Nottingham Forest’s board have offered Ange Postecoglou their public backing, but the Australian coach knows Sunday’s Premier League clash against Newcastle United could be pivotal for his future.
The 60-year-old has endured a difficult start to life at the City Ground, failing to win any of his first six matches in charge across all competitions. Forest’s 3-2 Europa League defeat to Danish side Midtjylland on Thursday brought frustration from supporters, with chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” echoing around the stands.
Yet, despite growing discontent from sections of the fanbase, Forest’s hierarchy are urging patience. Insiders at the club point to mitigating factors, such as contentious refereeing decisions and individual errors, that have contributed to the team’s poor run. Still, there is an acceptance that performances must improve quickly if Postecoglou is to stabilise his tenure.
A rocky start
Since replacing Nuno Espirito Santo in September, Postecoglou’s Forest have lost four of six matches, conceding 13 goals at a rate of 2.17 per game. Only Manchester United and Burnley have fared worse defensively in that period. Forest have slipped from 10th to 17th in the table, just a point above the relegation zone.
The Australian now holds the unfortunate distinction of being the first permanent Forest manager in a century to go winless in his opening six games. Historically, only a handful of Premier League bosses have endured such a start, with Paul Jewell’s ill-fated run of 27 games without a win at Derby County remaining the longest.
For Postecoglou, who lifted the Europa League with Tottenham just five months ago, it represents a sharp downturn. He insists, however, that the pressure will not distract him from his job.
“It doesn’t enter my head,” he told reporters on Friday. “My responsibility lies in making sure this football club progresses and gets to a position where it can challenge for things. If I start worrying about what might happen next week, then I’m not doing my role.”
Fans’ scepticism grows
Forest supporters have struggled to warm to Postecoglou’s appointment. Unlike his predecessors Steve Cooper, who guided the club back to the top flight, and Nuno, who won tentative respect despite his short tenure, the Australian began with what many described as “negative equity.”
The Europa League defeat highlighted this divide. Midtjylland’s victory, aided by what Forest felt were harsh refereeing calls, sparked chants of disapproval aimed at the new boss. Though Postecoglou appeared calm and philosophical in his post-match press conference, there is little doubt he recognises the growing tension.
“Put it this way – I knew I was getting sacked at Tottenham three or four months before I did, but that didn’t stop me from winning something,” he reflected, pointing to his Europa League triumph as proof of his resilience.
A decisive run ahead
Forest’s immediate fixtures paint a daunting picture. After Newcastle, they face Chelsea, Porto, Bournemouth, and Manchester United. A run of poor results could quickly deepen the crisis and force the board to reconsider their stance.
Club insiders remain sympathetic to Postecoglou, noting injuries, loss of form, and the disruptive summer arrival of global head of football Edu as factors in the team’s decline. But with only one league victory all season, patience among fans is wearing thin.
Pat Riddell, writing in The Famous Club fanzine, summed up the situation: “This should have been one of Forest’s best seasons in modern history. Instead, Nuno has gone, performances have been abject, and after just six games, the City Ground turned on a new manager. Somehow, though, it’s all very classic Forest. From success to self-made disaster – it’s never dull.”
For now, the Forest board remain behind Postecoglou. But with the Premier League table tightening, Sunday’s trip to St James’ Park is not just another game. It may be the match that defines his future at the City Ground.
