Sean Dyche Celebrates Nottingham Forest's Victory in Europa League
Sean Dyche stood on the touchline, savoring the moment.
As Nottingham Forest fans belted out "Mull of Kintyre," their new manager took in the atmosphere at the City Ground. This iconic song, released in 1977, has served as Nottingham Forest's anthem since 1978, accompanying the club's rise to the First Division title under Brian Clough.
Decades later, Dyche, the club's third manager this season, hopes to hear this anthem frequently following his inaugural win over Porto.
Having left Forest 35 years ago as a young professional to join Chesterfield, Dyche relished the Europa League ambiance. “I had waited a long time for that moment. As a young person here in '87, all I wanted was to wear the shirt,” he reflected. “Returning as the manager is incredibly fulfilling. I've learned to slow down and take in significant moments because they often pass by in a blur. I wanted to remember this one.”
After penalties from Morgan Gibbs-White and Igor Jesus secured Forest's first win since their Premier League opener, what else will remain in Dyche's memory from his first match in charge?
Nottingham Forest's Performance
Without the injured Chris Wood, who is recovering from a knee injury, Dyche was deprived of his most effective player. Wood scored 53 goals under Dyche at Burnley, and despite a challenging season with only three goals, he remains Forest’s biggest threat.
Jesus replaced Taiwo Awoniyi, dropping deep to challenge Porto's defense and ultimately scoring his third Europa League goal from the penalty spot. Dyche shifted to a back four, with center-backs Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic appearing more comfortable, supported by Elliot Anderson and Douglas Luiz in midfield.
Anderson's energetic play allowed Gibbs-White more freedom to advance, flanked by Callum Hudson-Odoi and Dan Ndoye, who were frequently utilized despite occasionally lacking in execution.
Notably, around £120 million worth of summer signings, including James McAtee, Omari Hutchinson, Dilane Bakwa, and Arnaud Kalimuendo, were absent from the squad. Dyche opted to recall McAtee and Kalimuendo to the bench, while Hutchinson, Forest's record signing at £37.5 million, was not included in the European squad and Bakwa was sidelined due to injury.
Forest may revert to their previous style under Nuno Espirito Santo—compact, counter-attacking, and pragmatic—more swiftly than they adapted to the high-pressing, high-tempo approach desired by Ange Postecoglou. The team displayed more fight, spirit, and courage than during Postecoglou's tenure, which may leave the former manager wondering about the lost potential.
This victory marked Forest's first clean sheet in 21 matches, dating back to a 1-0 win over Manchester United in April. “I can finally breathe tonight,” Gibbs-White told TNT Sports. “It has been a challenging few months with all the changes and poor performances, so it feels great to secure our first win in eight or nine games. We are thrilled to have the three points, and I want to thank the fans for their unwavering support.”
He added, “The gaffer mentioned that last season we had a strong identity, and he aims to build on that. I’m just delighted we secured the win, and you can feel the morale is much more positive. That credit goes to the manager for instilling that mentality in us.”
Fan Support for the New Era
In the last European game at the City Ground, Forest fans chanted “sacked in the morning” at Postecoglou after just five matches in charge. The defeat to Midtjylland marked the beginning of the end for the former Tottenham manager, as fans quickly expressed their discontent.
After Chelsea scored their third goal, supporters left the stadium in droves before Postecoglou's dismissal was confirmed, with owner Evangelos Marinkas departing the stands shortly thereafter.
However, on Thursday, the atmosphere shifted to one of passion and support. Dyche connected with the fans by reminiscing about Brian Clough's dog, Del Boy, running around his feet nearly 40 years ago. His backroom staff, including coaches Ian Woan and Steve Stone, also have ties to the club, having played in the last European victory against Lyon in 1995.
Fans responded enthusiastically, cheering for Dyche and the team, even when a goal by Jan Bednarek was disallowed for offside. Fireworks erupted outside the City Ground after the final whistle, with fans singing ‘Forest are back,’ establishing an early and much-needed bond with Dyche.
“When you’re on the sidelines, you don’t hear every word; you sense the atmosphere and know if it’s positive or negative,” Dyche noted. “I’m not here to judge or question anything, just to deliver what I can. It’s encouraging to receive support from the outset, and winning certainly helps. These fans are fair; win, lose, or draw, they appreciate a team that wears the shirt with pride. A strong performance and a win are very gratifying for them. If they can accept me and my staff, that’s a bonus. Hopefully, this will enhance the positive atmosphere around the ground.”