Vitor Pereira has agreed to become Nottingham Forest’s next head coach.
Sky Sports News understands that the final details of the deal are still being worked out, but it is almost certain that the former Wolves manager will take over at the City Ground.
Pereira, Forest’s fourth head coach this season, replaces Sean Dyche, who was sacked early on Thursday after just 114 days in the role.
The Portuguese head coach was appointed in December 2024 and led Wolves to good form last season, but was sacked after a poor start to the season. Wolves have been contacted as part of the protocol.
News of Dyche’s departure came about three hours after Forest were held to a goalless draw with Wolves, bottom of the Premier League. Dyche leaves Forest three points above the relegation zone with 12 games left in the season.
Forest have seven days off before their next game, next Thursday’s Europa League play-off against Fenerbahce.
The club were hoping to find a replacement for Diče as soon as possible ahead of next Thursday’s important Europa League first-round first leg away to Fenerbahçe. Forest also face tough games in the league against Liverpool, Brighton and Man City.
Pereira was previously employed by Olympiakos Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis. In 2015, he won the league and cup double with the Greek team.
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is believed to be frustrated at his club’s inability to make the most of its attacking talent and move out of the relegation zone.
Marinakis relies on acquaintances of Pereira
Anton Troi on Sky Sports News:
Forest, who are just three points away from being relegated, are now leaning on the people they know.
Vitor Pereira previously managed Marinakis’ other club, Olympiakos, leading them to a league and cup double in 2015.
This time last year, he was the toast of the league after leading the Timberwolves to survival with just nine points in 16 games with a game remaining.
Forest will be hoping for the same.
They are clearly unfazed by Periera’s start to the season in the West Midlands, but they only managed to pick up two points out of a possible 30 before being sacked.
Forest will be the 14th club in his managerial career, but he has only stayed at one club for more than two years. Hire Periera for a good period of time, but not for a long time.
Analysis: The offensive predicament behind Deish’s dismissal
Anton Troi on Sky Sports News:
Sean Dyche was brought to Nottingham Forest not only to ensure they remained in the Premier League, but also to move them up the table.
That is why he was only given a contract until the end of next season. His goals were short-term, and his failure to score against relegated Wolves made his sacking inevitable.
There is growing dissatisfaction among those in power at the club.
Three games in a row against struggling teams Crystal Palace, Leeds and Wolves should have given Dyche some vital breathing room. Instead, he picked up just two points and his team continues to tread water past the drop zone.
Forest spent £180m in the summer and also signed players in January. Most of that has gone to the attackers, with Forest only scoring 25 goals in 26 league games this season.
How can a club with such talented players as Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Elliott Anderson continue to struggle?
The new manager will have to find out next week before a big trip to Turkey to face Fenerbahce in the Europa League before the Premier League game against Liverpool.
Nottingham Forest upcoming fixtures
Fenerbahce (A) – Europa League Knockout Play-offs First Leg – Thursday 19 February Kick-off 5:45pm Liverpool (H) – Premier League – Sunday 22 February, live on Sky Sports. 2pm kick-off Fenerbahce (H) – Europa League Knockout Play-Off Second Leg – Thursday 26th February Kick-off 8pm Brighton (A) – Premier League – Sunday 1st March, live on Sky Sports. 2pm kick-off Man City (A) – Premier League – Wednesday 4th March Kick-off 7.30pm Fulham (H) – Premier League – Saturday 14th March. Kickoff at 3pm


