Nottingham Forest have sacked Sean Dyche after just 114 days in charge and opened talks with former Wolves manager Vitor Pereira as his potential replacement.
Forest were held to a goalless draw at home by bottom club Wolves on Wednesday, leaving them three points above the Premier League relegation zone with 12 games remaining.
“Nottingham Forest Football Club can confirm that Sean Dyche has been relieved of his duties as head coach,” a club statement read. “We would like to thank Sean and his staff for their efforts during their time at the club and we wish them the best of luck for the future.”
Dyche’s departure means Forest are searching for their fourth permanent head coach of the season, following the sackings of Ange Postecoglou in October and Nuno Espirito Santo in September.
Dyche had taken over with Forest 18th in the table and initially steadied the club, leading them to four wins and one draw in his first seven games. However, his side won just two of their last 10 league matches, prompting a loss of confidence from the board and fans.
Following the draw with Wolves, Dyche acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his position. “The owner has been fair to me, without a shadow of a doubt. If anyone chooses to change in football now, that’s their decision,” he said.
Former players had urged patience. Alan Shearer said, “I think with his know-how and his experience in the Premier League, I would without a doubt stick with Sean.” Danny Murphy added, “I think for this battle at the bottom you wouldn’t want a better manager than him.”
Vitor Pereira, 57, who previously worked under Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis at Greek club Olympiacos, has emerged as the leading contender. He is credited with keeping Wolves in the Premier League last season.
Forest remain in the Europa League knockout phase and face Fenerbahce this month, but have been eliminated from both domestic cups. The club spent £180m last season and are competing in Europe for the first time since 1995-96.
