Nottingham Forest sack Nuno Espirito Santo as rift with owner boils over

Forest confirmed the departure in a midnight statement, thanking Nuno for his impact during a period that delivered the club's best Premier League finish in three decades. "The club thanks Nuno for his contribution during a very successful era at the City Ground, in particular his role in the 2024/25 season, which will forever be remembered fondly in the history of the club," the statement said.

Nuno, 51, was appointed in December 2023 after Steve Cooper's dismissal and successfully steered Forest clear of relegation. Last season he led them to seventh place, their highest league finish since 1994/95, earning a Europa League spot after Crystal Palace were demoted for breaching UEFA's multi-club ownership rules.

However, the relationship with Marinakis soured in recent months. The first signs came in May when Marinakis was seen confronting Nuno on the pitch after a 2-2 draw against Leicester, though the club later dismissed reports of a clash as "fake news".

Nuno himself admitted last month: "Our relationship has changed and we are not as close. Everybody at the club should be together but this is not the reality."

His criticism of Forest's transfer business added to the strain. Despite 13 arrivals under new sporting director Edu Gaspar, several key players were sold, including Anthony Elanga and Danilo, prompting Nuno to describe his squad as "unbalanced".

Forest's poor start to this campaign added further pressure. They sit 10th with four points from three matches but were well beaten 3-0 by struggling West Ham in Nuno's final game.

British media have reported that Forest are already in discussions with potential successors. Former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola are all said to be under consideration. Edu and chief football officer Ross Wilson will oversee the appointment process.

Forest now turn their attention to Saturday's trip to Arsenal, where they will be led by interim staff while the search for a permanent replacement continues.