Tag: Nottingham Forest

  • Forest embarrass champions Liverpool at Anfield

    Forest embarrass champions Liverpool at Anfield

    Liverpool’s season of abject misery worsened as they were beaten with embarrassing ease by a hugely impressive Nottingham Forest at Anfield.

    Arne Slot’s Premier League champions were looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat at Manchester City, but instead ran into a Forest side revitalised under new manager Sean Dyche and looking back to their best.

    Liverpool head coach Slot gave £125m British record signing Alexander Isak a start, but he was totally anonymous once more and only lasted 67 minutes.

    Forest went ahead after 33 minutes when defender Murillo shot powerfully past fit-again Liverpool keeper Alisson to subdue an already anxious Anfield.

    Igor Jesus had a second ruled out for handball, but Forest doubled their advantage 47 seconds after the break when former Liverpool defender Neco Williams set up Nicola Savona for a crisp finish in front of The Kop.

    Liverpool could barely raise a response in a desperate display, Forest increasing their lead 12 minutes from time when Morgan Gibbs-White scored after Alisson saved from Omari Hutchinson.

    It means Liverpool have now lost six of their past seven Premier League games as Slot’s near £450m summer spending spree comes under further scrutiny.

  • Nottingham Forest hold Sturm Graz to goalless draw in Europa League

    Nottingham Forest hold Sturm Graz to goalless draw in Europa League

    Nottingham Forest extended their unbeaten run away from home in the Europa League as they played out a 0-0 draw with Sturm Graz at the Merkur Arena.

    Manager Sean Dyche also maintained his perfect start in European competition since taking charge, with the Reds following up their 2-0 win over Porto in the previous match by securing a point in Austria.

    Forest missed a golden chance to assert their dominance when Morgan Gibbs-White saw a first-half penalty saved by Oliver Christensen, after Maurice Malone had a goal disallowed for offside.

    Sturm Graz grew into the game in the second half, testing John Victor with a couple of nervy saves on only his second start for the club.

    The second half turned into a scrappy stop-start affair as both sides failed to register a shot on target after the interval but Nicolas Dominguez was denied the winner in stoppage time by the crossbar as both sides took a share of the spoils.

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    Dyche made seven changes to the side that drew 2-2 with Manchester United on Saturday, while Neco Williams, Nicolo Savona, Gibbs-White and Nikola Milenkovic all kept their places in the team.

    Arjan Malic brought down Williams on the left edge of the box which handed Forest the first opportunity, Dominguez pulling it back to James McAtee who dragged his first-touch effort just wide of a post.

    Forest controlled the early proceedings in Austria and almost had the opener but Ryan Yates saw a close-range header cleared off the line by Malic in the 17th minute.

    Sturm Graz thought they took the lead before the half-hour mark with their first foray forward.

    Otar Kiteishvili’s run put the Forest defence on the back foot and his strike was parried by Victor into the path of Malone who tapped into an empty net but was marginally offside.

    Forest were given a chance to open the scoring from the penalty spot after Williams struck the ball off the hand of Emanuel Aiwu.

    Gibbs-White assumed the responsibility but his spot-kick was stopped by Christensen who went low to his left to keep out the golden chance.

    The Austrian’s attacking moments came few and far between but they looked dangerous when they did come forward, Tomi Horvat forcing Victor into parrying another effort.

    Nineteen-year-old Zach Abbott was introduced by Dyche and looked lively but neither side showed any sort of attacking urgency after the interval as the game ticked into its final quarter.

    Dyche brought Gibbs-White off for defender Murillo with 13 minutes to play as Forest set their stall out for a point away in Europe.

    Forest almost snatched victory at the end when Dominguez let rip with a firecracker outside the box but he was denied by the crossbar.

  • Dyche to tutor Aina, Awoniyi at  Nottingham Forest

    Dyche to tutor Aina, Awoniyi at  Nottingham Forest

    Nigeria International duo of Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi will henceforth be working under  a new manager after Nottingham Forest  announced the  appointment of Sean Dyche as their new head coach on a deal until 2027.

    The 54-year-old former Burnley and Everton boss has replaced Ange Postecoglou after the Australian was sacked on Saturday following just 40 days in charge at the City Ground.

    Dyche, a Forest trainee under celebrated manager Brian Clough, becomes the club’s third boss this season in what is his first job since leaving Everton at the start of this year.

     “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,” said a Forest statement.

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    Dyche’s first game in charge will be tomorrow’s Europa League tie at home to Porto.

    Postecoglou was sacked just minutes after Saturday’s 3-0 loss to Chelsea, making him the shortest-serving permanent manager in Premier League history.

    Owner Evangelos Marinakis dismissed the former Spurs boss after no wins from his opening eight games.

    Postecoglou was appointed following the exit of Nuno Espirito Santo, who was himself sacked in September following the collapse of his relationship with Marinakis.

    Forest are in the Premier League relegation zone with just five points after eight games despite a squad bolstered by over £100 million ($134 million) of investment during the transfer window.

