager Vitor Pereira emerging as the leading candidate to replace him.
Forest’s goalless draw at home to bottom side Wolves on Wednesday has left them three points above the Premier League relegation zone with 12 matches remaining, intensifying pressure on a club that have struggled for stability throughout the season – both on the pitch and in the boardroom.
In a brief statement, Forest confirmed the decision: “Nottingham Forest Football Club can confirm that Sean Dyche has been relieved of his duties as head coach.
“We would like to thank Sean and his staff for their efforts during their time at the club and we wish them the best of luck for the future. We will be making no further comment at this time.”
Sources have indicated that Pereira, 57, is an early strong contender. Having previously worked under Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis at Olympiacos. He is viewed internally as a coach familiar with the ownership structure – an increasingly important metric in the merry-go-round of Forest coaches this season.
Pereira guided Wolves to Premier League survival last season after taking over midway through the campaign, though he was dismissed in November after a difficult start that saw the club collect just two points from their opening ten matches.
Dyche’s exit means Forest are now seeking their fourth permanent head coach of the campaign. Ange Postecoglou was removed in October after lasting just 39 days, having replaced Nuno Espirito Santo, who himself was dismissed three matches into the 2025/26 season after falling out with Marinakis behind the scenes.
When Dyche arrived at the City Ground, Forest were 18th with one win in eight matches. After losing his first game 2-0 to Bournemouth, he steadied performances with four wins and a draw from the next seven league fixtures to lift the club out of the drop zone.
A subsequent run of four straight defeats was followed by a four-match unbeaten spell, including a 2-1 victory at West Ham and a draw against leaders Arsenal.
However, improved form from rivals around them, including Leeds United and West Ham United, has kept Forest under threat near the bottom.
European competition has offered some respite – Forest finished 13th in the Europa League group phase, progressing to the playoff round where they face Fenerbahce later this month. Domestically, cup exits to lower league side – Swansea in the EFL Cup and Wrexham in the FA Cup – have compounded a season marked by disruption.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at [moc.l1770894452labto1770894452ofdlr1770894452owedi1770894452sni@g1770894452niwe.1770894452yrrah1770894452](javascript:;)