In a dramatic twist to Nottingham Forest’s managerial saga, former England striker Teddy Sheringham has suggested that Nuno Espirito Santo deliberately engineered his own dismissal by publicly criticizing club owner Evangelos Marinakis. The Portuguese coach, who led Forest to European qualification last season, was officially sacked earlier this week following a series of explosive press conferences and internal disputes that exposed deep fractures within the club’s hierarchy.
Sheringham’s comments have added fuel to speculation that Nuno’s departure was not merely a consequence of poor form, but a calculated move to force the club’s hand amid growing tensions over transfer policy, squad control, and the arrival of new football director Edu Gaspar.
The Accusation: “He Knew What He Was Doing”
Speaking at a public event, Sheringham remarked, “I think the writing was on the wall once he had his little outburst about not having the same relationship with his chairman. I think he knew what he was doing, so that pushed the right buttons for him to leave the club”.
His statement refers to Nuno’s press conference last month, where the manager openly admitted that his relationship with Marinakis had “changed” and was “not so good” compared to last season. The comment was widely interpreted as a veiled resignation signal, though Nuno denied any intention to quit.
| Key Moment | Description |
|---|---|
| August 22, 2025 | Nuno publicly admits deteriorating relationship with Marinakis |
| August 29, 2025 | Marinakis claims “everything is solid” between him and Nuno |
| September 9, 2025 | Forest announces Nuno’s dismissal at 12:15 AM |
Behind the Scenes: Power Struggles and Transfer Disputes
Nuno’s exit was preceded by a series of internal clashes, particularly with Edu Gaspar, the newly appointed global head of football. Edu’s arrival marked a shift in Forest’s transfer strategy, with increased influence from agent Kia Joorabchian and reduced input from Nuno himself.
The manager reportedly opposed several signings, including club-record acquisition Omari Hutchinson, who was left out of Forest’s Europa League squad. Nuno had instead pushed for familiar names like Adama Traoré and additional cover in goal and full-back positions—requests that were either delayed or denied.
| Disputed Signing | Nuno’s Position | Club’s Action |
|---|---|---|
| Omari Hutchinson | Not preferred | Signed for £37.5M, omitted from Europa squad |
| Adama Traoré | Requested | No deal finalized |
| Douglas Luiz | Not requested | Signed, limited playtime |
The Final Straw: Public Criticism and Owner Fallout
Nuno’s candid remarks about the club’s internal dynamics were seen as insubordination by Marinakis, who had previously marched onto the pitch to confront the manager over injury management issues. Despite public statements suggesting a “strong relationship,” the owner was reportedly “deeply hurt and angered” by Nuno’s repeated criticisms.
| Incident | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Press conference on August 22 | Nuno admits relationship with Marinakis is “not the same” |
| Europa League squad announcement | Hutchinson omitted, tensions escalate |
| Final match vs West Ham | 3–0 defeat, Nuno’s last game in charge |
Roy Keane’s Blunt Verdict
Former Forest player and coach Roy Keane offered a no-nonsense take on the situation, stating, “Not surprised. Why should we be surprised at what happens at Nottingham Forest? I think we know what the owner is like there, no surprises, and I have no sympathy for any manager either that goes to Nottingham Forest”.
Keane’s comments reflect a broader sentiment that Forest’s managerial instability is systemic, with high turnover and limited tolerance for dissent.
Ange Postecoglou Steps In
Forest wasted no time in appointing a successor, naming former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou as the new head coach. Postecoglou, who led Spurs to a Europa League title last season, is expected to bring a fresh tactical approach and stabilize the dressing room.
Sheringham expressed optimism about the appointment, saying, “Good luck to him. I think he’ll do well at Forest. Some of the football Tottenham played last year was sensational”.
| Manager | Previous Club | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Ange Postecoglou | Tottenham Hotspur | Europa League winner 2024–25 |
| Nuno Espirito Santo | Nottingham Forest | Europa League qualification 2024–25 |
Forest’s Statement and Fan Reaction
In its official statement, Nottingham Forest thanked Nuno for his contributions, particularly his role in the club’s historic 2024–25 season. “He will always hold a special place in our journey,” the club noted.
Fans have expressed mixed reactions, with some lamenting the loss of a manager who brought European football back to the City Ground, while others support the decision, citing Nuno’s public outbursts and tactical inconsistencies.
What’s Next for Nuno?
Despite the controversy, Nuno remains a respected figure in English football, having previously led Wolves to promotion and European qualification. His next move is uncertain, though reports suggest interest from clubs in Spain and Portugal.
| Career Highlights | Club | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Wolves | Promotion to Premier League, Europa League qualification | |
| Tottenham | Brief stint, sacked after poor run | |
| Nottingham Forest | Europa League qualification, sacked after internal fallout |
Conclusion
Nuno Espirito Santo’s exit from Nottingham Forest is a cautionary tale of ambition, politics, and fractured relationships. Accused of “getting himself sacked,” the Portuguese manager may have chosen principle over pragmatism, challenging a club structure that no longer aligned with his vision.
As Forest turns the page with Ange Postecoglou, the spotlight remains on Marinakis’ leadership style and the club’s ability to sustain long-term managerial stability. For Nuno, the road ahead may be uncertain, but his legacy at Forest—however brief—will be remembered for its boldness and drama.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports and official statements. All managerial decisions and internal disputes are subject to further clarification by Nottingham Forest and relevant parties.