  • Forest in advanced talks to appoint manager Dyche

    Forest in advanced talks to appoint manager Dyche

    Nottingham Forest are in advanced talks to appoint Sean Dyche as their manager.

    Dyche is the main contender to become the next Forest head coach, following the sacking of Ange Postecoglou, and the Premier League club hope to conclude a deal on Monday.

    Postecoglou was sacked 17 minutes after Forest’s 3-0 defeat by Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday.

    Forest are 18th in the table after just one win in eight league games, during what has been a season of upheaval.

    Dyche has had positive talks over the past 24 hours and sources close to the appointment have told BBC Sport his chances of getting the job have improved significantly over the weekend.

    Read Also: Forest sack Postecoglou after 39 days in charge

    Roberto Mancini has also held discussions with Forest officials, while Fulham manager Marco Silva is admired but under contract.

    There is also a large release clause in Silva’s contract that has emerged as a factor, given Forest have already spent on sacking Postecoglou and Nuno Espirito Santo this season.

    Whether Silva would be prepared to leave Fulham mid-season is also understood to be an issue.

    Sources are indicating that Dyche is currently the standalone candidate, given the difficulties in appointing Silva, while the initial interest in Mancini is understood to have cooled.

    BBC

  • EPL: Chelsea win puts Forest’s Postecoglou out of managerial duty

    EPL: Chelsea win puts Forest’s Postecoglou out of managerial duty

    Ange Postecoglou has been sacked by Nottingham Forest after three second-half goals secured Chelsea’s Premier League victory at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground, extending Forest’s winless run to eight games.

    Defender Josh Acheampong and winger Pedro Neto scored just after half-time, prompting chants of “you don’t know what you are doing” from the home supporters after Postecoglou reacted by immediately bringing on Callum Hudson-Odoi, before captain Reece James sealed victory in a 3-0 win for Chelsea.

    Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis left the directors’ box after 66 minutes, with Postecoglou’s future understood to be under scrutiny.

    Postecoglou will bemoan Forest’s failure to capitalise on a dominant first half, when striker Taiwo Awoniyi, on his first start since a serious abdominal injury left him in a coma last season, missed an early chance. Morgan Gibbs-White also missed two first-half chances.

    Chelsea struggled with a makeshift midfield, missing the injured Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez, while Moises Caicedo started on the bench.

    However, three half-time changes by manager Enzo Maresca, including the introduction of star midfielder Caicedo, helped turn the game.

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    Acheampong, 19, was unmarked when he headed home Neto’s cross from close range four minutes after the interval. Neto curled a free-kick past Forest’s wall and goalkeeper Matz Sels three minutes later.

    James volleyed in a third a poor Sels clearance and Chelsea defender Malo Gusto was sent off for a second yellow card in a hectic last few moments of the match.

    Postecoglou was seen shaking his head minutes earlier after defender Neco Williams volleyed over when unmarked. Substitute striker Igor Jesus then hit the post and bar as poor finishing cost Forest.

    The result also cost Postecoglou his job with six defeats with two draws in his first eight matches since replacing Nuno Espirito Santo in September.

    BBC

  • Guimaraes, Woltemade lead Newcastle to 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest

    Guimaraes, Woltemade lead Newcastle to 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest

    Bruno Guimaraes and Nick Woltemade inspired Newcastle United to a crucial victory over Nottingham Forest at St James’ Park, intensifying the pressure on Forest manager Ange Postecoglou.

    Postecoglou’s wait for a first win with Nottingham Forest continued as his side suffered another setback, following Thursday night’s Europa League defeat to Midtjylland.

    Guimaraes broke the deadlock just before the hour mark with a superb curling strike from outside the box. Forest players protested to referee Peter Bankes, claiming the Brazilian had fouled Morgan Gibbs-White in the build-up, but the goal was allowed to stand.

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    Before the opener, Newcastle — previously the Premier League’s lowest scorers — had struggled to break through Forest’s defence.

    However, momentum shifted as the hosts pressed for more goals. Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels pulled off impressive saves to deny Sandro Tonali, Malick Thiaw, and Harvey Barnes, while Woltemade’s thunderous effort struck the underside of the bar.

    Woltemade eventually doubled Newcastle’s lead from the penalty spot after Guimaraes was brought down in the box by Elliot Anderson, sealing the Magpies’ second league win of the season.

    As the final whistle blew, frustrated Newcastle fans chanted “you’re getting sacked in the morning” toward Postecoglou, with Forest now sitting 17th in the Premier League table.

  • Aina signs three-year deal with Nottingham Forest

    Aina signs three-year deal with Nottingham Forest

    Defender Ola Aina has signed a three-year deal with Nottingham Forest.

    The Nigeria full-back had one year left on his previous contract but is now tied down until 2028.

    The 28-year-old played a key role in helping Forest finish seventh in the Premier League last season to qualify for the Europa Conference League play-offs.

