Nottingham Forest has appointed Vitor Pereira as head coach, signing him to an 18-month contract that runs until summer 2027. This move sees Pereira become the fourth manager at the City Ground this season, a stark illustration of the club’s ongoing instability. He takes over from Sean Dyche, who was sacked after a mere 114 days in charge.
The appointment, confirmed on February 15, 2026, comes just three days after Dyche’s departure. Forest currently sit 17th in the Premier League, clinging to a three-point lead above the relegation zone with 12 games remaining.
The Revolving Door at the City Ground
Sean Dyche’s tenure was brief, overseeing 25 matches before his dismissal. His last game, a goalless draw against bottom-club Wolves, apparently sealed his fate. Fans were growing restless with Dyche’s tactics, reportedly finding them uninspiring. And some senior players apparently weren’t happy either.
Sources say players were frustrated with demanding training sessions that left them fatigued before matches. Dyche is just the latest casualty in what’s been a tumultuous season, following Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou out the door. It’s a tough situation for any new boss to walk into, let alone the fourth one.
Pereira’s Return: A Familiar Face for Marinakis
Vitor Pereira is not new to the Premier League or to Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis. He managed Wolves from December 2024, helping them avoid relegation that season. But then he was sacked in November 2025 after a poor start to the next campaign.
This isn’t the first time Pereira has worked under Marinakis. Sky Sports News’ Anton Toloui noted, “Sitting just three points from demotion, Forest are now turning to someone they know. Vitor Pereira used to manage Marinakis’ other club, Olympiakos, leading them to a league and cup double in 2015.” That prior relationship likely played a big part in this quick hire.
Pereira brings a track record of winning titles elsewhere too. He clinched the Chinese Super League and Super Cup with Shanghai SIPG, and also won league and cup doubles with Olympiacos. He’s got titles with Corinthians and Flamengo on his CV too, so he’s used to pressure.
He’s bringing a full coaching staff with him, including Filipe Jorge Monteiro Almeida and Luis Miguel Moreira Da Silva as assistants. Bruno Filipe Araujo De Moura comes in as head of physical performance and opposition analysis, with Pedro Simao Capela Silva Lopes as an opposition analyst. The club statement from Nottingham Forest said they were “delighted to confirm” the appointment and the full staff, as reported by ESPN.
The Task Ahead: Stabilising a Shipwreck
Pereira’s immediate mission is clear: stabilize the squad and unify the players. They’ve got a tough run of fixtures coming up, starting with a Europa League knockout play-off. And his first match is just around the corner, an away leg against Fenerbahce on February 19. That’s a short turnaround.
The Premier League schedule doesn’t offer much respite either. They’ll face Liverpool, Brighton, and Manchester City in the coming weeks. It’s a brutal introduction for any new manager, let alone one taking over a team struggling near the drop zone. Goal.com highlights the club’s desperation to avoid relegation given the sheer number of managerial changes.
Pereira’s experience in steering Wolves clear of relegation could be key. But this time he’s also got European football to contend with. The challenge is immense. It’s not just about getting points, it’s about rebuilding confidence fast. And with just 12 games left, there isn’t much time to waste.
