Nottingham Forest turn to familiar face in desperate bid for survival

Vitor Pereira has been confirmed as the new Nottingham Forest head coach on an 18-month contract, replacing Sean Dyche to become the club’s fourth permanent manager of the season.

The City Ground hierarchy moved swiftly to secure the Portuguese tactician ahead of a pivotal Europa League knockout tie against Fenerbahce on Thursday.

Pereira arrives with the immediate task of steering the club away from the Premier League relegation zone, sitting just three points above safety with 12 games remaining.

A reunion for Marinakis

The 57-year-old is no stranger to Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, having previously managed his Greek side Olympiakos.

During his tenure in Piraeus, the experienced coach secured a league and cup double in 2015.

Marinakis is understood to have grown frustrated with the team’s lack of attacking output under his predecessor and has returned to a manager he trusts to unlock their potential.

The chaotic post-Dyche era

This appointment marks a rapid transition following the dismissal of Sean Dyche in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The former Everton boss was relieved of his duties after just 114 days in charge, following a goalless stalemate with bottom club Wolves.

Ironically, it is the former Wolves manager who now steps into the hot seat to salvage the campaign.

Pereira led the West Midlands outfit to safety last season after taking over in December 2024 but was dismissed earlier this term after a poor run of form.

‘A good time, not a long time’

Sky Sports News reporter Anton Toloui offered a stark assessment of the appointment given the manager’s journeyman career path.

Forest will be the 14th club of his managerial career and he’s only stayed beyond two years at one of them. You hire Pereira for a good time, not a long time.

The new boss faces a baptism of fire with a trip to Turkey in Europe before hosting Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.