    “I can’t wait to continue this journey with the club. It’s always felt like a home ever since I joined and I’m happy to be here,” he said.

    “Now my focus is on preparing for the new season well and getting back to hard work.”

    Aina, who started his career at Chelsea, joined from Torino on a free transfer two years ago and has made 59 appearances, scoring twice.

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    He is the latest player to commit his future to Forest this year as the club ties down its key men.

    Neco Williams penned a new deal last week while in January last season’s 20-goal top-scorer Chris Wood and defender Murillo also signed fresh terms.

    Last month, manager Nuno Espirito Santo was rewarded for returning Forest to Europe for the first time since 1995-96 with a new three-year contract.

    Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis added: “Ola has skill, determination and character in abundance.

    “He epitomises the culture and hard work we expect from everyone associated with Forest.

    “He has had a big influence since his arrival here and we look forward to continuing that journey together to help us achieve incredible things.”

  • Forest confirm Awoniyi’s successful surgery

    Forest confirm Awoniyi’s successful surgery

    Nottingham Forest has confirmed that Super Eagles attacker, Taiwo Awoniyi, has successfully undergone surgery, following an abdominal injury he sustained during a recent match against Leicester City.

    Awoniyi who was an 83rd  minute substitute still sustained an abdominal  injury before the end of the game and the Nigerian was forced to undergo the procedure to address the injury.

    In a statement released yesterday afternoon, the club reassured fans about the success of the surgery.

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     “The club can confirm that Taiwo Awoniyi has had urgent surgery following the abdominal injury sustained during Sunday’s match against Leicester City. Everyone at Nottingham Forest sends their best wishes to Taiwo. We will provide further updates when appropriate,” the statement read.

    Awoniyi who may have played his last game for the Reds this season has been involved in 27 games with one goal in all competitions in an injury blighted campaign.

  • Nottingham Forest offer Unicorns FC’s trio trials  

    Nottingham Forest offer Unicorns FC’s trio trials  

    Three Nigerian youngsters from Unicorns Football Club of Ilorin are set to undergo  trials at English Premier League side, Nottingham Forest.

    Left winger Olamide Sunday Olasehinde, central defender Sulyman Kehinde Quadri, and midfielder Sanni Sukanmi Adebayo have already arrived the UK for the  two-week trial with the club.

    Unicorns FC’s  CEO, Victor Awoniyi, expressed his excitement about the trials and plans to utilise this opportunity to showcase the country’s abundant football talents.

    The trio’s trial is part of a larger trend with Unicorns FC having successfully sent no fewer than nine players abroad in the last one year.

    Secretary of the team, Suleiman Atunrase, accompanied the players on the trip to  the UK, allowing them to focus on the game.

    This opportunity comes as English football continues to attract top talents worldwide.

    Nottingham Forest striker, Taiwo Awoniyi who expressed delight at the opportunity, said representing Nigeria in major international tournaments, such as the Under-15 and Under-17 World Cup, was a pivotal moment in his career adding that many young talents in Nigeria are not so  fortunate.

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    “With Nigeria’s vast pool of talented individuals, making it to the national team is a remarkable achievement,” Awoniyi, a FIFA U-17 World Cup  winner in 2013, said. “By creating opportunities for these young talents, we are not only giving them a chance to showcase their skills but also making their dreams a reality.”

    He further explained that providing platforms for young talents to develop and grow is essential in nurturing the next generation of football stars.

    “It’s a privilege to be part of initiatives that help young players achieve their goals and pursue their passions” Awoniyi added

    He concluded by saying arrangements are also in top gear to send more players across Europe for a chance to achieve their dreams.

  • EPL: Abdoulaye Doucoure’s stoppage-time goal sinks Forest

    EPL: Abdoulaye Doucoure’s stoppage-time goal sinks Forest

    Nottingham Forest’s top four Premier League survival hopes took another hit after a 1–0 defeat to Everton at the City Ground.

    Abdoulaye Doucoure scored the dramatic 94th-minute winner.

    Forest were unable to find a breakthrough and the contest looked to be heading for a goalless draw, but the Blues had other ideas as substitute Dwight McNeil laid a pass through to Doucoure to coolly slot home a late winner.

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    Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have delivered a remarkable campaign by climbing to third in the Premier League, but victories for Manchester City and Aston Villa on Saturday moved them into the top five, leaving Forest looking on nervously.

    In scorching conditions, the first half was a slow burner with the two sides calling both goalkeepers into making comfortable saves.

    James Garner’s low shot and Iliman Ndiaye’s header were kept out by home keeper Matz Sels while at the other end, Jota Silva’s strike on the turn and tame nodded effort were straight at Jordan Pickford.

    The sprightly Callum Hudson-Odoi looked to create some magic on the break in the second period but could not get enough curl onto a shot after cutting inside, as his attempt smothered by Pickford.

    With time running out, Everton snatched a stunning win on the counter-attack to climb up to 14th and leave Forest shellshocked.