Sean Dyche Aims to Reconnect Nottingham Forest with Fans
New Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche is determined to help his under-performing players reconnect with disillusioned supporters.
The 54-year-old was appointed as Forest's third manager in just six weeks, taking over from Ange Postecoglou on Tuesday.
Postecoglou was dismissed just 39 days after replacing the sacked Nuno Espirito Santo on September 9.
The former Tottenham manager struggled to gain the support of fans, who chanted that he would be "sacked in the morning" during a 3-2 Europa League defeat to Midtjylland last month.
Dyche, who came through the Forest academy in the 1980s but never made a first-team appearance, is eager to foster unity at the City Ground.
"We want to get back on the front foot, in old football terminology, and hopefully give the crowd something to cheer about and reconnect," Dyche told BBC Radio Nottingham.
"In my experience, Forest fans have been very fair over the years, and I believe it's not far from the team reconnecting. The first step is to improve performances and regain that winning edge they have shown in the past."
Last season, Forest finished seventh in the Premier League under Nuno, their highest position in 30 years. However, they currently sit 18th and have not won since the opening day of the campaign.
Dyche's first match in charge will be against Porto in the Europa League on Thursday, followed by a trip to Bournemouth on Sunday.
Forest has not kept a clean sheet in 20 games, with their last shutout occurring in April against Manchester United. They will host United again at the City Ground on November 1.
"The basics must always be in place," said Dyche. "Being strong, fit, and organized is a good starting point. I want the players to have the freedom to play. I've met with them to express this, and there's a lot of talent here. We need to find the right balance between taking risks to score goals while maintaining the solid foundation that has been a strength for Forest."
"It's important to reassure them of their abilities and remind them of their past achievements, while also focusing on building consistency and moving forward. We shouldn't solely rely on the past; it deserves respect, but we need to build on it for the future."
Dyche Returns to His Roots
Dyche acknowledged that the team is "still a work in progress" as they aim to return to the level of play he experienced during his time in the academy.
"During my time here from 1987 to 1990, the team consistently finished in the top six of the old First Division and won the Littlewoods Trophy (now the EFL Cup)," he recalled. "We are not quite there yet; the fans and the club understand this. It’s about building momentum, as the team has lost its way a bit."
Dyche left Forest for Chesterfield in 1990 and later played for Bristol City, Millwall, Watford, and Northampton. He has been out of work since his two-year stint at Everton ended in January, having previously managed Burnley for a decade until 2022.
Reflecting on his connection to Forest, Dyche said, "Everyone knows I have great affection for this club and my early career under the legendary Brian Clough. I didn’t quite break into the first team, but I learned so much during my apprenticeship and early professional years. I have fond memories of wandering down the Trent with Del Boy (Clough’s dog) at my feet and hearing the boss's voice in the distance. It feels strange but also wonderful to be back here. I always wondered if this day would come, especially as my managerial career evolved and the changes at Nottingham Forest began to unfold. I’m very pleased and proud to return."